NEWS April 8, 2025
Careful Renovation of Iconic Circus Building
We are undertaking a careful restoration of the iconic Cirkusbygningen (Circus Building) in Copenhagen. With respect to both architecture and history, the historic structure is being carefully restored to its former glory — while thoughtfully upgraded to meet modern standards of comfort and functionality.
Constructed in 1886, the Circus Building is undergoing extensive renovation lasting five months from April 1st. The restoration work includes the facade with its characteristic brickwork and the iconic Alexander frieze that wraps around the building. Most of the audience facilities are also being updated – except for the well-known domed hall, which is not part of this phase of the project.
Enhancing the Guest Experience
Indoors, the focus is on enhancing the experience for visitors. The vestibule, ticket office, cloakrooms, bar areas, and restrooms are being renovated according to modern standards of comfort and aesthetics. The building’s technical systems, including ventilation and acoustics, are also being improved to ensure a more beautiful, functional, and reliable environment for both guests and staff.
A foyer area based on Verner Panton’s original colors and lighting concept
A central element of the restoration is the color and lighting design created by the world-renowned designer Verner Panton in 1984. His work left a strong mark on the building’s identity, and the foyer areas are now being recreated using Panton’s original colors and lighting concept:
"The color and lighting design is essential to the restoration. It has had an enormous impact on the Circus Building’s identity because Panton allowed light and color to interact with the building’s architecture and function. Through his work, he interpreted the circus theme, and that’s what we aim to return to with this restoration," says Signe Baadsgaard, Architect and Partner at Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects..
Balancing History and the Future
The Circus Building is a listed structure, which places high demands on material choices and craftsmanship. The restoration is being carried out with great care to preserve the building’s unique cultural heritage – while also supporting future performances and cultural events.
Design by Verner Panton © Verner Panton Design AG
