Tivoli
Founded in 1843 on a part of Copenhagen's old rampart on
the lake said to have been part of the city's moat, Tivoli's
entrance building and Pantomimeteateret belong to the older
part of the garden (1874). Restaurants Divan 1 and Divan
2 date from as far back as 1843. Tivoli's major attractions
include a roller coaster, big wheel, and a midnight firework
display that can be seen from all over. The market has become
extremely popular and an icerink opens in time for Christmas.
Glyptoteket
Truly one of the city's great museums, the Glyptoteket was
founded in 1888. The conservatory is the heart of the museum
with its beautiful palm trees and exotic plants. An extension
houses classic artwork, including French Impressionists
like Manet. Elsewhere, you will find an antiques collection
with treasures from the Orient, Egypt, Ancient Greece and
the Roman Empire. The Glyptoteket also contains a ceremonial
hall which is used for concerts and lectures.
Kongens Have/Rosenborg Slotshave
The oldest park in Denmark, Kongens Have was laid out when
Christian IV commissioned the building of Rosenborg Castle
in 1634. Some parts of the original Renaissance garden are
intact. The Baroque 18th century brought several lovely
lime tree-lined paths; the 19th century saw the park re-landscaped
according to English ideals. Dozens of stunning sculptures
adorm the park including one of Hans Christian Andersen,
who found inspiration for his fairytales here. Gardens are
open until sunset.
Golden Days in Copenhagen
The Golden Days Festival is a celebration of Denmark's golden
era (1800-1850) when arts, science and culture developed
at a rapid pace. Since 1997, the golden era has been celebrated
at this festival, which includes a series of exhibitions,
concerts, plays, dances and literary events held at various
venues throughout the city. The festival kicks off with
an impressive show at the Royal Theatre. Activity times
and ticket prices vary; call for details.
Vor Frue Kirke
Vor Frue Kirke (the Church of Our Lady) originally served
as Copenhagen's cathedral, and was completely rebuilt three
times after fires in 1316, 1738 and 1829. Architect C.F.
Hansen's neo-classical facade contrasts greatly with the
ornate interior which features statues of Jesus and the
Twelve Apostles by the world-famous Danish sculptor Thorvaldsen.
The museum in the crypt is fascinating and displays models
and remains of the previous buildings. The Christmas concert
by the Danish Boys Choir is a highlight of Denmark's festive
season.
International Boat Show
This exhibition, held at the Bella Center, is one of the
world's great boat shows. The building itself was designed
for the purpose, with high ceilings allowing everything
from enormous sailing yachts down to more modest collections
of smaller boats, engines and all manner of boating and
waters-sports equipment.
Den Lille Havfrue
Copenhagen's most famous tourist attraction, the Little
Mermaid sits on a rock overlooking the harbour. Created
by Edward Eriksen in 1913 who was inspired by Hans Christian
Andersen's fairytale, the model for the Mermaid was dancer
Ellen Price. The statue's head was stolen in 1964 and although
police hunted for several years, neither the perpetrator
nor the head were found. The head has been replaced by a
replica but jokers still occasionally try to saw it off.
Strøget
Buses, trams, cars and bicycles were banned in 1964 to allow
for the thousands of shoppers. The 'cheap' end is at Rådhuspladsen,
with simple bars and burger joints, but things get more
expensive further down with stores like Gucci and Birger
Christensen. Some come here to shop, others just to see
and be seen. Walking down Strøget is always an experience;
Denmark's national poet, Klaus Rifbjerg, summed it up in
a song titled Imagine Walking Down Strøget Dressed
In Your Light Blue Pyjamas.
Louisiana
Founded in 1958, Louisiana is Denmark's greatest museum
of modern art. The museum is an annex of an old villa, located
in the middle of a magnificent park which stretches down
to Øresund. In the park you'll find sculptures by
Henry Moore, Calder, Max Ernst, Arp and Debuffet. Inside
lies a fine collection of sculptures by Giacometti. Enjoy
the exhibitions by Van Gogh, Monet, Magritte, Chagall, Matisse,
Warhol and Hopper. The museum contains a concert hall and
an excellent restaurant boasting beautiful views of Øresund.
Copenhagen Marathon
Copenhagen Marathon is an annual event in which thousands
of fit Danes put on their running shoes to cover the marathon
route through the streets and boulevards of Copenhagen.
The marathon begins and ends on Vester Voldgade; prizes
for the three fastest runners in each age group are presented
later in Tivoli.
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