BUEN (THE ARCH)

BUEN
(THE ARCH)

Site

Vesterbrogade 6D

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
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The BUEN property attracts attention as the “floating” structure that bridges Vester Farimagsgade, close to the central station. BUEN actually consists of four buildings that together create a special big-city vibe you don’t really find elsewhere in Copenhagen.

On one side, there is a big neon sign encouraging people to drink milk, on the other there is an odd little shoe shop perpetually having a clearance sale. This is the usual first-hand impression of BUEN. However, it can also be seen as one of Copenhagen’s most underestimated buildings, lining – and spanning – Vester Farimagsgade where it meets Vesterbrogade. BUEN is unavoidable and iconic, partly because you literally can’t get around it.

Big Thoughts, Big Building

BUEN was built in the period 1952–1956 by architects Thorvald Dreyer, Ib Lunding and Allan Christensen. The aim was to create a brand new structure to serve as a grand gateway to the city.While there has been talk recently of covering the openings to the sub-surface railway tracks that slice through Copenhagen, it’s actually not a new idea. Back in the 50s there was also talk of covering the section between BUEN and Central Station. Obviously, this did not come to pass, with the exception of the section where BUEN stands today. In fact, the basement of the building is even designed to include space for stairs that could lead up to the building from a future underground station.

Through – In and Up

Most Copenhageners have passed directly under BUEN countless times. Now you have a unique opportunity to take a look inside BUEN when the doors to this distinctive building open during Open House.

As you step inside the entrance at Vesterbrogade 6D, start by admiring the beautifully preserved travertine stone floor and from thereeither climb the elegant main staircase or take the elevator up.On the rooftop terrace, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city.

In addition to taking a look inside BUEN, we recommend walking around outside the building for more impressions of this prime example of modernist architecture from the 1950s.

Other Open House sites