Danmarks Nationalbank

Danmarks Nationalbank

Nationalbanken Exterior Schmidt Hammer Lassen
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A Legacy Sustained

Danmarks Nationalbank is recognised as one of Copenhagen’s key architectural landmarks.
With characteristic precision, Arne Jacobsen designed the modernist building in its entirety – from the marble-clad façades and distinctive curtain walls to the bespoke interior fittings, furnishings, and even the taps on the washbasins. Completed in the late 1970s, the building reflects a holistic architectural approach, exemplifying Jacobsen’s commitment to functional clarity and formal coherence.

Nearly five decades after its inauguration, the building is now undergoing a comprehensive restoration – driven both by the need for ongoing maintenance and by the ambition to secure its future as a modern, adaptable workplace for the bank’s staff.

In 2009, Danmarks Nationalbank was granted listed status, making it the youngest building in Denmark to be protected under heritage legislation. The current restoration is being undertaken with the utmost respect for the original architecture and the design principles underpinning it. The objective is twofold: to preserve the Nationalbank as a significant piece of Danish cultural heritage, and to ensure that it continues to provide a safe, healthy and efficient working environment that meets today’s standards for fire safety, indoor climate and technical infrastructure.

Location:
Copenhagen, Denmark
Programme:
Office
Size:
48,000 m2
Client:
Denmark's Nationalbank
Collaborating Architect:
Varmings Tegnestue
Landscape Architect:
LYTT
Engineer:
EKJ Rådgivende Ingeniører
Other Collaborators:
DBI, GEO
Photos:
Adam Mørk, Danmarks Nationalbank, Dissing+Weitling
A Legacy Sustained

Danmarks Nationalbank is one of Arne Jacobsen’s principal works, characterised by high-quality materials and craftsmanship. It was constructed between 1965 and 1978 to house Denmark's central Bank. In 2009, the building was listed by the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces for its architectural and cultural heritage values. The listing extends to the entire building, exterior and interior, as well as its gardens and courtyards.

The building is widely regarded as a significant example of national architectural heritage. As the 50th anniversary for its completion approaches, the building is undergoing a comprehensive restoration to future-proof and maintain the building, ensuring it will remain part of Danish cultural heritage for many years to come. At the same time, the interiors are updated to meet the requirements of a modern and flexible workplace. 

The restoration of Danmarks Nationalbank is the largest restoration project ever undertaken on a listed building in Danish history, and the first to receive certification under the DGNB scheme.

Danmarks Nationalbank is located in the historic centre of Copenhagen. Characterised by its austere form, grey Porsgrunn marble, and distinctive curtain wall façades, the building presents a striking contrast to its urban surroundings. It is one of the first buildings in Denmark with a full curtain wall façade, and from day one it established itself as a classic modernist work in both Danish and international architectural history.

As part of the restoration, the Nationalbank's facades will be replaced, and fire safety, layout and indoor climate will be improved. Due to its proximity to the Copenhagen waterfront, the building must be protected against rising sea levels and cloudbursts.

Danmarks Nationalbank Rørbæk og Møller Arkitekter 06

The walls and floor of the entrance hall are clad in the same light grey marble used for the façade of the National Bank. Vibrant red and yellow tapestries by Kim Naver hang on the walls, providing a striking contrast to the otherwise cool, muted tones of the space. With its 20-metre-high ceiling and light streaming through the narrow columns of the façade facing Havnegade, the hall unfolds as an almost sacred space—evoking the grandeur of cathedrals around the world.

Nationalbanken Interior Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Nationalbanken Interior Stairs

One of the most eye-catching features inside the Nationalbank is the steel staircase, suspended from the ceiling at one end. Supported by red steel cables, it connects all floors of the building and appears to float almost weightlessly in the air.

The building was constructed during a period of rapid technological advances. Built on a foundation of high quality and technological curiosity, the building was ahead of its time in many ways. Some solutions have stood the test of time, others need replacing. The same is true of the materials used in the building such as asbestos and PCB.

Nationalbanken Interor Stairs

Inside, the architecture, interior design, fittings, and furniture — all created by Arne Jacobsen — merge into a harmonious, cohesive whole where nothing is left to chance. In addition to furniture classics such as the Swan and the Lily, the building also showcases other iconic Jacobsen designs, including VOLA faucets and the Banker's Clock wall clock.

The Nationalbank also features two courtyards that provide employees with the opportunity to enjoy fresh air in a lush, green setting – a sanctuary shielded from the city's noise and bustle, enhancing a sense of well-being. Additionally, there is a rooftop garden on the lower section of the building, as well as a pavement garden planted with linden trees opposite Holmens Church.

Nationalbanken Interior
Nationalbanken Interior Meeting Room

Light grey marble features prominently on the exterior of the National Bank and continues throughout its interior spaces. However, timber also contributes significantly to the design within. Much of the interior flooring and wall panelling is finished in light brown pearwood, complemented by the richer tones of Doussie wood.

In 2009, the Danmarks Nationalbank headquarters became the youngest building in Denmark to be listed by the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces due to its status as a piece of modern Danish cultural and architectural history. This means that Havnegade 5 must be preserved for its historical and architectural value, while also being restored to future-proof the building as a vibrant workplace in the centre of Copenhagen.

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Nationalbanken Interior