Soldenfeldts Stiftelse

In 1881, two brothers, Joseph and F.V. Soldenfeldt, drafted a testament. This testament would bring Soldenfeldts Stiftelse to life. We stand before this impressive building today. It overlooks the tranquil Sortedam Lake. The Soldenfeldts Stiftelse stands as a testament to the brothers’ vision. It’s a home for women in need. Joseph, a councilor of state, and F.V., a bookseller, shared a deep compassion. They wanted to create a sanctuary. This sanctuary would provide housing for deserving elderly women. Teachers, housekeepers, seamstresses, and maids would find refuge here. The building itself is a masterpiece of design by H.B. Storck. Completed between 1893 and 1894, Soldenfeldts Stiftelse is a striking structure. Its red brick façade and four-winged design echo Italian medieval and Renaissance architecture. Look closely at the terracotta medallions. These beautiful embellishments, encircled by laurel wreaths, adorn the façade facing Sortedam Dossering. Created by sculptor Carl Aarsleff, they symbolize virtues. Virtues like temperance, diligence, patience, innocence, humility, and faith grace the left side. Hope, charity, peace, vigilance, prudence, and truth adorn the right. These virtues represent the qualities the brothers hoped the residents would embody. Today, Soldenfeldts Stiftelse continues to serve its original purpose. It provides affordable housing for single women over 50. These women must live in the Copenhagen Municipality. The building has been carefully renovated. It now offers 99 modern apartments, each equipped with a private kitchen and bathroom. The Soldenfeldts Stiftelse also boasts communal spaces. A banquet hall adorned with murals by Frans Schwartz provides a space for gatherings. A studio, exercise room, and library offer opportunities for creative pursuits and personal growth. The central courtyard, a peaceful oasis with lawns and a fountain, offers a quiet escape from the city buzz. As you admire Soldenfeldts Stiftelse, remember the Soldenfeldt brothers. Their legacy lives on in this beautiful building. It serves as a lasting reminder of their generosity and commitment to helping others.