A newly-restored royal 'Gesamtkunstwerk' is on the way
Read more about Arkitemas comprehensive renovation and modernisation of Frederik VIII's Mansion at Amalienborg Palace.
Royal Gesamtkunstwerk
To create a 'Gesamtkunstwerk', it is important that the art does not merely decorate the architecture, but on the contrary, is integrated into the architecture. In the case of Frederik VIII's Mansion, a number of young Danish contemporary artists have been invited to integrate their works into the building, and to redesign the gardens. The selection of the artists was undertaken in close consultation with the Crown Prince and Princess, and the choice is certainly one which is both interesting and future-proofed! It includes internationally-renowned figures such as Olafur Eliasson, Tal R, John Kørner, Kathrine Ærtebjerg and many other exciting artists, all of whom have the common characteristic of having introduced renewal into the genre. In terms of media, the works are distributed between paintings, drawings, sculpture and installations – a selection which also reflects the range of modern contemporary art, characterised as it is by many different forms of expression. At the same time, the integration of art and architecture reflects the contemporary trend of breaking down the barriers between art forms and creating a united composite work, in which art and architecture will speak one and the same language.
It will be very interesting to see the final result: a beautifully renovated historical mansion counterbalanced by highly contemporary artistic expression. A mansion which will simultaneously point back in time, through its historical architecture, and forward, through its integrated works of art.
Arkitema's role
As total consultant, Arkitema bears the chief responsibility for the renovation process, assisted by a team of advisers composed of Erik Einar Holm architects and the Rambøll engineering firm. Besides being responsible for renovation, Arkitema is also playing an advisory and co-ordinating role in the preparation and implementation of the art project, together with chief of court Per Thornit, gallery owner Mikael Andersen and museum director Poul Erik Tøjner.
The unique project of transforming Frederik VIII's Mansion into a modern royal Gesamtkunstwerk will be documented in a book project subsidised by the Realdania foundation, and by the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, which is filming the project.
- The art project is financed by the Realdania foundation, while the state is funding the renovation and modernisation of the mansion.
- The client is the Palaces and Properties Agency.
- Construction work has commenced and is expected to conclude in the summer of 2009.