Another round of anniversaries
Every year is the year of the anniversary these days, and until somebody in authority – a world dictatorship should do it – shouts “Enough, from now on we will only be marking the birthdays of Jesus Christ and the Führer,” we’re lumbered with them.
This week in Museums Corner we’re previewing exhibitions marking the 70th anniversary of the Rescue of the Danish Jews and the 80th anniversary of the HC Ørstedmorens, a diesel engine that was the largest in the world for more than 30 years, and a painting of the Royal Family that was supposed to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the House of Glücksburg, but ended up being one of the most viewed online images of the last month. Likened to the Addams Family and Insidious, it’s the creepiest image of a royal family since the photo of the Romanovs before they were all shot.
The creepy royal portrait
Those interested in taking a gander at the new Danish Royal Family portrait (recent media criticism has called it “creepy” and likened it to a promo for a horror film) can do so at Christian VIII’s palace at Amalienborg in the renowned Gala Hall from now until March 2. The portrait took four years to complete and its terminus marks the 150th anniversary of the House of Glücksburg. The exhibition Thomas Kluge, Portraits of the Danish Royal Family features the newest family portrait and a variety of Kruge’s other royal portraits done in years past. Hurry to this exhibition before their private owners reclaim Kruge’s portraits, and the new family portrait takes its rightful place in Fredensborg Palace, one of the preferred homes of the royal couple.
Amalienborg Museum, Amalienborg Palace, Cph K; on display until March 2; tickets: over-18s: 80kr, under-18s free adm, concessions available; www.dkks.dk
DieselHouse
On Sunday December 15, DieselHouse will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the HC Ørstedmorens (Ørsted Engine), a 1,400-tonne diesel engine with a capacity of 22,500 EHK that remained the largest in the world for more than 30 years (1933 -1963). The engine was put into production in 1932 by Burmeister & Wain and handed over to Hans Christian Ørstedværket on 15 December 1933. It has since been used as a source of back-up power for Copenhagen’s electrical grid. In 2003 it was used to restore power to parts of southern Sweden, Copenhagen, and other areas of Zealand during a major blackout. In honour of the engine’s birthday, Dieselhouse will jumpstart the behemoth during the event. Mulled wine and fritters will be available from 10:00, and the Ørstedmorens will be started up at 11:00. Following the event, the engine will be started the first and third Sunday every month at 11:00.
DieselHouse, Elværksvej 50, Cph SV; Sun Dec 15, starts 10:00; free adm; www.dieselhouse.dk
‘Hjem’ at the Dansk Jødisk Museum
Many people know the story of the Danish Jews and their escape to Sweden in 1943, but what happened when they returned home in May 1945? Hjem, the newest exhibition at the Danish Jewish Museum, explores this topic, investigating the different circumstances Danish Jews faced upon return. Some were met with total economic devastation, while others were able to carry on with their lives in relative normality. Many families were reunited, though some were separated forever. News of the concentration camps weighed heavily on the minds of the Danish Jewish population upon return, and the fear that distant loved ones might face conscription in these camps was deep and constant. Hjem continues the Danish Jewish story where the typical historical narrative leaves off, revealing an emotional dynamic that adds significant depth to our understanding of the Second World War from a Danish-Jewish perspective.
Proviantpasagen 6, Cph K; ends Nov 30; tickets: over-18s 40kr, under-18s free adm concessions 40kr,; www.jewmus.dk
Find out more at http://www.cphmuseums.com/.
