Cisternerne

About

This property is temporary closed The Cisterns in Søndermarken ParkResting deep beneath the green lawns of Søndermarken Park is a cavernous world that never sees the light of day. Enveloped in darkness, these damp and cold surroundings call ancient cathedrals and murky catacombs instantly to mind. History of The Cisterns The Cisterns, a long forgotten subterranean reservoir, once contained the supply of drinking water for the Danish capital and could hold as much as 16 million liters of clean water. Excavation began in 1856. Taking only three years to complete, the great structure quickly helped to alleviate many of the water supply problems of the day; but by 1933, the city’s cisterns ceased their function as a reservoir for drinking water, and they were finally drained in 1981. In 1996, in connection with Copenhagen’s status as European City of Culture – and through a joint initiative between the City of Frederiksberg and gallery owner Max Seidenfaden, who ran The Cisterns as a museum of modern glass art from 2001 to 2013– the underground water reservoir was put to use as an exhibition space. Today, The Cisterns is an integral part of Frederiksberg Museums, acting as a venue for art exhibitions and other events where the singularity of its architecture and atmosphere remains a core attraction. The Cisterns: A Cave within a CityLocated under Frederiksberg Hill in the heart of Søndermarken Park, The Cisterns is the only dripstone cave in Denmark. The natural formation of stalactites and stalagmites are not uncommon for concrete structures, yet none anywhere can offer the sheer magnitude and diversity of those found here. Such geological formations are extremely fragile, so for the sake of the museum as well as future guests we kindly request that you refrain from touching them. Thank you. Andante Christian Lemmerz at The CisternsIn a unique concoction of granite, concrete pillars and delicate stalactites and stalagmites, the subterranean exhibition space under Søndermarken Park is breathtaking. Of course, not every artist can meet the challenges proposed by these surroundings, but internationally renowned Danish artist Christian Lemmerz is certainly one who can! Lemmerz’ site-specific work, Andante, emerges as a monumental living sculpture, like a sea of candles, to illuminate and stage the sheer drama of this dark and cavernous space. AndanteChristian LemmerzMarts 2 – November 30, 2014

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes