Stærekassen, the extension to the Royal Danish Theatre on Kongens Nytorv, remains the most recognized work by Danish architect Holger Jacobsen. Built between 1928 and 1931, the structure serves as a primary example of his contribution to the national landscape, characterized by complex design requirements and significant professional challenges throughout his career in the Kingdom of Denmark.
Formative Years and Education
Born in Odense in 1876, Holger Jacobsen began his vocational path as a carpenter before furthering his technical education in his hometown. Between 1898 and 1905, he attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. During this period, he studied under Hans Jørgen Holm, serving as an assistant within Holm’s practice. Following his graduation, Jacobsen traveled through France, Spain, and Italy, where he developed a deep appreciation for Mannerism and Baroque styles. These experiences, complemented by Vilhelm Wanscher's lectures on Michelangelo, influenced his aesthetic identity, leading him to characterize himself as the final Italian practitioner in Danish architecture.
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Jacobsen achieved professional recognition with the construction of Bispebjerg Crematorium, built between 1905 and 1906. His early portfolio also included the Taastrup New Church in 1907, a structure that blended northern Italian design concepts with Jugendstil interior details. His versatility became evident during the rebuilding of the Circus Building in Copenhagen following a 1914 fire. Additionally, he oversaw the completion of the Copenhagen Police Headquarters from 1922 to 1924, stepping in after the death of the project's original architect, Hack Kampmann.
The Royal Theatre Extension
In 1925, Jacobsen proposed an expansion for the Royal Danish Theatre, which had faced chronic space limitations since 1874. His submission earned him the C. F. Hansen Medal the same year. He secured the project after winning an architectural competition with a revised plan that incorporated two additional floors to house the National Danish Broadcasting Company. Although the resulting building, known as the Nesting Box, opened in 1931, it faced substantial criticism from figures like Poul Henningsen, who questioned its functional design. The building was later listed in 1995.
Later Career and Legacy
Following the completion of the theatre extension, Jacobsen concentrated his efforts primarily on residential architecture and the design of various office buildings. His career spanned several decades, during which he remained a fixture of the Danish architectural scene until his death in 1960 in Copenhagen. His body of work includes numerous chapels, cemeteries, and private residences, such as his own house at 6 Rosbæksvej and a villa on Ceresvej in Frederiksberg.
Fast facts
- Born: 1876, Odense
- Died: 1960, Copenhagen
- Education: Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
- Notable Award: C. F. Hansen Medal
- Key Project: Stærekassen
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Denmark
Questions readers ask
What is Holger Jacobsen’s most famous building?
His best-known work is Stærekassen, an extension of the Royal Danish Theatre located on Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen.
Which design styles influenced Jacobsen?
He was heavily influenced by Mannerist and Baroque architecture observed during his travels in France, Spain, and Italy, as well as the lectures of Vilhelm Wanscher.
Achievements
- Notable work: Stærekassen
- C. F. Hansen Medal
- Trained at Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
