Colors explode before us. This is the Palads Teatret. Its exterior is a vibrant testament to art meeting architecture.
The Palads Teatret has a rich history. It wasn’t always a cinema. Originally, this site housed Copenhagen’s central railway station. The station moved in 1911. A year later, in 1912, the Palads Teatret opened its doors. It quickly became Scandinavia’s largest entertainment center. It boasted 1780 seats and a 30-man orchestra.
The original station building didn’t last long. In 1917, it was demolished. A new building, designed by Andreas Clemmensen and Johan Nielsen, took its place. Kai Nielsen’s sculpture of Ursus and the Bull was added to the roof. It wasn’t gilded until 1949.
Over the years, the Palads Teatret has adapted. In 1955, Holger Pind oversaw a major renovation. The cinema got new ventilation. New carpeting and seating were installed. Rosewood wall paneling added a touch of elegance. A CinemaScope screen was installed. It measured 12 meters wide.
The mid-1970s brought challenges. Diminishing audiences threatened the cinema’s future. Inspired by a Parisian cinema, the Palads Teatret restructured. In 1978, it was divided into 12 auditoriums. This proved a huge success.
More changes followed. In September 1979, five more auditoriums opened in the basement. The interior was redecorated in blue and grey. Red seating added a pop of color.
The most striking change came in 1989. Artist Poul Gernes painted the exterior in vivid pastel colors. This vibrant facade livened up the building. Especially when illuminated at night.
Today, the Palads Teatret boasts 17 auditoriums. It offers a total of 2,600 seats. In 2010, the foyer was completely renovated. It reflects modern design and technology. The cinema hosts various events. Sports functions and ballet performances take place here. The Palads Teatret offers the widest selection of films in Denmark. It caters to all age groups. It is equipped with the latest technology. This includes Digital 3D.
The Palads Teatret has even appeared in films. It served as a location in “Man elsker kun een gang” and “Olsen-banden går amok”.
The Palads Teatret stands as a Copenhagen landmark. It blends history, art, and entertainment. Its colorful exterior invites us. It promises a world of cinematic adventures within. It is owned by Nordisk Film. They develop, produce, and distribute movies and games.