Cisternerne

"Tell us about this place.Beneath Søndermarken’s green grass, this unexpected underground museum houses art exhibitions and cultural events. Once a subterranean reservoir filled with 16 million liters of water, the cistern has been filled by an unconventional museum. So what will we see here?As an extension of Copenhagen’s Frederiksberg Museums, the Cisternerne operates as a venue for exhibitions and events—but it’s the space itself that is the permanent exhibit and primary attraction. The cryptic underground cave—the only dripstone cave in Denmark—is a gloomy labyrinth filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Is there any special programming?The Cisternerne commissions site-specific installations that work in concert with the unique architecture. Interactive installations rotate through, like “In is the Only Way Out,” an underground journey from darkness into light, by renowned Danish artist Jeppe Hei. It also hosts popular experimental cultural events and music festivals. Who usually comes here?The Cisternerne tends to attract a crowd as unique as itself. Artists, musicians, designers, and the generally curious frequent this space. How easy is it to navigate?Due to its original purpose as an underground reservoir, it was not designed with visitors in mind. As such, this is not the easiest place for those with mobility restrictions to navigate, and it can be disorienting. Can the staff members help guide us through?Informative 50-minute guided tours are offered in English, covering the history and geology, as well as information about the art exhibit. This is the best way to experience the space. To sum it up, how do you recommend we do the Cisternerne?The best way to experience this museum is by signing up in an advance for a guided tour, letting you experience the highlights in just under an hour." - Jenna Scatena