One of Copenhagen’s most iconic theatres, Østre Gasværk in Østerbro, is poised for a major facelift in the coming year.

The renovation, which will cost 38 million kroner, will start at the beginning of next year and is scheduled to be completed sometime during the summer of 2018.

“Østre Gasværk’s full potential will be unleashed as a completely open and magnificent space,” said Pia Jette Hansen, the head of Østre Gasværk.

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m very proud that we’ve finally managed to get there, thanks to a tough and sustained effort. It will be a beautiful end to my nearly eight years at the theatre as I pass on the baton to Emmet Feigenberg.”

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Steeped in history
The funds required for the makeover were four years in the raising – helped along by contributions from the A P Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møllers Foundation, Augustinus Foundation and the Aage and Johanne Louis-Hansens Foundation.

The building has yearned for a caring touch for many years, thanks to its technical limitations, worn interior and criticism of its seating comfort.

The makeover will include the complete clearing of the interior and the space will be one massive open dome, where guests have a complete view of the floor, walls and the raised ceiling.

Østre Gasværk was originally designed by the architect Martin Nyrop, who also designed City Hall in Copenhagen, and was completed in 1883. Its proportions were inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and contained the gas supply of northern Copenhagen for many years.

It was later closed down, but eventually transformed into a theatre in the late 1970s.