Aarhus Theater, Aarhus
The Aarhus Theater in Aarhus stands as a remarkable example of the Jugend style, reflecting the architectural elegance of the late 19th century. This iconic structure was built in the 1890s following a civic initiative. Designed by the distinguished architect Hack Kampmann, who is also noted for other significant buildings in Aarhus like Marselisborg Slot, the theater was officially inaugurated on September 15, 1900.
Aarhus Theater has been a listed landmark since 1990, preserving its historical and architectural significance. The building captivates with its ornate Jugendstil façade, which invites visitors into a world of cultural richness and artistic splendor. Once inside, the grandeur continues with luxurious decorations including glittering chandeliers, gold-adorned ceilings, and lavish interiors that maintain their original allure, reinforcing the theater's status as a cultural powerhouse in Denmark's second-largest city.
The theater features four stages, collectively accommodating up to 1200 seats, and showcases a variety of performances that highlight its commitment to the arts. Notably, the façade of the theater is adorned with a ceramic mosaic by Karl Hansen-Reistrup, depicting a scene from Ludvig Holberg’s play "Maskerade," a nod to Holberg's legacy as the father of Danish comedy. This choice of decoration underscores the theater's function and its cultural heritage.
The theater's promenade is embellished with stucco scenes from notable Danish musical comedies, enhancing the thematic continuity of Danish theatrical tradition. Additionally, the theater's connection to local heritage is symbolized under its balcony, where the town arms of Aarhus are displayed, featuring maritime and protective symbols that reference both the city's history and its maritime location.
Interestingly, while initial plans by Kampmann included decorating the theater’s roof with classical motifs, these were ultimately replaced by more gothic elements, such as a troll/dragon/gargoyle/devil figure. This element became a topic of local intrigue and speculation, particularly regarding Kampmann’s intentions, though such rumors are often discounted given his extensive work on the neighboring cathedral.
Aarhus Theater has been a listed landmark since 1990, preserving its historical and architectural significance. The building captivates with its ornate Jugendstil façade, which invites visitors into a world of cultural richness and artistic splendor. Once inside, the grandeur continues with luxurious decorations including glittering chandeliers, gold-adorned ceilings, and lavish interiors that maintain their original allure, reinforcing the theater's status as a cultural powerhouse in Denmark's second-largest city.
The theater features four stages, collectively accommodating up to 1200 seats, and showcases a variety of performances that highlight its commitment to the arts. Notably, the façade of the theater is adorned with a ceramic mosaic by Karl Hansen-Reistrup, depicting a scene from Ludvig Holberg’s play "Maskerade," a nod to Holberg's legacy as the father of Danish comedy. This choice of decoration underscores the theater's function and its cultural heritage.
The theater's promenade is embellished with stucco scenes from notable Danish musical comedies, enhancing the thematic continuity of Danish theatrical tradition. Additionally, the theater's connection to local heritage is symbolized under its balcony, where the town arms of Aarhus are displayed, featuring maritime and protective symbols that reference both the city's history and its maritime location.
Interestingly, while initial plans by Kampmann included decorating the theater’s roof with classical motifs, these were ultimately replaced by more gothic elements, such as a troll/dragon/gargoyle/devil figure. This element became a topic of local intrigue and speculation, particularly regarding Kampmann’s intentions, though such rumors are often discounted given his extensive work on the neighboring cathedral.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Aarhus. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Aarhus Theater on Map
Sight Name: Aarhus Theater
Sight Location: Aarhus, Denmark (See walking tours in Aarhus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Aarhus, Denmark (See walking tours in Aarhus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Aarhus, Denmark
Create Your Own Walk in Aarhus
Creating your own self-guided walk in Aarhus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Aarhus Introduction Walking Tour
Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark. It is also one of the oldest cities in the country with roots that date to the 8th century when Vikings built a small settlement at the mouse of AArhus River encircled by an earthen rampart and a moat. Back then, Aarhus was called "Aros" which was the old Danish word for "river mouth".
During the Middle Ages, Aarhus was a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
During the Middle Ages, Aarhus was a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Architectures Walking Tour
Among other attractions, Aarhus, Denmark, boasts a variety of eye-catching historical buildings, a good number of which were designed by the famous Danish architect, Hack Kampmann.
Among such landmarks is the Aarhus Custom House (Toldboden), standing as a testament to the city's maritime heritage. The Aarhus Theater, with its elegant facade, showcases the city's commitment to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Among such landmarks is the Aarhus Custom House (Toldboden), standing as a testament to the city's maritime heritage. The Aarhus Theater, with its elegant facade, showcases the city's commitment to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles