The new Deichman library in Oslo opens on June 18

Finally, Oslo gets its new main library on June 18.

The original opening was scheduled on March 28, but the COVID-19 situation caused a delay in the plans. Now culture enthusiasts finally can look forward to visit the new main public library.

“This is something both myself and the people of Oslo have been waiting a long time for. Deichman Bjørvika will be a library for the future. I think many people will be very surprised by the building itself and what the library has to offer,” says Library Manager Knut Skansen.

“In recent years, several of Deichman's local libraries have redefined what a library can be. The new main library builds on that. Deichman Bjørvika will be as much a place for you to record a podcast or sew your first clothing collection, as it will be for borrowing books,” says Skansen.

A culture hub in the heart of Oslo

Deichman Bjørvika is located between the Opera house and Oslo Central Station, just a few steps from the Oslofjord.

Deichman Bjørvika's ambition is to receive two million visitors per year, in a corona-free situation. Covering six floors, Oslo’s new main library has been built according to passive house standards, reducing its carbon footprint and energy consumption significantly. In addition to many thousands of books, the library will also contain a cinema, open workshops, cafés and ample space to relax, read and explore. The library will also be venue for lectures, courses, discussions, readings and activities for children.

From the top floor, you will have a great view of the Oslofjord. Here, you will also find the Future Library, an art project stretching over one century, that collects one manuscript a year from 100 authors. The manuscripts are stored, unread and inaccessible in the library. Only in 2114, the books will be printed and published.

“At a time when libraries are threatened in many places, I am proud that the City Council and the City of Oslo can open the doors of Deichman Bjørvika. Our new main library will provide easier access to literature, knowledge and the joy of reading – and in doing so contribute to the strengthening of democracy, our cultural heritage and the levelling of social differences. It will be a place where we are all welcome and where we all belong,” says Raymond Johansen, Governing Mayor of Oslo.

The opening of Oslo’s new library will take place on Thursday, June 18 at 17.00 (CEST). Everyone can watch the opening ceremony live on Deichman Bjørvika's Facebook page. After a short, private ceremony at 17.00 to which up to 200 guests have been invited, the public will be allowed in. The confirmed guests are H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon; Marianne Borgen, Mayor of Oslo; Raymond Johansen, Governing Mayor of Oslo; and Rina Mariann Hansen, Vice Mayor for Culture and Sport in Oslo.

At the opening, authors Camara Joof and Lars Saabye Christensen will read a prologue to the library, Maria Lotus and Lars Lillo-Stenberg will provide music for the occasion, and there will be singing from the children's choir of The Norwegian Opera & Ballet. The library, in consultation with the local infection control authority, has decided that the number of simultaneous visitors will be kept to a maximum of 1000 (normally 3000).

The new Deichman library in Oslo goes straight into this list of unique libraries in Norway, both for the services they provide and their architecture.

Culture enthusiasts can look forward to other fantastic additions to the Oslo skyline in the coming months. The new Munch Museum and the new National Museum will open to the public respectively in Autumn 2020 and in 2021.