AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. This public library is a designer’s dream visit, with amazing architecture and creative interior design. It has a nice restaurant at the top, where you also get great views of the city. Further, it is free to visit, adding to the list of free, cool visits in Amsterdam.
Architecture | Robert Persky
The Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam, or OBA, is Europe’s largest public library at 28,000 square meters. It was completed in July of 2008 and designed by Jo Coenen (a former Netherlands state architect). It reportedly cost 80 million euros to build. It spans seven floors and includes a theatre, radio station, restaurant, and meeting rooms. 2.5 million people visit every year.
I loved seeing how so many different spaces were created in this building. You can find many differently themed areas to read a book or work on a desktop computer. There was a wide selection of different types of chairs to choose from. Light displays were like pieces of art, and varied greatly. Art was also hanging everywhere.
The restaurant on the top seems very fresh, and had a great vibe, like that of a farmers market. You can choose between different stations, where cooks prepare personalized burgers and stir fry. Pastries, coffee, fruits, and cooked vegetables are also available.
The library is located very close to Amsterdam Central, Amsterdam’s main train station. Wi-fi costs 1,00 euro per 30 minutes for non-members of the library. There are other member branches spread throughout the city of Amsterdam.
Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam
Oosterdokskade 143
1011 DL Amsterdam
http://www.oba.nl/
Tel. 020-5230900
Hours: Mon to Sun 10:00 am -10:00 pm
Light Installation | Robert Persky
Desk | Robert Persky
View from the top | Robert Persky