Nestled along the vibrant streets of Copenhagen, Nybødder stands as a timeless testament to Denmark’s rich naval history. Nybødder, meaning “new small houses,” was the brainchild of King Christian IV. He envisioned a dedicated community for the personnel of the burgeoning Royal Danish Navy and their families. Construction began in 1631. The original Nybødder, designed by Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger and later Leonhard Blasius, was completed around 1641. Imagine rows of charming houses, meticulously arranged around two main streets, radiating outwards. Picture a central square bustling with life. Although the square never fully materialized as planned, the essence of community thrived. The Nybødder we see today, however, is largely a product of later expansions. A single row of houses on Sankt Pauls Gade remains from Christian IV’s original vision. The rest were built from 1757 onwards. The distinctive yellow hue, now synonymous with Nybødder, wasn’t always its signature color. Originally, the houses were painted in a vibrant red and white. Over time, the cheerful yellow took over. “Nyboder yellow” is now a recognized term in Danish, describing this specific shade. Nybødder wasn’t just a collection of houses. It was a self-contained community. It boasted a guardhouse, equipped with a bell to summon residents in times of emergency. This guardhouse also served as the barracks’ own jail, a place to detain unruly residents. Over the centuries, Nybødder continued to evolve. In 1756, Philip de Lange designed 24 two-story houses, setting the architectural tone for future additions. Later, architects like Anthon and Harsdorff expanded upon Christian IV’s original rows, adding extra stories. By 1796, around 150 new houses had been built, along with officer’s houses, further shaping the character of Nybødder. Today, Nybødder continues to house personnel of the Danish Navy, Army, and Air Force, a living legacy of its original purpose. The community stands as a reminder of Christian IV’s foresight and a vibrant symbol of Copenhagen’s maritime past.
Galleri KANT
Founded in 2009 by Kerry Harm Nielsen and Anna Gram Sørensen Galleri KANT is more than just a gallery. It’s