World Capital of Architecture 2023 Copenhagen
PHOTO: Zhong Min Peng©RPBY: City of Copenhagen & Henning OKholm The year of architecture 2023 is launched with an officialinauguration with the participation of His Royal Highness the CrownPrince and opening of exhibitions in the City Hall Tower and onKongens Nytorv. 2023 is the year of architecture in Copenhagen. The capital of Denmark´is indeed the world’s Capital of Architecture, as Copenhagen can claim the title of UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture. It´s markedwith plenty of events across the city throughout 2023, which arecreated by the City of Copenhagen, a number of business partners and´not the least the Copenhageners themselves. The Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, who is hostingthe official inauguration with the Mayor of the Technical andEnvironmental Administration, Line Barfod, is looking forward togetting started: “I am proud that Copenhagen has been named World Capital ofArchitecture. It’s a completely unique opportunity to show the worldwhat we can do in architecture, urban development and sustainabilityand it’s an important occasion for dialogue about the development ofthe capital of the future. If Copenhagen is to continue to be amongthe world’s best cities, we must handle the great challenges of thetime together – climate change, rising water levels, the lack ofhousing, accumulated soil from construction projects and a metrowhich is becoming true to its own success. With over 300 activitiesduring the year of Architecture, I look forward to exitingconversations about the city’s development with Copenhageners andguests from abroad.” The Mayor of the Technical and Environmental Administration, LineBarfod, comments:“Architecture is much more than just beautiful buildings. It’s alsopart of the solution to the challenges of climate crisis, housingshortage and social distortion, that our city faces. Danish architectsand urban planners are already good at this. But I look forward toexchanging knowledge and ideas with the Copenhageners and ourinternational guests about how we together can create an even bettercapital that is accessible to everyone”. The year of Architecture officially kicks off today at 10 o´clock atCopenhagen City Hall. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is patron of the World Capital of Architecture year and gives a speech at theofficial opening. In the evening, the light work White Beams is switched on from theCity Hall Tower and illuminates the ten districts of Copenhagen – thepiece of work is made in partnership with Copenhagen Light Festival.There are more than 120 partners, which include seven Copenhagenmuseums, which in 2023 will all create exhibitions and special eventsthat have a flavour of architecture and the city – from NikolajKunsthal´s installation of miniature houses to Thorvaldsen Museum´sspecial exhibition on Bindesbøll´s classicist masterpiece. TheGlyptotek, The Workers Museum and the Museum of Copenhagen are also among the supporting forces of the year of Architecture. As an inspiration on how to embrace as many people as possible forthis year´s events, with main partner Bevica Fonden, among otherthings, there is developed an accessibility guide and there has beenworkshops held for the organizers. ”It’s simply about trying to create equal opportunities forparticipation – regardless of which functional abilities you have”,says the director of the foundation, Marianne Kofoed.Program of the official opening ceremony at City Hall, Banquet Hall Time and place. ActivityMain entrance10:00H.R.H The Crown