Gazing up at the Mælk gir sundhed mural, you’re met with a burst of color and joy. This isn’t just any street art. It’s a piece of Copenhagen’s history, a vibrant echo of a bygone era. The Mælk gir sundhed mural, painted by Henry Heerup in 1953, was part of a massive advertising campaign. Storkøbenhavns Mejerier commissioned 21 popular artists to decorate Copenhagen’s gables with murals promoting milk. Heerup’s mural, located near the Statens Museum for Kunst and Sølvgades Skole, showcases his signature whimsical style. A milk bottle, almost like a life-giving vessel, floats at the top. Two giant sunflowers frame the bottle, symbolizing growth and nourishment. Below, happy children play, a calf drinks from its mother, and a purple heart adds a touch of love. The slogan “Mælk gir sundhed” (Milk gives health) is cleverly displayed on a blue baby carriage. This mural is more than just an advertisement. It’s a celebration of life, a testament to Heerup’s ability to find magic in everyday objects. Many of these milk murals have disappeared over time, victims of overpainting, demolition, or decay. Heerup’s mural was almost lost when the building at Sølvgade 18 was scheduled for demolition in the 1970s. Thankfully, it was saved and restored with the support of the city and several foundations, just in time for Heerup’s 70th birthday in 1977. Today, the City of Copenhagen maintains this beloved artwork. As you stand before the Mælk gir sundhed mural, you’re not just admiring a painting. You’re connecting with a piece of Copenhagen’s past, a reminder of a time when art and advertising intertwined to bring joy and color to the city’s streets.
Galleri KANT
Founded in 2009 by Kerry Harm Nielsen and Anna Gram Sørensen Galleri KANT is more than just a gallery. It’s