Holmen

Holmen Review

Previously isolated from central Copenhagen, this former navy base north of Christianshavn, dating from the 17th century, has in recent years become an attractive area for arts, culture and chic living, all housed in converted military facilities. The Royal Academy's schools of Theatre, Film, Music, and Architecture are all housed in old barracks here. The most famous resident is the new opera house designed by the famous Danish architect Henning Larsen and placed symmetrically opposite the Marble Church and Amalienborg Castle. Operas are in their original language with Danish subtitles. The building opens three hours prior to performances, including a café and restaurant, the latter only for ticket-holders. The area is most easily accessed by harbor bus ferries that depart from Nyhavn, the Black Diamond, and Knippelsbro.