National Romanticism

In 1849, the Danish Constitution was signed, marking the transition from absolute monarchy to a new democratic society. Combined with the arrival of industrialization in the cities, this created a time of tension between the new opportunities of industry and the old traditions people feared losing. This led to a nostalgic look back to earlier, safer times. In architecture, this was expressed through traditional and somewhat retrospective trends, where both Danish and foreign styles were revived from history and combined in new ways.

National Romanticism arose partly from the growing interest in Historicism, especially Nordic Historicism. While earlier inspiration had largely come from the south, architects now looked inward. Older Nordic styles once again entered Danish architecture.

Distinctive features of National Romantic architecture

National Romantic architecture incorporates a nation’s or region’s cultural identity and history into its design. It is often characterized by the use of local building materials and traditional craftsmanship.

Danish architects found inspiration in older Nordic building styles, such as Viking ornamentation and medieval architecture. They looked to stave churches and Romanesque churches, which were perceived as more genuinely Danish than later structures. Materials included brick, chalkstone, sandstone, wood, and granite – all traditional Nordic building materials. Constructions were carried out with traditional manual techniques, and the buildings included picturesque, storytelling details carefully integrated into the whole.

The aim was to build in this way again. Early examples still carried traces of earlier emphasis on symmetry, but over time, buildings became less rigid, often consisting of several joined sections with distinct ornamentation.

Examples of the style

Examples of National Romantic architecture in Denmark include Aarhus Theatre and Marselisborg Palace, both known for their detailed carvings and use of local materials. Other notable examples are Byens Hus in Roskilde and Copenhagen City Hall.

Copenhagen City Hall

Copenhagen City Hall is one of the most impressive examples of Danish National Romanticism. Built between 1892 and 1905, it was designed by architect Martin Nyrop.

Instead of imitating historic styles from elsewhere in Europe – the standard approach at the time – Nyrop chose a different path. He and several colleagues questioned the logic of copying other cities’ architecture, such as casting sphinxes or shaping columns. As Nyrop put it: “They don’t build Danish churches in Italy.” He found meaning in Danish craft traditions and in symbols related to Denmark’s fauna, the North Atlantic seas, and its people. This vision is evident throughout his carefully designed city hall.

National Romantic features permeate the building. The exterior is richly decorated with reliefs and sculptures, while the interior is equally detailed, with murals, stair railings, textiles, ornaments, and frescos. High-quality, durable materials were used, crafted with the best artisanal traditions.

Nyrop was inspired by Italian city halls, especially the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena. Copenhagen’s City Hall follows a symmetrical plan, but its 105-meter tower is placed asymmetrically – just like its Italian model.

Skønvirke in the same period

Skønvirke was a National Romantic movement popular from 1900 to 1930. It corresponds to German Jugendstil and French Art Nouveau. It grew out of and was inspired by the English Arts and Crafts Movement, a cultural and artistic movement from mid-19th-century England. That movement sought to counter the negative effects of industrialization and mass production by emphasizing craftsmanship, simplicity, and authenticity.

National Romanticism and Skønvirke are both highly decorative styles, often expressed with vibrant colors. While National Romanticism drew inspiration from Nordic prehistory and local building traditions, Skønvirke took its inspiration from nature. Ornaments often depicted flowers, vines, flowing water, animals, birds – or a woman’s flowing hair.

It is telling that, during a time of change, architects looked both back into history and out into nature for inspiration. National Romantic architecture continued to influence Danish and international building styles for decades, leaving a lasting impact on the way cities and buildings are designed today.