Moltke Mansion, Copenhagen

Moltke's Mansion, also known as Moltke's Palace, is a striking example of Baroque architecture in Copenhagen. Situated at the intersection of Bredgade and Dronningens Tværgade, it stands as one of the prominent town mansions in the Frederiksstaden area, yet notably predates the neighborhood by about fifty years.

Constructed between 1700 and 1702 for Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve, an illegitimate son of King Frederick III of Denmark, the mansion replaced an earlier structure from the 1680s on the same site. Initially called Gyldenløve's Little Mansion to differentiate it from his larger Charlottenborg Palace, it was renamed Moltke's Mansion in 1842 when it was acquired by Adam Wilhelm Moltke, Denmark’s first Prime Minister under the constitutional monarchy, marking a key period in its history. The mansion's construction was overseen by architect Ernst Brandenburger.

Moltke's Mansion is renowned for its elaborate Baroque style, including a main facade on Bredgade that features nine bays with giant pilasters marking its grandeur. The rich sandstone decorations include motifs of elephants, lion heads, and flowering vines. These elements, along with a sculpted balustrade, are primarily the result of modifications by Krieger.

Internally, the mansion boasts significant artistic contributions from Erik Pauelsen, especially in the Dronninggaard Salon. Named after the Dronninggård country house, this salon features murals and overdoors painted by Pauelsen, depicting idyllic scenes and topographical views. The first floor houses the Dronninggaard Chambers, which, along with the Green Room, features paintings of local landscapes such as the Hermitage Lodge and the Sound. The Golden Hall stands out with murals by Bjørn Nørgaard, which narrate the history of craftsmanship.

Today, Moltke's Mansion remains under the stewardship of the Association of Craftsmen in Copenhagen. It serves a functional role as a venue for banquets, meetings, and small conferences, continuing its legacy as a center of cultural and social gatherings. Its architectural beauty and rich historical layers make it a cherished landmark in Copenhagen's urban landscape, bridging the city's regal past with its present cultural fabric.