Det Kongelige Bibliotek

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  • Phone
    33 47 47 47
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  • Transport
    bus: 47, 66, Harbour bus

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Lonely Planet review

The largest library in Scandinavia, Det Kongelige Bibliotek is a fascinating blend of the original classical style building near parliament and the seven-storey extension, dubbed the 'Black Diamond', which sports a shiny black granite facade, smoked black windows and a leaning parallelogram design. An enclosed overhead walkway connects the Black Diamond with the library's historic wing.

As Denmark's national library, it contains a complete collection of all Danish printed works produced since 1482 and houses some 21 million items in all. Not an ordinary library, it is well worth a visit. You'll find a spacious lobby with canal views, a 210-sq-metre ceiling mural by the celebrated Danish artist Per Kirkeby and various exhibition areas. The lobby contains a bookshop, café and restaurant.