Danish Architecture and Design

The Royal Opera House has become a landmark for Copenhagen and is considered a symbol of the city's rich cultural life. At the same time, the building is known for its unique architecture and decoration.

One of the first things that catches the eye when moving around the Opera House is the beautiful golden maple shell, which, like an enormous floating dome, greets guests in the Opera's foyer. Behind it lies the hidden stage. Additionally, from the Opera House, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Copenhagen, overlooking the harbor, the city's towers, and Amalienborg. Thus, the opera building serves as a significant punctuation mark at the end of the axis that runs from the Marble Church through Amalienborg and Amaliehaven.

Behind the spectacular building stands the architect Henning Larsen, who designed the Opera House, and he has considered every detail of the 14-story building. All elements in the auditorium, from seat upholstery to the carvings on the back wall, are carefully tuned to provide the most optimal acoustics. The Pavilion is designed in such a way that it harmonizes with the surrounding environment, and the roof is clad in copper, which will age beautifully over time while creating architectural synergy with the beautiful protected bridge guardhouses at Knippelsbro, Langebro, and Sjællandsbro.

Behind the magnificent decoration in the Opera House are a number of the greatest Danish artists. In the opera house foyer, there are four bronze reliefs created by Per Kirkeby, one of the great international sculptors of our time. The opera's logo, which can be found on the foyer floor and stage curtain, was created by the artist Per Arnoldi. Additionally, there are the glittering light domes hanging from the ceiling, creating star-like reflections in the building. These light domes are created by the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson.

The restaurant, Almanak in the Opera House, opened its doors in August 2021 after a comprehensive renovation by Henning Larsen's architectural firm. In the restaurant, warm tones of cherry leather and oak have been used, complementing the Opera's beautiful maple interior. The furniture in cherry leather and oak comes from sustainable brand Mater. The restaurant offers seating and lounge areas where you can enjoy the Opera's beautiful interior with a view of the floating dome and Olafur Eliasson's glittering light domes. The spectacular view of the harbor makes Almanak in the Opera House perfect for a dinner in Copenhagen or a lunch with a view.

The Opera House - A brief history:

The Opera House is one of Copenhagen's most iconic buildings and is regarded as a symbol of the city's rich cultural life. Whether one is interested in opera or not, the building is worth a visit. The architecture, decoration, and the stunning view of Copenhagen's harbor and Amalienborg make the place a truly special experience. There is also something to be desired gastronomically. Combine the visit with Almanak in the Opera House for modern Danish cuisine, where the season's best Danish ingredients are beautifully presented for lunch and dinner.

The Opera on Dokøen was inaugurated on January 15, 2005, and is a gift to the Danish people from the A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation. The building is home to the largest Danish productions of opera and ballet and is part of the Royal Danish Theatre.

The Opera House had a conflict-ridden birth

With its over 41,000 square meters and 1,000 rooms, the Opera House is one of Denmark's largest buildings. It was designed by the renowned architect Henning Larsen, who began construction in 2001. By the end of 2004, the spectacular structure was completed.

However, the grand building did not come into being without conflict. Henning Larsen was close to withdrawing from the construction in 2002 in protest against Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller's interference. Fortunately, Henning Larsen ultimately completed the magnificent construction.

The Opera House is adorned by great Danish artists

The decoration in the Opera House is truly special. Several well-known Danish artists have contributed to it. For example, the internationally acclaimed sculptor Per Kirkeby has created four bronze reliefs that adorn the base of the stage area. All four reliefs depict beams, earth, mud, and feet peeking out as if they were four living beings buried. The visual artist Per Arnoldi has been responsible for the color scheme of the Opera House and the decoration of the stage curtain and foyer, both of which are adorned with the Opera's logo, featuring two intertwined O's. The Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson has created the Opera's three luminous glass domes hanging in the foyer. Each dome measures three meters in diameter and is fitted with 8,000 mirrors and 300 lamps.