Copenhagen, Denmark

Cisternerne

The Nordics • See & do • Cisternerne in Copenhagen, Denmark

What’s the art gallery in a nutshell?

Cisternerne, or the cisterns in English, is a truly unique art gallery located in the former water reservoir of the city, hidden underneath the ground in the Søndermarken park across from Frederiksberg Castle. The dark, cold and moist space is unlike any other space showcasing contemporary art – previously exhibited artists include Shiharu Chiota, whose work is pictured here, and Superflex, Jeppe Hein and Hiroshi Sambuichi, to name a few.

What is the architecture like?

The only evidence of Cisternerne’s subterranean existence is two futuristic glass pyramids set on the green grasses of the Søndermarken park. Entering these will take you to a space with a fascinating history – 16 million litres of drinking water used to flow through these water reservoirs, supplying Copenhagen with drinking water until 1933. In 1996, during Copenhagen’s year as the designated European City of Culture (later known as the European Capital of Culture), the arched space was converted into an exhibition space. In 2013, Cisternerne became a part of the Frederiksberg Museums.

What is showcased?

Cisternerne is a fully immersive experience where artists often produce site-specific works that vibe with the unique setting. In the past, they have incorporated boat trips in their pieces, or hanging lanterns for light, fire or mirrors. The space invites you to experience another world, perhaps a dreamlike labyrinth or the magical interplay between light and shadow. For ‘Multiple Realities’, Japanese-born artist Chiharu Shiota presents a dreamlike scenery where deeper layers of the human psyche find an aesthetic expression in rotating dresses, reflections and maze-like yarn structures.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

The grandness of Frederiksberg, which forms its very own municipality in the middle of Copenhagen, is evident in the broad tree-lined boulevards, green gardens and streets filled with sidewalk eateries and cafés. Frederiksberg is like its own little village in the middle of the bustling city, and a great place to withdraw for a moment’s stillness. This is where you’ll find the Frederiksberg Gardens, Copenhagen Zoo and Frederiksberg Palace.