København's Kulturnat 2013

This weekend I took the DSB train down to Copenhagen--a 5-hour ride from Aalborg on the DSB Intercity Train--to participate in Copenhagen's Kulturnatten (Night of Culture). Beginning in 1993, this is an event during which cultural institutions and businesses throughout the city open their doors to offer unique experiences or access to parts of the city not normally open to the general public. Over 500 activities were planned around the city, ranging from formal events only accessible to those purchasing a Kulturpas (Culture Pass) to discounts at stores and restaurants and informal events in the city's public spaces.

(10/11/2013 | Kulturnatten Kulturpas 2013 | Credit: Cat Silva)

One very cool thing included in the $16 Culture Pass is unlimited access to public all public transportation on the buses, trains, and metro lines in the capital region starting an hour before Kulturenatten begins, until 5am the following morning. What a great way to avoid massive traffic jams by encouraging and accommodating the use of public transportation as a means of getting to, from, and around the city to enjoy the event!

The ScanDesign Foundation invited it's group of current ScanDesign Fellows from the University of Washington and the University of Wisconsin-Madison to enjoy Kulturnatten together. I was invited to join this group both because I am ScanDesign Alumni and my boyfriend earned a fellowship this year. We met up with the fellows in the center of the city, purchased our Culture Passes, and headed off to explore and experience Danish culture.

Highlights from My Kulturnat Experience...

We purchased tickets at the Round Tower, which was decorated with lights dancing around the tower in different colors and patterns.

(10/11/2013 | Round Tower in Copenhagen | Credit: Aaron L.)

The first official stop was at Rosenborg Slot where we spent some time admiring the royal jewels. To access the castle, you have to walk through Kongens Have (the Kings Garden), which is normally closed after dusk and was beautifully lit with lights along the path.

(10/11/2013 | Danish Crown Jewels in Rosenborg Slot | Credit: Aaron L.)

We also visited the barracks at Rosenborg Slot where the Danish Royal Life Guards--the soldiers who guard the Queens residence at Amalienborg Slot. The soldiers in invited us into their sleeping quarters, showed us how they shine their shoes, and had their various uniforms on display. It was especially interesting to interact with these soldiers, as they are normally under strict order not to speak to civilians while on duty guarding the Queen's castle. Outside of the barracks, the armed military allowed civilians to board army tanks and an aircraft as well as wear army camouflage and handle decommissioned firearms.

(10/11/2013 | Danish Royal Guard Tank | Credit: Cat Silva)

(10/11/2013 | Danish Royal Guard Weaponry | Credit: Cat Silva)

There was an awful lot of activity going on at Rådhuspladsen (the City Hall Square). We walked through the plaza on our way to see the command center for DSB's S-train, but we were happily sidetracked by what we happened upon...

A third line will be added to Copenhagen's existing Metro network by 2018, and Metro was out promoting the new transportation project. This City Circle Line called M3 is planned to have 17 stations and will surely become a great benefit to residents, workers, and visitors within the city center. Two existing stations (Kongens Nytorv and Fredericksberg) will connect to Hovedbanegård (the Central Train Station), Rådhuspladsen, and Nørrebro--the most populated and most diverse neighborhood in Copenhagen. 

(10/11/2013 | Rådhuspladsen Metro Station Construction | Credit: Aaron L.)

(10/11/2013 | Metro M3 Route Map | Credit: Cat Silva) 

Just as with Seattle's impending sub-terrian light rail connection between Capitol Hill and the University District, the City Circle Line required the use of tunnel boring machine. Although that machine is working away underground, Metro opened the gates at the Rådhuspladsen station site and displayed other machinery and Metro staff answered questions about the project. Inviting passers by (not only people sporting the Culture Pass) in to see what goes on behind the construction walls was a great way to help garner more support and excitement from a population that may well be tired of the impact this project has had on the city for years. Plus, it was really neat to see some of it up close!

(10/11/2013 | Rådhuspladsen Metro Station Construction Site Video | Credit: Cat Silva)

After enjoying the Metro displays, we headed across Rådhuspladsen and headed into the City Hall building. We were briefly entertained by a a dancer entertaining on lookers on our way to the building's steps.

(10/11/2013 | Dance Party on Rådhuspladsen Video | Credit: Cat Silva)

Just through the main entrance into City Hall, political groups were set up offering pamphlets introducing their platforms, serving up coffee and cake, and one candidate was 'locked' in a cage fielding questions.

(10/11/2013 | Political Party Booths in City Hall | Credit: Cat Silva)

On the second floor of City Hall, we were able to enter the Magistrat's Meeting Hall, where politicians were speaking about the room and photography on the walls.

(10/11/2013 | Magistrat's Meeting Hall in City Hall | Credit: Aaron L.)

After enjoying City Hall, we wandered over to Christiansborg Slot where to see the Royal Reception Rooms--spaces reserved for moments when the Queen welcomes foreign dignitaries to Denmark and other important functions. A major highlight of this was seeing the gorgeous architecture and works of art on display throughout this part of the palace.

(10/11/2013 | Gift Shop Hall in Christiansborg Slot | Credit: Aaron L.)

(10/11/2013 | Bjørn Nørrgaard's Tapestries in Christiansborg Slot | Credit: Cat Silva)

One of the greatest things about this event was how many people were drawn to the city center. It was delightful to see the mass of groups and individuals wandering around enjoying the Copenhagen and absorbing whatever aspects of Danish culture was most interesting to them.

(10/11/2013 | Copenhagen Street Life on the Night of Culture | Credit: Aaron L.)

 A truly great event--I'm extremely happy I had the opportunity to participate this year! I quite enjoyed the opportunity to enter, explore, and learn more about some very special spaces in Denmark's capitol city. This would be an incredibly interesting event to recreate in other cities! It not only bolstered excitement in the national culture...there is no doubt that the local economy was positively impacted by all the activity and surge of life throughout the evening.