A stage for dreams, Det Ny Teater opened its doors in 1908. Det Ny Teater stands before us now. It bridges Vesterbrogade and Gammel Kongevej.
Det Ny Teater is one of Denmark’s largest theaters. Its main auditorium seats over 1,000 people. Sceneriet, a smaller stage, seats 300. It was established in the cellar in 1994.
Imagine Copenhagen’s westward expansion in the early 1900s. The Bona development company acquired this site. They planned a large theatre and a passage between streets. Viggo Lindstrøm was the artistic consultant. He helped shape Det Ny Teater’s early vision.
Initially, the Ministry of Justice rejected the theatre’s license. But King Frederik intervened. Construction began in 1907. Lorenz Gudme was the first architect. Later, Ludvig Andersen completed the project. Det Ny Teater became the second-largest theatre in Denmark. It cost approximately DKK 1,200,000 to build. The site itself cost DKK 600,000.
Lindstrøm, the first director, aimed high. The opening performance was Pierre Berton’s “Den skønne Marseillanerinde.” It starred young talents like Poul Reumert and Asta Nielsen. This extravaganza set the tone for the first three decades.
However, Lindstrøm left after three years due to debt. Ivar Schmidt succeeded him. He directed from 1911 to 1937. Else-Marie, Berthe Qvistgaard and Osvald Helmuth starred.
Peer Gregaard became director in 1944. He shifted the repertoire. Classics met contemporary Danish and European drama. Det Ny Teater challenged the Royal Danish Theatre.
The 1960s brought financial challenges. Subsidies became essential. Knud Poulsen became director in 1969. The theatre faced closure in 1971. The county and Ministry of Culture saved it.
In 1991, Det Ny Teater closed due to neglect and lost support. It reopened in 1994 after renovations. Bent Mejding and Niels-Bo Valbro led the restoration. “Die Fledermaus” marked its reopening with operetta and musicals. “Phantom of the Opera” ran from 2000 to 2002. It was a hit with audiences and critics alike.
Det Ny Teater’s architecture blends styles. It is loosely modeled on the Paris Opera. Classical trompe-l’œil effects mix with Art Deco features.
It was the first building in Denmark to use the Hennebique system. This reinforced concrete allowed pillar-less balconies. The theatre also featured Denmark’s first revolving stage. An advanced sprinkler system and showers for actors were installed. Comfortable family boxes and a marble staircase welcomed audiences. The 1994 renovation won the Europa Nostra award.
Today, Det Ny Teater hosts musicals and other events. Its main repertoire remains musicals. It is available for hire. Det Ny Teater continues to enchant.