The royal palace in Roskilde was built 1733-36 on the site of the old bishops' palace immediately east of Roskilde Cathedral. The architect was the young court builder Lauritz de Thurah. The palace was to provide a suitable stopover should the monarch be passing through, or as accommodation in connection with royal funerals (Danish monarchs are buried in the Cathedral).
The yellow-washed, four-wing baroque building was to become the headquarters of the Duke of Wellington during the English siege of Copenhagen in 1807. Later, the palace provided a venue for the so-called Assembly of the Estates of the Realm, which was a forerunner to the introduction of representative government in 1849.
Today, Roskilde Palace is home to three exhibition venues: the Museum of Contemporary Art, Roskilde Art Association in the Palace Wing and the Palace Collections. The palace's gardens and courtyard are also used for exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events.
Last updated:: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
