13. Gruntvigs Church
While researching a little bit for my recent trip to Copenhagen it became clear how much interesting architecture the city contained- it’s positively bursting at the seams with interesting buildings and spaces. Amongst this research, an image of a church kept reappearing, with a brightness and simplicity reminiscent of a film, magical looking enough to be from Harry Potter. Upon delving a little deeper, I found that the church was called “Grundtvigs Kirke” (Grundtvigs Church), and that it was located relatively close to the centre of Copenhagen.
Grundtvigs Kirke was built to commemorate N. F. S. Grundtvig, a writer, poet, priest and reformer. It has been really interesting to learn about this figure in Danish history, who I had never heard of until this point. More about him and his history can be found here, but for now- back to the building made in his memory.
The church was designed by architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen Klint, and the project was continued by his son Kaare Klint upon Peder’s death. The church was completed in 1940.
Interior of Grundtvigs church
The church is Gothic style, and inside brings in all of the height and light characteristic of that style of architecture, with the mathematical symmetry and harmony. The simple use of yellow brick as the material throughout, and the lack of ornamentation within the church makes for a very peaceful atmosphere. Where many churches feature pews, Grundtvigs Kirke features individual chairs, arranged in rows- but clearly able to be moved- almost a reminder that the skeleton of the church will remain. These chairs were also designed by Kaare Klint and feature a “pocket” at the back to hold bibles, hymn and psalm books.
The following gallery highlights the striking exterior, the beauty of the interior, the restraint in materials, and the stunning light inside the church- and I’ll let these pictures paint my words for me:
Overall, Grundtvigs church was a beautifully executed example of material restraint. This minimal approach of simply utilising the Danish yellow bricks allows the brickwork itself to stand out, and the light within the church to take the focus. The simple chairs within the interior contribute to this, without being fixed or heavy. The form of the church, patterns of brickwork and light coming in are the feature- and an ethereal atmosphere pervades within, creating a very peaceful and contemplative place.