History
Before the House of Denmark
According to historians, links between Denmark and the Champs-Elysées date back to the Vikings. They were said to have established their camp on the location of the colonnade of the Louvre, that is to say on the future route connecting the Louvre to the Arc de Triomphe – via the current site of the House of Denmark.
Up until only four centuries ago, the area around the House of Denmark was considered one of the most insalubrious suburbs of Paris – the Marais des Gourdes. In 1670, Louis XIV asked architect Le Nôtre to design a road connecting the Jardins des Tuileries to the village of Neuilly, as part of a policy aimed at increasing prestige and private buildings. A century later, this road became the Champs-Elysées. Housed in the Marais up until this point, the aristocracy started to feel crowded and moved to large and comfortable residences in the western suburbs of Paris. Thus was born the prestigious district of the Champs Elysées.
During the 19th century, the site of the House of Denmark was occupied by the Jardin Beaujon, a theme park famous for its firework shows and hot-air balloon rides.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a four storey private mansion was built on the current site of the House of Denmark: the Hôtel Subiran consisted of a main house looking out onto the Champs-Elysées, a large interior court and two other buildings looking out onto rue Lord Byron.
The House of Denmark
Management
The governance of the House of Denmark is transferred from the Prime Minister to the Ministry of Culture.
Inauguration
Inauguration of the House of Denmark in the presence of Her Majesty Margrethe II and HRH the Prince Consort of Denmark, Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë, and Education Minister Jack Lang, in February 2002.
50e anniversary
The House of Denmark celebrates its 50th anniversary on the Champs-Elysées with a plethora of events.
Inauguration of the 7th floor
The top floor is fitted out with a reception room designed by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup.
New Cultural Advisor
Marius Hansteen (right), new Cultural Advisor at the Embassy of Denmark and Director of the Danish Foundation
HRH Crown Princess Mary
HRH Crown Princess Mary visiting the House of Denmark, exhibition Henrik Vibskov, June 6, 2017
New Cultural Advisor
On October 8, 2018 Klaus Ib Jørgensen is appointed new Cultural Advisor at the Danish Embassy and Director of the Danish Foundation at the Cité Universitaire. Beginning of the mandate on January 1, 2019. (Photo J-M.Gardner : G.Delcourt, Klaus Ib Jørgensen, curator A. Krogh, Ambassador Starbæk Christensen, Nov. 5, 2019)…
Renovation
The 2nd floor is closed for renovations.
Le Bicolore
February 2, 2021. The House of Denmark opens its new showroom, named Le Bicolore, designed by the Danish architectural office, COBE. At the same time, new digital communication platforms and a new visual identity adapted to the Bicolore were created by the Danish agency, Urgent Agency. Photo: Florian Kleinefenn Photo:…
Nomination
March 1, 2023 Catherine Lefebvre Hansen is appointed new Cultural Counsellor at the Danish Embassy and Director of the Danish Foundation at the Cité Universitaire. The mandate will begin on March 15, 2023. On the photo Nour Fog, artist and Catherine Lefebvre the curator of the show Bulle du Monde.