Danish by design

Finn Juhl was one of the groundbreaking designers that from the 1940s onward, in company with Arne Jacobsen and Poul Kjaerholm, created what was to become known abroad as ‘Danish Modern’. He became a father-figure of the new Teak style and made furniture using new techniques with great details and most of all, they were extremely comfortable.

In 1942 he created his own home in Ordrup, north of Copenhagen, furnished with his own designs, a masterpiece of balance and cohesion focusing greatly on the interplay between furniture and space.

His house is located right next to Ordrupgaard Art Museum. This museum houses great works by Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershoi and other European masters like Renoir and Degas. It has recently been extended by an amazing structure created by internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid. This combination of artistic experiences makes a trip to Ordrupgaard a must for art lovers everywhere. Ordrupgaard is reached by commuter train and taxi in around just 15 minutes from Copenhagen central. Ordrupgaard.dk.

Anyone wishing to further explore the art treasures along the exclusive ‘Golden Coast’ north of Copenhagen, should head for Louisiana.

Louisiana celebrates 50

Louisiana Museum, 35kms north of Copenhagen has over the last fifty years become one of the most important museums of modern art in northern Europe. It houses an exquisite collection of works by international artists such as Arp, Francis Bacon, Calder, Dubuffet, Max Ernst, Sam Francis, Giacometti, Kiefer, Henry Moore, Picasso, Rauschenberg and Warhol.

Every year, the Louisiana Museum shows six to eight major exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, including classical masters of modern art as well as new and upcoming international artists. Louisiana is not merely an experience in modern and contemporary art, but a congenial reflection of the interplay between art, architecture and landscape. Major exhibitions this year Includes ‘Cezanne and Giacometti’ open now until 29 June and a major retrospective of Danish artist Per Kirkeby 3 September – 29 January 2009. Louisiana.dk

Copenhagen Architecture and Design Days 16-18 May

This increasingly popular annual event showcases the latest trends in Danish architecture and design. More than 30 different cultural institutions, comp-anies and organisations offer guided tours, lectures and exhibitions all over the city. A full programme will be available in mid April. Cphadd.com

How to get there:

bmi regional, Britain’s most punctual airline operates daily flights to Copenhagen from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Leeds Bradford airports, with flights available from just £68 one way including taxes and charges. The airline operates an all jet-fleet with business and economy services, business lounge facilities, online check-in and the UK’s most generous frequent flyer programme, diamond club. For more information and to book flights, visit flybmi.com.

Where to stay – designer style
SAS Royal Hotel, created by Arne Jacobsen - Radissonsas.com or one of the Choice Hotels at Choice.dk.

For more information log on to Visitcopenhagen.com.