Setting the scene for Copenhagen’s next cultural playground

Client
Det Kongelige Teater / The Royal Danish Theatre

Type
Venture development

The performing arts are for everyone. So why can they feel a little daunting to the youngest audiences? The Royal Danish Theatre wanted to change that – and they had just the place in mind.

Stærekassen, a distinctive Art Deco building in central Copenhagen, was perfectly suited to becoming an experiential playground where children could discover ballet, opera, drama and classical music through play and exploration.

But first, the vision needed buy-in, and that’s where we came in. We developed a concept program to show donors, foundations and other stakeholders how hands-on experiences could open up the world of the performing arts to children.

And it did the trick. In 2021, the Royal Danish Theatre secured significant support from Realdania and the Nordea Foundation to bring the vision to life. Fast-forward to 2026/27, and Hurlumhejhuset (as the new venue is called) is set to open as a theatrical playground for 4 to 12-year-olds and their families.

Here, kids can try their hand at everything from costumes and stagecraft to singing, dancing and playing instruments – while discovering all the magic that goes into bringing a performance to life.