Smykkeskrinet: Courtroom in Historic Surroundings

The building was initially home to the State Library but later became the Business Archives, which is how most people likely know it. Today, Smykkeskrinet is part of the Court of Aarhus – and one of Hack Kampmann’s impressive architectural contributions to Aarhus.

Smykkeskrinet – in English “The Jewelry Box” – was originally built to house the State Library. For 60 years it was filled with university students who used its impressive reading room, surrounded by the world of books. Built between 1898 and 1902, Hack Kampmann, then serving as the Royal Building Inspector, used the golden ratio in the floor plans to create a structure of aesthetic harmony.

In 1963, the Business Archives took over the building, centralizing vital documents in the history of Danish commerce. The archive’s functions were later transferred to the Danish National Archives in Viborg in 2016.

Architectural Details and Symbolism

The building is rectangular and constructed of red bricks, with a flat slate roof that extends beyond the walls, evoking a reference to Asian temple architecture. The roof is supported by an oversized cornice, held up by volutes and cement-cast owls—symbols of wisdom and protection.

A narrow passage runs along the building’s facade, reminiscent of a moat, allowing light into the basement. Large, Venetian-inspired windows adorn the building on all sides.

An Impressive Entrance

Visitors approach the entrance via a bridge leading to a grand teakwood door framed by a sandstone portal decorated with three Jutlandic lions in the coat of arms. Inside, the ground floor centers on a large reading room. Natural light floods the space through high domes and circular windows framed by carved sunflowers. Karl Hansen Reistrup, responsible for stucco, mosaics, and stained glass, also designed the room’s spectacular chandeliers. These feature moths and dragonflies crafted from copper and colored glass.

Modern Technology in Historical Surroundings

At its inauguration in 1902, the State Library was a technological pioneer in library construction. Kampmann collaborated with renowned engineer Christian Ramsing on an advanced heating and ventilation system, utilizing built-in ducts and natural air circulation through grated floors between archive shelves. Ramsing also oversaw the building’s electrical systems, which included over 100 lighting fixtures and a telephone system.

This technological legacy has been carefully preserved and subtly integrated into the current courthouse, respecting the original design.

Transformation into a Courthouse

After the closure of the Business Archives, the building was converted into courtrooms for the Court of Aarhus. The transformation included an extensive restoration and adaptation of the existing structures. Former archive rooms have been repurposed as courtrooms, meeting rooms, and offices. Acoustic regulation and modern technical installations are discreetly hidden within the original shelves, which have been reused and clad with wooden slats of varying widths and colors, evoking books and case files.

Modern systems have been installed through the original brick channels, while new LED lighting and secondary window frames have improved the building’s energy efficiency.

Award-Winning Renovation

The renovation of Smykkeskrinet was honored with the Renoverprisen (Renovation Award) in 2022 as an exemplary project demonstrating how a listed building can be transformed with humility and respect for its historical significance. Executed by the Danish Building Agency in collaboration with H+ARKITEKTER, Rønnow Arkitekter, and consulting engineers from Tækker, the project illustrates how architecture can be preserved and repurposed for modern use without losing its original character.