Five million yellow bricks form this expressionist masterpiece. We are standing before Grundtvigs Kirke. It is a testament to Danish architectural innovation. This church honors N.F.S. Grundtvig. He was a Danish philosopher, pastor, and hymn writer.
The story of Grundtvigs Kirke began in 1913. Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint won a competition. It was to design a church in Grundtvig’s memory. However, the foundation was laid much later. It was on September 8, 1921, Grundtvig’s birthday.
Construction unfolded from 1921 to 1926. The tower section was completed first. The Tower Church was inaugurated in 1927. Work continued on the interior. Adjacent buildings were added until 1940. Kaare Klint, Jensen-Klint’s son, completed the work. His father died in 1930.
Look around. Notice the residential development surrounding the church. Jensen-Klint designed it. The yellow brick matches the church. It creates a harmonious visual context.
Jensen-Klint blended architectural styles for Grundtvigs Kirke. He studied Danish village churches. Zealand’s stepped gables inspired him. He merged Brick Expressionism with Gothic architecture’s verticality.
The west facade is striking. It resembles a westwork or a church organ’s exterior. The bell tower is 49 meters tall. Its strong vertical lines draw your eyes skyward. The tower’s bottom is simple brick. The upper part seems like a rippling surface.
Inside Grundtvigs Kirke, Gothic inspiration is clear. It is comparable in size to Copenhagen Cathedral. It can hold 1440 people. The interior resembles a Gothic church. There is a nave, two aisles, and a small transept. The proportions are Gothic too. A long narrow nave and high ceilings create a sense of grandeur. Columns rise to pointed arches. Ribbed groin vaults decorate the nave and aisles. The yellow brick adds to the minimalist aesthetic.
Grundtvigs Kirke houses two organs. The first organ sits on the nave’s north side. Marcussen and Son built it in 1940. Kaare Klint designed its facade. The second larger organ is at the nave’s west end. It was added in 1965. Esben Klint, Kaare’s son, designed its facade. It has 55 stops. One pipe weighs 425 kg. It is Scandinavia’s longest organ pipe.
Buildings flank Grundtvigs Kirke. They are known as “On the Hill”. Jensen-Klint designed them with others. They house the parish hall and apartments. They enhance the church’s visual impact.
A tree-lined road leads to the church. It runs through Bispebjerg cemetery. It creates a viewing axis like those in the Baroque period.
Today, Grundtvigs Kirke welcomes visitors. It is open year-round. Organ concerts are frequent. The great Marcussen organ fills the space with music. A wheelchair stair lift ensures accessibility.
Grundtvigs Kirke stands as a symbol. It represents Danish cultural history. Its architecture, history, and spiritual significance inspire. It is a unique landmark in Copenhagen. As you leave, remember the blend of tradition and modernity. It makes Grundtvigs Kirke a masterpiece of sacred art.