NATIONAL LIBRARY OF DENMARK: Stunning Inside and Out

National Library of Denmark, View from top level.

A highlight of our recent trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, was a visit to the National Library (The Royal Library), a stunning combination of new and old architecture. It is among the largest libraries in the world and the largest in the Nordic countries.

Reflection of boat and canal on the outside of the library.

In 1999 the original historic building of the Royal Library was expanded with the addition of a sparkling modern structure, known as the Black Diamond because of the way its glass walls reflect the light on the water in the adjacent canal.

Escalator to the Second Floor. Painting on ceiling by Danish painter, Per Kirkeby

The ground floor of the library has a well-stocked gift shop (including a section for children’s books), a café, and an escalator to the second floor with a link to the old library building.

View of Canal from inside the library.

But first we rode an elevator to the top floor where we got a breathtaking view of the atrium, floors with books below, and the canal outside.

Bridge to old library.

The connection to the old library is over a bridge between the two buildings. In the lobby of the old library we found a display of unusual books in the collection. I was intrigued by a book about Legos, with an appropriately embossed cover. A folding book reminded me of my little toddler books, Who Is Bigger? Who Is Smaller? and Who Has More? Who Has Fewer?.

Lego book on display.

Folding book on display.

While a visit to the library may not be on most tourist agendas, the National Library of Denmark is definitely worth a stop.

Outside the library, a mermaid looks over the canal.