Did you know that this elegant building before you Marienborg has a fascinating history? It’s more than just the official residence of Denmark’s Prime Minister. Marienborg a mid-18th-century country house sits on a hilltop overlooking Bagsværd Lake. Since 1962 it has been the home away from home for Denmark’s leaders.
Marienborg’s story begins in around 1745. Naval officer Olfert Fas Fischer commissioned its construction. He was the father of the more famous naval hero Olfert Fischer. The location was popular. Many summer residences were built north of Copenhagen. This area offered scenic views and recreational opportunities. Marienborg was part of a group of properties sold from the Frederiksdal estate. This group also included SØro Tusculum Sophienholm and Christianelyst.
Over the years Marienborg changed hands many times. Each owner left their mark on the building. Wealthy merchants and prominent figures owned it. For example Gysbert Behagen a wealthy merchant and ship-owner lived here. His city home was the impressive Behagen House in Christianshavn. Another owner Johan Frederik Lindencrone named it Marienborg after his wife Marie. He owned the Lindencrone Mansion in Copenhagen and Gjorslev Manor on Stevns.
The 19th century saw more ownership changes. Johann Traugott Lebrecht Otto a garrison surgeon served on Saint Thomas in the Danish West Indies before owning Marienborg. Jean de Coninck brother of the Dronninggård estate owner also owned it. Peter Boll Wivet a Supreme Court attorney lived here. His widow Catharina Sophie Wivet lived at Marienborg until her death in 1849.
In 1899 Oscar Wandel owner of the Carl Wandel & Søn wine company acquired Marienborg. It passed to various owners before lawyer and businessman C L David bought it in 1935. David left his estate to the C L David Foundation and Collection. He willed Marienborg to the Danish state. It was to be used as a residence for the Prime Minister or Foreign Minister. The state took over in 1962.
Since then Marienborg has hosted numerous prime ministers. Some used it as a summer residence. Others preferred their own homes. Anker Jørgensen famously preferred his apartment in Sydhavnen. A new tradition started in 1980. The Prime Minister’s New Year’s Speech is broadcast from Marienborg. Today Marienborg is a meticulously preserved classicist estate. It has a few carefully selected modern accents. The interior was refurbished in 2018. The A P Møller and Hustru Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation donated 3.65 million DKK for new furniture and art.
So as you stand here before Marienborg remember its rich history. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of those who shaped Denmark. Its future remains entwined with the nation’s leadership.