The Culture Yard
Elsinore Municipality's central cultural centre for concerts, lectures, debates, film, theatre, family events and festivals all year round.
Kulturværftet in Helsingør is a modern cultural centre that was officially opened on 10 October 2010 at 10:10 a.m. in the former shipyard buildings by the harbour. The approximately 13,000 square metre building realised the municipality's vision of preserving the shipyard's historical identity while creating a setting for world-class art and culture. The architects from AART won the competition in 2005, and their design consists of a crystalline climate screen of glass, steel and aluminium that envelops the old halls with visual references to ship sails and the history of the harbour.
Today, Kulturværftet brings together the library, the Shipyard Museum, the Spisehuset café, theatre stages, concert halls and conference facilities under one roof. The library is one of the most used in Denmark and one of only two libraries in Europe to be rated ‘exceptional’ by Library Ranking Europe. Every year, more than half a million people visit the site, including both local residents and tourists, and up to 600 cultural events are held annually with both Danish and international artists.
The café, Spisehuset, is a popular gathering place for both visitors and locals. It serves everything from freshly brewed coffee and homemade baked goods to hot dishes with a focus on local ingredients and sustainability. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the large panoramic windows give guests a fantastic view of the harbour and the Øresund. In summer, you can sit outside and enjoy the sun and fresh sea air. The café serves as both an informal meeting place and a place to take a break during cultural events.
Today, Kulturværftet is a central hub in Helsingør's development from an industrial town to a cultural city and an important gathering place for the town's residents and visitors.