Throughout their existence, the ministerial buildings opposite the old stock exchange building in Copenhagen have been a vital part of the kingdom's centre of power on Slotsholmen. Any visitor to the buildings will sense many centuries of Danish history expressed in striking contrasts between new and old interiors.
The Red Building
The most striking building is the Chancellery or the Red Building, which houses the Ministry of Finance. It was built in 1721 as Denmark's first state administrative building. It was followed by the other buildings in Slotsholmsgade, as the state administrative apparatus grew.
Storm’s Building from 1696 belonged to Frederik IV, who used it to accommodate first his mistress Countess Schindel, and then his wife by morganatic marriage Anne Sophie Rewentlow. This building is also used today by the Ministry of Finance.
Indication of the First Christiansborg Palace
Württemberg Palace, which today e.g. houses the Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs, was built in 1740-42, at the same time as the first Christiansborg Palace. Some of the rooms therefore give an indication of the interiors of the first Christiansborg Palace.
The ministerial buildings also house the Ministry of the Interior and Health and the Ministry of Justice. The buildings in Slotsholmsgade are only open for special guided tours.
Last updated:: Friday, October 23, 2009
