The Masonic lodge

Facts

Intimidating and formal

The Masonic lodge on Blegdamsvej in Copenhagen is the result of a competition held in 1920 among the architect members of the Masonic order. Martin Nyrop, the architect of Copenhagen City Hall, was on the panel of judges. At that time architecture was characterised by strict classicism of the kind represented by Copenhagen's pompous police headquarters. The winner was a middle-aged architect named Holger Rasmussen. He was best known for his modest houses for DSB, built together with Christian Brandstrup. The Masonic lodge was of a different stature entirely. The large solid building was built in 1922-27 and replaced its predecessor on Klerkegade.

Not a public place

Selected entry

Very far from modest

Story written by Claus M. Smidt

Time / Periode 1922 1927

2 Comments 1 recommendations

The Masonic lodge on Blegdamsvej can seem intimidating. A large grey block with an over-dimensioned entrance section flanked by two monumental Ionian columns. The heavy style is from the post-World War I era. It is hard to understand in a time that does not have the same need for pomposity. It is also difficult to ignore that during the Occupation, it housed the worst Nazi elements. Strangely enough, the building style closely resembles Hitler's government buildings in Berlin and Mussolini's in Rome. But the association is hardly fair. It was never the architect's or the lodge's intention to signal Fascist principles. On the contrary, the formal architecture was to express a striving towards the ideal - a mindset that reflects the Masons' accomplishments.