Old Reading Room
Old Reading Room is one of the library's study reading rooms, and it is known and loved for its special atmosphere. The reading room is located in The Black Diamond in Copenhagen.
Photo: Laura Stamer
The atmospheric reading room in the original part of Royal Danish Library on Slotsholmen in Copenhagen is called Old Reading Room. The reading room has remained virtually original since its inauguration in 1906, and emanates immersion in literature and the sciences.
For students and researchers
The reading room functions as a normal reading room, and as a student and researcher you can use it Monday through Saturday.
Please note that only students and researchers have access Monday to Saturday.
Architecture
The main architect behind Royal Danish Library's older building and thus also the Old Reading Room was Hans Jørgen Holm (1835-1916).
The building was completed in 1906 and is built in the Art Nouveau style, which drew inspiration from nature's flora and fauna. These features are reflected in, for example, railings, door handles, armrests and lamps.
The green lamps
One of the most distinctive features of the reading room is the green glass lamps at the study seats. They were designed by Johannes Magdahl-Nielsen especially for the library. The green lamps have always had electric bulbs.
Famous users
The reading room has had important guests over the years, including the Danish critic and writer Georg Brandes and the Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin. The latter used the reading room when he stayed in Copenhagen in 1910. He had a permanent seat in chair number 9.
Visit the reading room on Sundays
On Sundays, anyone interested can visit the reading room and experience its very special atmosphere. Admission is granted upon presentation of an exhibition ticket.
The exhibition ticket is also valid for all exhibitions in The Black Diamond. You can buy your ticket in the shop.
