“What secrets does this little temple hold?” I ask you. The Apistemplet stands before us. It is a testament to Copenhagen’s rich history. This temple has witnessed royal gatherings and served as an entrance to the zoo.
The Apistemplet is located in Frederiksberg Have. It is a beautiful park west of the castle. The temple’s story begins with a vision. King Frederik VI wanted an antique-inspired temple. He wanted it in Frederiksberg Have. When the king was in his Chinese Teahouse, he wanted to see a temple. It would be a vision of Arcadia.
Nicolai Abildgaard designed the Apistemplet around 1801. He was a painter and professor. Construction took place from 1802 to 1804. Christian Bernhard Hornbech assisted him. He later became a court architect. The Apistemplet is a fine example of recycling. The kingdom was short of money. Abildgaard and Hornbech used leftover materials. These came from the renovation of Amalienborg after the fire in 1794. They also used materials from Frederikskirken.
Eight columns are from Amalienborg. Two more came from Frederikskirken’s construction site. The columns’ capitals are from the royal depot. These were a bit too large. But they were acceptable.
The Apistemplet got its name from the bull on its front. The bull resembles the Egyptian god Apis. The gable decoration features a charging bull. This was copied from an antique gem. Abildgaard was interested in its Egyptian connections. The temple has had different names. It was first called Morgentemplet. Later, it was named Isistempel. Eventually, it became Apistemplet.
Inside, the Apistemplet has a barrel-vaulted room. Originally, the windows had colored glass. The room had sofas and tables. The royals used it for tea. From 1874 to 1970, it served as the entrance to the Zoo. In 1873, the Apistemplet was given to the Zoo. A door and two windows were added.
The work was slow. The foundations sank. They had to drive piles under them. Abildgaard did not like the first roof. The roof had to be relaid. The current low slope is about 20 degrees. The temple was completed in 1804. It was considered the highlight of the garden.
The king and his family used the Apistemplet for dinners. When the king’s daughter married, students with torches celebrated here. They were treated to champagne in the Apistemplet. The Apistemplet was meant to bring the world into the park. It acted as the Egyptian element. Looking northeast, one sees the Chinese Teahouse. This created an illusion of the world in a small park. The king could sail around the world on the canals.
The bull in the tympanum is a Bacchus bull. It has a different meaning. The name may connect to the bull heads in the bukranion frieze. The bukranion motif comes from the Round Temple in Tivoli. Abildgaard likely saw it during his trip to Italy.
In 1993, the Zoo gave the temple back. In 1994, it reopened with an exhibition of Abildgaard’s work. Today, the Apistemplet stands as a blend of history, art, and royal intrigue. Its walls echo tales of kings, artists, and ancient gods. Take a moment to appreciate the Apistemplet. It represents Copenhagen’s layered past.