It doesn’t appear the Bindesbøll ever prepared a very detailed design for Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads, but one can assume that he might have favored a large symmetrical forecourt, much like Schinkels Altes Museum in Berlin, which was a strong inspiration for his museum in Copenhagen.

Therefore, JRDV and team have proposed two architectural design solutions for how a small cove on Slotsholmenskanale could be added to establish a needed symmetrical focal point that deemphasizes the awkward angle with which Vinderbrogade cuts across Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads, isolating the museum from the canal it so near to. This small cove could include interpretive sculptures expanding upon Jørgen Sonne’s “Rome to Copenhagen” narrative that could be experienced both from land, or from the great number of boats that every day pass besides the Thorvaldsens Museum.

Both solutions show a pedestrian bridge over Slotsholmenskanalen making the museum’s main entrance better connected to the very active Gammel Strand, as well as a continuous pedestrian pathway all the around the museum to enable the viewing of the frescos. Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads is also shown infused with new activities (say a café and bar) and much more greenery. The existing modern water feature can be relocated a bit further south.

Solution 1 shows a straight bridge at Knabrostræde while Solution 2 shows a curved bridge crossing Slotsholmenskanalen.

This concept was first published in Magasinet KBH on October 6, 2024.