Functionality and aesthetics are at the heart of Danish design, and visiting the capital it is clear that creativity is all around. With such a well-established cultural scene, we knew we were in for a treat, but two and a half days spent exploring a wintry Copenhagen and we quickly fell in love with the city’s art, architecture, design, fashion, baked goods and everything else in between.
Design Museum Denmark
One of the most anticipated stops of our trip was the Design Museum. With eight exhibitions in their newly renovated building about design in the future, present and past, there was so much to interest and inspire.
Their currently running exhibition ‘The Future is Present’ was especially interesting, asking radical questions and looking at how design and creative thinking can solve global challenges.
Freetown Christiania
In stark contrast to the formality of the Design Museum, our visit to Freetown Christiania was no less filled with art and interest.
The autonomous anarchist district in the Christianshavn area is filled with free-thinking street art of all kinds, from murals and graffiti to sculptures and re-purposed objects, a compelling combination of the weird, wonderful and powerful.
The area is a must-see, and a great example of the role of political art, particularly when engaged in on a localised level.
Studio Arhoj
Another place at the top of our list for the visit was Studio Arhoj, the Danish interior design and ceramics studio.
It was so exciting to finally see the studio in person, and we left here with considerably lighter wallets. I particularly loved the way the studio and shop were integrated with the way you could watch the glass blowers and potters at work whilst you browsed their wares.
HAY House
Continuing the vein of beautifully designed home-ware, we also got the chance to visit HAY House, in their recently made-over flagship store.
Filled to the brim with beautiful design the blend of art, architecture and design made for incredible viewing.
Galleri Krebsen
Tucked away in a back alley, we stumbled across the delightful Galleri Krebsen, at the time showing Filippo Borroni’s ‘Second Life’ exhibition.
Borroni upcycles old radios with Lego bricks, transforming them into functioning and usable pieces of art, giving life to unwanted objects through interactive and approachable art.
…and so much more!
We also got the chance to view Signe Kejlbo’s ‘The Rose Cannon’ exhibition in The Library Hall of The Round Tower, explore the Natural History Museum’s Botanical Garden, as well as getting to enjoy the joyful Mikkeller illustrations in all their formats wherever the beer was sold.
With a city so full of creativity, we truly felt that we’d barely scratched the surface of what the city had to offer, and can’t wait to go back (..just maybe in the summer!).
Author: Chloe