Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Facts

Brewer's sculptures for the people

By Simon Ostenfeld Pedersen (5 stories)

" Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is located in the heart of Copenhagen. Glyptotheca is Greek for a room devoted to a collection of sculptures. It was founded by the brewer Carl Jacobsen, and takes its name from his Ny Carlsberg brewery. The museum contains the brewer's art collection, which he and his wife Ottilia bequeathed to the public. Jacobsen wanted a museum that would both educate and enlighten citizens. The Ny Carlsberg Glypotek combines art and architecture in an edifying national epos. One of the most sumptuous Danish buildings, it was designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup in 1897 and then remodelled by him in 1906; by Hack Kampmann in 1906; by Henning Larsen in 1996 and most recently by Dissing+Weitling in 2006. "

Public place

Selected entry

When the brewer became one with antiquity

Listen to the story

play
pause

Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Story written by Simon Ostenfeld Pedersen

Time / Periode 1897 1906

9 Comments 4 recommendations

" In 1906, the architect Hack Kampmann extended Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek with features such as a mausoleum for Carl and Ottilia Jacobsen. The mausoleum completes the museum's long axis at the end of the banqueting hall. From outside, the architectural inspiration is none other than the Mausoleum of Halicarnassos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The facade is monumental, culminating in a large step pyramid; and topped by a bronze sculpture of the goddess Athena and the goddess of victory, Nike. The inscription over the entrance to the mausoleum reads Semper Ardens – always burning. On the left of the entrance is a relief of Ottilia and Carl Jacobsen, wearing the garb of antiquity, immortalising the two patrons and giving them their own space in the museum alongside the works of art. The mausoleum was never used. "