Aarhus Theatre: A Performance in Itself

At Aarhus Theatre, stories are told in places other than just the golden auditorium. Flying owls, Danish flora and fauna, and 11 swans referencing Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales adorn the facade and various rooms of the venue.

Aarhus Theatre should be viewed from the front. The facade is filled with colorful decorations and carved figures, and the gable features its own theatrical performance—a scene from Masquerade painted by the artist Hans Tegner.

The theatre is one of the few examples of Art Nouveau in Denmark, an artistic style characterized by blending architecture with decorative art, inspired by natural forms like tulips and water lilies, as well as (mythical)animals. The facade is also adorned with glass mosaics featuring floral decorations, a stained-glass owl, and a small creature in oxidized copper perched on the triangular gable, guarding the square below. The architect Hack Kampmann was responsible for many of the decorations, while some were realized by the artist Karl Hansen-Reistrup.

A New Bourgeoisie with New Needs

In the late 1800s, Aarhus wanted a new theatre, as the city had grown to become Denmark’s second-largest. However, plans were delayed for over 15 years due to disagreements over the location and lack of support. In 1896, a committee was formed, recommending a site on the triangular plot between Skolegade, Kannikegade, and Bispetorvet, a plot owned by Aarhus Municipality. Hack Kampmann, the Royal Building Inspector for Northern Jutland and a resident of Aarhus, was asked to develop a plan for the project.

A Cultural Temple for Aarhus

n 1897, Hack Kampmann presented his proposal, with a vision for the theatre to stand freely and monumentally as a cultural center in Aarhus.

The front of the building was facing the cathedral with the idea of cutting across the long, pointed square to create a more intimate and dynamic urban space. Aarhus Theatre was funded through the sale of shares to the city’s citizens, raising 20,000 kroner from 500-600 shareholders in A/S Aarhus Ny Teater. The foundation stone was laid, and the theatre was inaugurated on September 15, 1900, with a performance of The Princess and the Pea for approximately 1,000 guests.

Architectural Diversity

Hack Kampmann’s design for Aarhus Theatre blends Greek, Italian, and French elements with Art Nouveau’s natural forms, making the building unique and difficult to categorize.

During World War II, parts of the foyer were damaged by a bomb, and extensive renovations were carried out, including by Reistrup’s former employees.

Later Expansions and Preservation

In 1953, C.F. Møller’s studio was asked to construct a modern cultural center close to Hack Kampmann’s theatre building. The new structure houses dressing rooms, offices, and more, while the theatre itself remained untouched. Aarhus Theatre was listed as a protected building in 1990 and has since been restored. Today, the theatre remains popular, hosting six performances a week.

Aarhus Theatre is a monument to both the city’s cultural development and Hack Kampmann’s architectural vision, ensuring the theatre’s central place in Aarhus’ cultural life.

This is an English translation made with an AI-based service and subsequently reviewed by an editor. For any clarifications, refer to the original Danish version.