Deichman Bjorvika

Deichman Bjorvika opened in 2020 as the new main branch of Oslo's public library, replacing a 1933 building, and it was named public library of the year in 2021. Designed by Lundhagem and Atelier Oslo, it is a white volume whose upper floors cantilever over the entrance toward the fjord, with three light shafts cutting down through the interior and open floors arranged around them. It holds around 450,000 items and functions as much as a public living room as a book store: study spaces, a cinema, workshops with 3D printers and sewing machines, music rooms, a restaurant and areas where noise is expected. Inside is the Future Library room, holding manuscripts sealed until 2114.

History

The library opened on 12 January 1785, founded on an endowment from Carl Deichman, who also left 7,000 books and 150 manuscripts, and it was open to all citizens from the start. Among its treasures is the Vulgate Bible of Aslak Bolt (1430-1450) (Wikipedia, Oslo Public Library).

What to look for

• The cantilevered form - upper floors projecting over the entrance.
• The light shafts - three vertical openings cutting through the building.
• The Future Library room - manuscripts sealed until 2114.
• The workshops - 3D printers, sewing machines and music rooms open to all.

When to go

Year-round; it is free, open daily with long hours and works well as a warm indoor stop in winter. Weekday afternoons are busy with students, and weekends with families.

Things to know

It is a working public library, so it is busy and noisy in parts, and study spaces fill early. There is no formal exhibition to see beyond the architecture and the Future Library room. Most of the collection is in Norwegian.

Nearby

The Opera House and the Munch Museum are alongside in Bjorvika; the central station is a few minutes away.

Key facts