Cisterns in Søndermarken

"The two glass pyramids in Søndermarken is more than just two beautiful architectural constructions. Underneath them you'll find Cisternerne that used to provide the city of Copenhagen with water, and helped solving the major water supply problems during the 1800's after the cholera epidemic. Now it’s a well hidden gem used for various exhibitions. Darkness is the first thing you meet when you walk down the stairs to this 4000 square meter big underground exhibitions space. And not only does this place tease your eyes, it demands you to open up to all of your senses in a way that fewest places does. You won’t know the deal, until you feel it on your own body." - Made in Wonderland

"Some of the most avant-garde contemporary art in Copenhagen is quite literally underground. Cisternerne is an old subterranean reservoir that supplied drinking water to all of Copenhagen from the 1850s until the 1930s, and also doubled as a reflection pool for the nearby Frederiksberg Castle. When the cisterns were finally drained and covered in 1981, they were used as an exhibition space for modern glass art for a decade before they were adopted into the Frederiksberg Museum. Today, Cisternerne, which lies below the grounds of Søndermarken park, functions as a multimedia installation space. The only indication of its presence are the two towering glass pyramids that mark its entrance and exit points. When you descend into the dripstone cave (the only one of its kind in Denmark), the atmosphere changes drastically. The air is typically at 100 percent humidity, but the temperature is usually a cool 47˚F. Impressive stalactites and stalagmites extend from the floor and ceiling, but it’s the art people come to see in this unique setting. The Frederiksberg Museum commissions an artist to create an exhibition for Cisternerne every year. The artists use the unusual cavern setting—along with its darkness, humidity, and reverberant acoustics—to create equally unusual art. The dark, dank series of tunnels prove to be an excellent, if sometimes creepy, backdrop for light and video installations. Past installations include a mossy replica of a Japanese shrine by Hiroshi Sambuichi." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

"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. Once a subterranean reservoir filled with 16 million liters of water, the cistern has been filled by an unconventional museum. The cryptic underground cave—the only dripstone cave in Denmark—is a gloomy labyrinth filled with stalactites and stalagmites." - Mary Holland, Jenna Scatena

"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