New Foyer in Denmark’s Royal Opera House Offers a Warm and Bright Welcome
Organic shapes, voluminous lamps, soft fabrics, long, flowing curtains and pale woods. Guests are greeted with a warm welcome as they enter the foyer of the Royal Opera House for a drink between performances or to enjoy lunch in the stunning location in Holmen on the Copenhagen waterfront.
After 20 years, the Opera House’s public spaces, waiting areas and restaurant have been carefully redecorated. The aim was to meet the needs of the public in the year 2022. The new public park, swimming pool and cultural center being built in the vicinity are expected to attract more visitors, who can also enjoy the restaurant and café at the Opera House during the daytime hours. An additional ambition was to create a more subdued and harmonious atmosphere in the public spaces to accentuate the Opera House’s striking wooden shell.
Four-Stories Redecorated
The interior design concept was developed by Henning Larsen Architects, who also created the original design for the Opera House, while HOLMRIS B8 consulted on and supplied all furniture and fittings. The new interiors are heavy on Danish design, with pale oak, soft upholstery, large carpets and lightwight fabrics striking a lovely contrast to the Sicilian stone floor and bringing out the warmth in the space.
The biggest change can be found on the top floor, where the Opera House restaurant has been given a complete makeover. Guests can now enjoy their meals in smaller seating areas and lounge sofas behind gauzy curtains and with fantastic views. The restaurant chairs in matte-varnished oak and leather upholstery are from the Danish brand Mater, while the tables are from &Tradition. The restaurant’s half-round sofas, as well as the wine racks and the serving counters are custom-made from Sorø Møbler.
Henrik Sten Petersen, Director of Operations and Sales at the Royal Danish Theater, says:
“Redecorating the interiors of an iconic building like the Royal Opera House isn’t easy, but we exceeded all expectations, achieving a both functional and harmonious design completely in line with the Royal Danish Theatre’s focus on the overall audience experience. In this connection, HOLMRIS B8 as our advisor and supplier guaranteed high-quality and stylish solutions.”
Greater Capacity
In the entrance area, the Opera House now has two large new bars, providing twice as much serving capacity between performances. On the first balcony, the existing bar has been upgraded and smaller lounge areas have been added with soft furnishings where guests can enjoy a drink or a cup of coffee.
It is also possible to have a drink at the bar along the facade with a view of Amaliehaven Gardens or the waterfront outside the giant window sections. The armchairs and sofas here are also from the Danish brand &Tradition, while the custom-made serving counter in the entrance area is from Sorø Møbler.
The Royal Opera House reopened with its new interiors in Autumn 2021.
