Founded in 1653 by King Frederik III and open to the public since 1793, the Royal Library has been somewhat rejuvenated by its contemporary annex (1999). It quickly became known to Danes as "the black diamond" because of its dazzling façade of shiny black granite and glass. On the first level is an exhibition hall containing manuscripts and original editions of works by famous writers (HC Andersen, S Kierkegaard, K Blixen), as well as certain handwritten scores by composer Carl Nielsen.