A splendid gift for every resident of Utrecht, the accessibility of an icon! The sturdy monument in the style of the Amsterdam School unfolds itself to the city and is ready to be explored. Not just the phenomenal central hall, where many residents of Utrecht queued for a sheet of stamps, but also all those beautiful surrounding areas that, until recently, had remained a hidden gem to everyone. The former head post office in Utrecht is now one of the most public buildings of Utrecht. The national heritage site is mostly known by the magistral central hall with a wealth of shape, light and artisanal use of materials. It is converted into an inviting living room where you can stay, meet, read magazines or visit an event. A cultural fusion in the heart of the city. Previously, the hall was the only place that was open to the public. Now it forms a starting point for a journey of discovery through the library that takes you along the traditional library, the playfully organised children’s department, music studio, brasserie, auditorium and intimate cinema. The route through the library is transparent, spacious and dynamic, always with a different panoramic view of the historical city centre. From the central hall six new openings were created above the characteristic historical doors. These new sources of light accompany visitors to the lateral wings. The spectacular escalators lead to the various floors and all the way up to the beautiful attic. Because of the considerable free height in the areas around the central hall, mezzanine floors could be added to several rooms; podium elements or fixed furniture to thus create intimate spaces and enthralling areas. New openings in the walls around the central hall assist the visitors in moving from room to room and in orienting in the building. The interior of the new Central Library Utrecht was designed highly meticulously with respect for the overwhelming beauty of the national heritage site. The new layout is modest and subtle and allows the present quality to speak for itself. At the same time, it adds an additional dimension. And with intimate alcoves, large fenestrations, stained glass and modern art, history and the 21st century come together wonderfully here. The guiding principle was always to seek connection and melt old and new. When letters were sent here and the ladies on the attic worked on the telephone switchboard, connection was a focal point. And also now that the building has become a special place to meet for all residents of the city.