Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen facts for kids
| Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen | |
Quick facts for kids  Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen |
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| Hotel facts and statistics | |
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| Location | Hammerichsgade 1, Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Coordinates | 55°40′30″N 12°33′47″E / 55.67500°N 12.56306°E |
| Opening date | 1 July 1960 |
| Architect | Arne Jacobsen |
| Management | Radisson Hospitality AB (part of Radisson Hotel Group) |
The Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen is a famous hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. It's known for its unique design by the Danish architect Arne Jacobsen. This hotel was a very important building when it first opened.
A Look Back: Hotel History
This special hotel was designed by the famous Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen. He created it for the airline Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS). The hotel first opened its doors on July 1, 1960. King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid were there for the grand opening. It was first called the Royal Hotel, and sometimes the SAS Royal Hotel.
How the Hotel's Name Changed
Over the years, the hotel's name changed a few times. In 1994, it became the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel. This happened when SAS teamed up with Radisson Hotels. Later, in 2009, the hotel stayed with Radisson and was renamed the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. Finally, in 2018, it got its current name: Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen.
Denmark's First Skyscraper
When it was finished, this hotel was the biggest in Denmark. It stood 69.60 meters (about 228 feet) tall. This made it the first skyscraper in Copenhagen. For almost ten years, until 1969, it was also the tallest high-rise building in Denmark.
Unique Hotel Design
The entire hotel was designed by Arne Jacobsen. He planned everything, from the outside walls to the forks and spoons in the restaurant. Even the famous Swan and Egg chairs in the lobby were his creations.
Jacobsen's "Lost Masterpiece"
Many parts of Jacobsen's original design have been changed over time. Because of this, some people call the hotel Jacobsen's Lost Gesamtkunstwerk. This German word means a "total work of art," where everything is designed by one artist.
Room 606: A Glimpse into the Past
Luckily, one special room has been kept exactly as Jacobsen designed it. This is room number 606. It still has all the original green furniture and wood panels on the walls. You can't book this room to stay in, but you can ask for a tour to see it!
Green Themes and Organic Shapes
Jacobsen used many shades of green throughout his design. He was also a landscape architect, so he wanted the hotel to feel like a "modern garden." He used green fabrics and furniture. He also mixed "organic shapes" (like curves) with straight, geometric forms.
Famous Furniture Designs
Arne Jacobsen created many pieces of furniture, lights, and textiles for the hotel. Some of these designs later became very popular. They are now seen as design classics and are shown in museums around the world. Other pieces were unique and only made for the hotel.
Early Criticisms of the Building
When the hotel's design was first shown, some people in Denmark were worried. They thought it would ruin Copenhagen's traditional skyline. Some even compared the building to a "punch card." Jacobsen joked about this, saying, "it’s funny, for that is actually what it looks like when the windows are open on a hot summer’s day."
Building Structure
The hotel tower is twenty stories high. It stands out in Copenhagen's skyline. Its design was inspired by buildings on Park Avenue in New York City, like the Lever House. The hotel looks light and airy because of its two-story base, which supports the tall tower.
The "Curtain Wall" Look
The tower is built with a strong concrete frame. Its outer walls are made of aluminum and green and gray glass. These walls are called "curtain walls" because they hang like a curtain from the building's frame. The windows can be opened inwards. This special wall design makes the hotel look like a "glass cigarbox," a name given by one of Jacobsen's friends.
Hotel Location
The Radisson Collection Royal Hotel is right in the middle of Copenhagen. It's in the Vesterbro district. It's also very close to the famous Tivoli Gardens and the Copenhagen Central Station. Outside the hotel, there's a statue called the "Freedom Statue." It reminds people of when serfdom (a type of forced labor) was ended in Denmark.
Gallery
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The hotel in 2016
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A view of the hotel on the left and to its right the Copenhagen Central Station
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Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Room 606, by Arne Jacobsen
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Swan and egg chairs in the lobby, in front of a picture of the hotel
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An exhibition with Jacobsen's furniture etc. at SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen 2000.
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