P. Andersens Vandtårn

Gazing up at this towering structure, one might wonder about its purpose. This is P. Andersens Vandtårn. P. Andersens Vandtårn stands as a testament to the ingenuity of one man, Peter Andersen. He was an ironmonger who, in 1869, took it upon himself to provide water for Frederiksberg. He built his first waterworks near his iron foundry. Just eight years later, he expanded his operation. He built P. Andersens Vandtårn near Fasanvej Station. Designed by Vilhelm Tvede, the water tower held a massive 500 cubic meters of water. P. Andersens Vandtårn served the community faithfully until 1948. In 1991, its unique architectural significance was recognized. It was designated a protected structure. Later, in the mid-1990s, P. Andersens Vandtårn underwent restoration. The goal was to repurpose this landmark for new uses. Basic renovations included adding a fire escape. However, further repairs were quickly deemed necessary. In the mid-2000s, the tower became part of the Copenhagen Business School campus. During Copenhagen’s tenure as the European Capital of Culture in 1996, P. Andersens Vandtårn served as a cultural venue. The tower was restored and boasted 32 rooms. Half of these rooms had double-height ceilings. There was a circular stage under the roof. This stage could accommodate 96 spectators. Exhibitions and performances filled the tower. However, after initial enthusiasm, ideas for its use waned. Although well-suited for cultural activities, P. Andersens Vandtårn currently stands unused. Its interior is considered condemned. Estimates suggest that restoring the tower for practical use would require a substantial investment of around 40 million kroner. P. Andersens Vandtårn serves as a beautiful reminder of a bygone era of ingenuity and community spirit.