Christian IV's Brewhouse / Kongernes Lapidarium, Copenhagen

Situated in the heart of Copenhagen on Slotsholmen island, The Lapidarium of Kings (Kongernes Lapidarium) is housed within a historical edifice—the 400-year-old brewhouse of King Christian IV. This building, originally part of Copenhagen’s military fortifications and later utilized as a brewhouse, spans an area of 8,000 square meters. Following extensive renovations, the brewhouse was transformed into a public museum space and officially opened on June 3, 2014.

The Lapidarium of Kings features an impressive collection of 300 statues and sculptures that have been curated from various Danish royal gardens, palaces, and buildings. These pieces range from natural stone figures to plaster models, each representing a piece of Danish royal history and artistic heritage. Highlights of the collection include a plaster model of the equestrian statue of King Frederick V at Amalienborg and the original equestrian statue of Christian V at Kongens Nytorv.

The lapidarium, derived from the Latin word "lapis" (meaning stone), serves as a repository for stone sculptures and fragments that have been deemed worthy of preservation. Over the centuries, Danish kings have adorned their palaces and cities with statues to symbolize their power, drawing international inspiration, particularly from France. Many of these statues, exposed to the elements over the years, have deteriorated and been replaced, adding a layer of historical evolution to the collection.

Visitors to the museum can experience these majestic statues "eye to eye," gaining a new perspective on sculptures that might have once adorned high building facades or palace exteriors. This intimate setting under the vaulted ceilings of the old brewhouse offers a unique blend of architectural and sculptural art, inviting exploration and appreciation of Denmark's rich royal and cultural history.