The site was once part of the 17th-century Tøjhusgraven, a wet dock used by the Danish Navy for ship maintenance.
The garden is built on a site that housed the 'Provision House' for the Danish fleet, which explains the name 'Proviantpassagen'.
The pond occupies the exact location where naval vessels were once repaired and outfitted.
The garden walls incorporate repurposed stone materials salvaged from the area's original naval fortifications.
Søren Kierkegaard, the famous Danish philosopher, lived nearby and frequented the area; his statue is located in the vicinity of the garden entrance.
The Garden of the Royal Library, known locally as Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have, occupies the former site of the Royal Naval Dockyard, Tøjhusgraven. It is situated between the historic Royal Library (Det Gamle Kongelige Bibliotek) and the modern Black Diamond extension. The garden features a central pond with a fountain and is enclosed by the high brick walls of the original naval storehouses. Its design incorporates classical elements, including paved walkways and manicured hedges, creating a stark contrast to the surrounding dense urban layout. The space was established to provide a sheltered, tranquil environment for researchers and visitors alike. It serves as an architectural bridge between 17th-century masonry and contemporary glass-and-stone design. Public access is provided through gated passages that date back to the naval era.
From the raised walkway near the Black Diamond, looking down into the courtyard to capture the symmetry of the pond and garden geometry.
Bring a book, as this is one of the quietest public reading spaces in the city center.
Visit the adjacent 'Black Diamond' library terrace to gain an elevated perspective of the garden layout.
Check the garden benches early, as they are a popular spot for local office workers during lunch hours.
Do not mistake the modern 'Black Diamond' public atrium for the outdoor garden; they are separate areas that require moving through the passage.
The garden gates are locked nightly; the space is occasionally closed for private events hosted by the Royal Library.
Quiet conversation is expected; refrain from ball games or loud activities as this is considered a sanctuary for library visitors.
