Cisternerne

About the museum

The water reservoir beneath the hill Frederiksberg Bakke, at 31 meters above sea level the highest point in the capital, was built in 1856–1859. After a devastating cholera epidemic, it was meant to supply the growing city reliably with clean drinking water and made it possible to deliver water even to tall apartment buildings. At first the basin lay open in front of Frederiksberg Slot; in 1891 it received a concrete roof, over which the lawn with the fountain in Søndermarken was created.

The three underground chambers of equal size together cover 4,320 m², are 4.2 meters high, and held about 16 million liters of water. Granite block walls, brick columns, and a concrete ceiling define the space, along with a reverberation of about 17 seconds, humidity of nearly 100%, and temperatures between about 4 °C in winter and 16 °C in late summer. Seeping water has formed numerous stalactites over decades.

The reservoir was decommissioned in 1933 and was long forgotten. Cultural uses began in 1996, the year of the European Capital of Culture, and in 2001 a museum of modern glass art moved in, for which the two glass pyramids with the stairways were built. Since 2013 the Frederiksbergmuseerne have operated the spaces as an art hall and invite an internationally known artist or architecture firm each year to create an exhibition specifically for this location.

Highlights

• Underground water reservoir from 1856–1859 with 4,320 m² of floor space
• A new art installation every year, created especially for the space
• Stalactites on ceiling and floor
• Reverberation of about 17 seconds
• Entrance via glass pyramids in the Søndermarken park

Founded

1996

Operated by

Frederiksbergmuseerne

Director

Christine Buhl Andersen

Visitors per year

approx. 96,813

Admission & discounts

Tickets are valid for one year from purchase. Annual passes of the Frederiksbergmuseerne (individual, 1+1, Youth under 27) grant free admission and free guided tours. Open introductions to the exhibition are included in the admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access only via a concrete staircase, no elevator; not accessible to wheelchair users. Uneven concrete floor with puddles, walkways, and metal grates over water surfaces, very dim lighting – visually impaired guests are advised to bring a companion, and all guests to wear flat shoes. No restrooms on site; the nearest public restroom is in the small orange house in Søndermarken, about 200 m away. Only guide dogs and assistance dogs allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

For each exhibition there are events for children and adults, some outside regular opening hours. Strollers and buggies cannot be taken down, but may be left in or in front of the entrance pyramid. No restrooms on site.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is in the Søndermarken park opposite Frederiksberg Slot; you descend through the glass pyramid.

Amenities & dining

No mobile reception underground. It is cool and very damp even in summer – a jacket or sweater is recommended.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Available for rent for events such as product presentations, photo shoots, and film shoots; inquiries about music events are reviewed by a music advisory board. Free use of the space is not possible. Private guided tours outside opening hours can be booked.

Plan your visit