![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/The_Black_Diamond%252C_Copenhagen_2017-08-16.jpg/640px-The_Black_Diamond%252C_Copenhagen_2017-08-16.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Black Diamond (library)
National library in Slotsholmen / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Black Diamond (library)?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Black Diamond (Danish: Den Sorte Diamant) is a modern waterfront extension to the Royal Danish Library's old building on Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, Denmark. Its quasi-official nickname is a reference to its polished black granite cladding and irregular angles. Designed by Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen, the Black Diamond was completed in 1999 as the first in a series of large-scale cultural buildings along Copenhagen's waterfront.
Black Diamond | |
---|---|
![]() The Black Diamond | |
![]() | |
General information | |
Type | National library |
Architectural style | Neomodern[1] |
Location | Slotsholmen |
Coordinates | 55°40′24″N 12°34′58″E |
Construction started | 1995 |
Completed | 1999 |
Technical details | |
Structural system | Reinforced concrete |
Floor count | 7 |
Floor area | 20,733 square metres (223,170 sq ft) |
Design and construction | |
Architect(s) | Schmidt Hammer Lassen |
Apart from its function as a library, the building houses a number of other public facilities and activities, most of which are located around the central, toplit atrium which cuts into the building with a huge glazed front facing the harbour. The facilities include a 600-seat auditorium, the Queen's Hall, used for concerts—mainly chamber music and jazz—literary events, theatrical performances and conferences. There are also exhibition spaces, a gift shop, a café and a garden. The exhibitions are based on or inspired by the library collections and range from historical topics through contemporary photography to artist collaborations such as Marina Abramović and Nick Cave.