Roskilde Gasværk

Have you ever wondered what happened to the gas that lit up Roskilde’s streets long ago? Well, right before you, standing tall and proud, lies Roskilde Gasværk, once the heart of the city’s gas production. Built in 1863, it was a marvel of engineering, supplying homes and businesses with gas for lighting and cooking. Today, the Roskilde Gasværk is an art center, buzzing with creativity. The buildings are listed and were restored in 1995, after they had been decommissioned in 1979. Just imagine the symphony of clanging metal and hissing gas that once filled the air, the rhythmic roar of the furnace, and the pungent smell of coal. Now, the air is filled with the scent of paint and the music of creation. The main building, with its classic functionalist architecture, hides a rich history behind its facade. It still carries a lingering touch of the past, a ghostly echo of the steam that once filled the workshops and studios. The building was expanded in 1899 and 1930, so its original historicist style is still only visible in some parts. The iron frame of the gasholder, added in 1930, still stands as a testament to the gasworks’ industrial legacy. It’s a reminder of a time when gas was the lifeblood of the city, bringing light and warmth to its streets. Today, Roskilde Gasværk is full of life, its workshops and an art gallery, Gallery LABR, showcasing a rich tapestry of artistic expressions.