Axelborg
Site
Vesterbrogade 4A
Open
Saturday 10-17
Accessibility
- Hoist / ramp / level access to the front door
- Level access in the building / site (no stairs)
- Level access to outdoor areas
- Lift
- Accessible restroom
- Locked doors can be opened from the outside in case of emergency
- Chairs or benches to rest on
- Possible to eat / drink
- Disabled parking
- Teleloop
- Member of Solsikkesnoren
- Member of God adgang
The distinctive building with the verdigris copper dome is full of history and impressive architecture. Situated across the street from the main entrance to Tivoli, Axelborg is opening its doors during Open House to give the curious a look inside.
Standing outside the building on bustling Vesterbrogade, you should take the time to admire the giant bronze door featuring reliefs symbolizing agriculture, fishery, shipping, building, industry and trade. From here, you step through the property’smain entrance where, if you tilt your head back, you can look up through the building’s 10 floors. Within this impressive space, Copenhagen’s famed Round Tower could stand without touching the cornices. And it’s a remarkable 45 meters (nearly 148 feet) upto the top of the dome.
Stood Out Among Contemporaries
It was this impressive height that caused debate when Axelborg was completed in 1920 as Copenhagen’s second-highest building – only exceeded by the Danish parliament building, Christiansborg. Many people found the building too dominating in the urban landscape. Few still feel that way today, with Axelborg’s volume no longer dominating, but rather striking a beautiful contrast to the brand new Axel Towers and the modernist SAS Royal Hotel.
Axelborg was originally erected for the financial institutions, Den Danske Andelsbank and Arbejdernes Andels-Boligforening. Together they formed a collaboration between agriculture and housing cooperatives – between rural and urban. The connection between rural and urban continues to be Axelborg’s primary purpose, providing offices for food organizations and serving as the headquarters of the Danish Agriculture and Food Council, which is the current owner of the property.
Make the Journey up to the Dome
During Open House, you’re invited to take a look inside Axelborg, where you can admire the beautiful staircase and get a closer look at one of the few remaining paternoster elevators in Denmark. However, during Open House you may only admire the unique construction, as itwill not be open to the public that day for safety reasons. Instead, you can climb the stairs up to the dome and visit Axelborg’s rooftop terrace, which provides an amazing view of Copenhagen City Hall and Tivoli.
