Royal Danish Theatre (Kongelige Teater), Copenhagen

The Royal Danish Theatre is a place where Denmark brings the drama (in a good way). If you鈥檙e strolling through central Copenhagen, you are bound to spot this grand, palatial building that looks like it鈥檚 about to burst into opera, ballet, or Shakespeare at any moment.

Founded back in 1748, it started as the royal family鈥檚 personal cultural playground. The main building, known as the Old Stage, sits regally on King鈥檚 New Square. Matching its grand fa莽ade is the interior with its neoclassical opulence: red velvet, chandeliers, and plenty of gold leaf. Outside the main entrance are the statues of two literary big names: Adam Oehlenschl盲ger, the Danish Golden Age poet and playwright, and Ludvig Holberg, once dubbed "the father of Danish literature".

But wait 鈥� there鈥檚 more drama across the canal! The new ultramodern Opera House (inaugurated in 2005), looking like a spaceship, and the Royal Danish Playhouse, a waterfront beauty with glass walls, sharp angles, and stunning harbor views, opened in 2008.

If you can鈥檛 get a ticket, no worries. There are guided tours of the Old Stage where you can sneak a peek behind the curtains, strut across the stage (try not to trip), and even step inside the royal box like you own the place. It鈥檚 surprisingly affordable and, yes, could easily be the highlight of your trip!

As a bonus, Hans Christian Andersen鈥檚 fans would be surprised to learn that at age 14, our favorite fairy-tale writer gave it a go here as an actor, singer, and dancer. Yes! Alas, it didn鈥檛 go well. His plays were rejected. His stage presence was questionable. But plot twist 鈥� a kind theater director sent him off to grammar school for five years, which later helped him get into university and, at long last, find his literary groove.

Moral of the story 鈥� a failed audition can be just a prequel to worldwide fame...

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Sight Name: Royal Danish Theatre (Kongelige Teater)
Sight Location: Copenhagen, Denmark (See walking tours in Copenhagen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Hans Christian Andersen's Copenhagen

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