OBA, the Amsterdam Public Library

The Amsterdam Public Library, or simply OBA, is a functional, state-of-the-art architectural building. The view from the rooftop terrace is magical.

The OBA, the Amsterdam Public Library, Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam in Dutch, is located in the modern harbour area between Central Station and NEMO.

The library network in the Dutch capital has 28 facilities but this is by far the most important.

A large selection of Dutch and international magazines, 600 internet-connected computers, more than a thousand seats, a radio station, a theatre, the music department, the Muizenhuis, thousands of books, CDs and DVDs make the OBA one of the most popular places for residents and tourists.

The Main Floors

The main library in Amsterdam, which opened in 2007, was designed by Dutch architect Jo Coenen and has 10 floors covering 28,000 square metres.

The building

The library designed by Coenen is an example of state-of-the-art ecological design. The interior and exterior of the OBA are a contrasting sculptural whole in terms of atmosphere: the sculptural monolith made of natural stone that embraces the main façade lets in natural light that shapes the interior space and isolates the building from its surroundings.

The heart of the building is the escalator that creates a repetition of movement in the architecture. Only a limited number of columns have been used to leave the space free and flexible, unobstructed, while natural light, also an architectural element, is channelled through the large windows.

The building has 7 floors above ground and 3 basements where the storage area for bicycles, up to 2,000 bicycles, and 1,200 parking spaces are located.

Opening Hours

The OBA is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and organises 90-minute guided tours for groups.

Useful information

Address

Oosterdokskade 143, 1011 DL Amsterdam, Netherlands

Contacts

TEL: +31 20 523 0900

Timetables

  • Monday: 08:00 - 22:00
  • Tuesday: 08:00 - 22:00
  • Wednesday: 08:00 - 22:00
  • Thursday: 08:00 - 22:00
  • Friday: 08:00 - 22:00
  • Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 20:00

Transports

Metro stops

  • Amsterdam Centraal (660 mt)

Where is located OBA, the Amsterdam Public Library

The OBA library in Amsterdam is located in the city centre, close to Central Station, from which it is a few minutes' walk.

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