Pause here a moment and imagine King Frederik IV. It is the 1800s. He is enjoying afternoon tea right here at Det Kinesiske Lysthus.
Det Kinesiske Lysthus has a unique placement. It sits on a small island. Channels surround it. The island and the Lysthus create a tranquil setting. This makes it ideal for celebrations. People celebrate weddings and receptions here.
Originally, Crown Prince Frederik desired this “Chinese” house. In that era, such a house was a typical feature. It enhanced a romantic landscape garden. Hofarkitekten Andreas Kirkerup received the task. He would design and erect a Chinese bridge. Also, he would build a Chinese Lysthus. It would sit on one of four islands. These islands formed during the creation of the garden’s canal. Kirkerup also served as hoftømrermester. He personally oversaw the construction. Records confirm the Lysthus was complete by 1801.
Final invoices detail the house’s appearance upon completion in 1801. Workers painted the four dragons white. They partially silvered parts of their heads and bodies. Then, they painted them with diverse colors. The interior received equal attention. In 1802, workers stretched a canvas over the floor. They primed, filled, and painted it. The result mimicked a Chinese mat. Interior shutters provided winter protection.
Kirkerup undeniably designed the Lysthus. Yet, art historian Hanne Raabyemagle discovered more. Nicolai Abildgaard, a leading artist, supervised and completed the construction. He significantly elevated the artistic quality.
Several craftsman accounts mention demands from Professor Abildgaard. He managed both exterior and interior coloring. He also created interior wall decorations. These featured Chinese motifs and script. Moreover, he designed the veranda’s patterned tile paving. These octagonal white marble tiles came from Christian VII’s Palace. They had been in front of Taffelsalen’s buffets.
Soon, the island proved unstable. It needed significant repairs by the summer of 1803. After the English bombarded Copenhagen in 1807, more repairs followed. The Lysthus received repainting in 1809.
Another repainting occurred in 1822. The roof was painted with a scale pattern. This was set against a yellow base. During renovations in the 1850s, workers removed the à la Grecque panel. New painted ornamentation replaced the decorations in the hall.
In 1890, the Lysthus underwent thorough restoration. It received new roofing of zinc and slate. Large sections of the back wall’s plank cladding were renewed. Likely, workers shortened the original roof overhang. Inside, they repainted the existing interior. From 1982 to 1990, a major exterior renovation took place. Craftsmen thoroughly restored the two dragons. The dragons are carved from pine. Interior renovations were minimal. They repaired the loft stairs. They also replaced the floor in the tea kitchen.
Today, the Chinese Pavilion hosts various events. This charming temple on Frederiksberg Garden hill is perfect for gatherings. It accommodates 40 standing or 12 seated guests. Battery-powered candles and music enhance the ambiance.
Consider sending a request to reserve this unique space. Remember to detail your event, date, time, guest count, and equipment. Note that late requests may face rejection or extra fees.
Isn’t it fascinating how Det Kinesiske Lysthus bridges cultures and centuries?