Model of Amalienborg

Amalienborg is unique in many ways. The four palaces were originally built as homes for high-ranking noble families, and were not intended for the royalty at all. But the complex nevertheless came to function ideally as a residence for the Royal Family, who moved in after the fire at Christiansborg in 1794. That Amalienborg came to serve this purpose was first and foremost due to it being an unusually successful piece of architecture, but the harmonious proportions and elegant rococo decoration are only one side of the story. Another lies in the very practical arrangement that the various generations of the Royal Family have been able to share the palaces between them, which in an international context is something quite unique to Amalienborg.

In celebration of this fantastic structure we have had a large interactive model made, which can be seen in the Garden Room in Christian VIII’s Palace. The model, which was unveiled in 2013, is made of Corian. The palaces have been reproduced in great detail, taking into account each of the four building’s particular features, and the model is positioned in parallel to the palace complex itself. The equestrian statue of Frederik V has been reproduced with particular accuracy on the basis of a 3D scanning of a smaller bronze version of the sculpture, which is to be found in Christian VII’s Palace.

Around the model are screens on which you can explore the palace complex and read more about the palaces and their various royal residents. The history of the individual palaces and their current uses are explained, all of which is accompanied by a comprehensive image gallery. Around the model a number of stories about Amalienborg are also to be found – for example about the large columned structure, the ‘Colonnade’, which was built as a kind of bridge between Christian IX’s Palace and Christian VII’s Palace, and about the digging of a tunnel under Frederiksgade street during the Second World War, which was intended to make it possible for the Royal Family to flee from the occupying forces.

The current Danish Royal Family is presented at the other end of the Garden Room, where you can learn about the various royal commitments. You can gain an impression of HM Queen Margrethe’s many State Visits and click on the Royal Family’s calendar, as well as watch a film about their daily life.