Elephant Tower, Carlsberg
| Company type | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Industry | Architecture / Brewery heritage |
| Founded | 1901 |
| Founder | Vilhelm Dahlerup (architect) |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen , Denmark |
| Products | Water tower, storage silo, brewery gate |
The Elephant Tower (Danish: Elefanttårnet), alternatively referred to as the Elephant Gate (Danish: Elefantporten), stands as the most renowned symbol of the Carlsberg district in Copenhagen, Denmark. This landmark designates the initial location of the Carlsberg Breweries and is currently part of an urban redevelopment project transforming the area into a modern neighbourhood. Its name derives from the four massive granite elephants positioned back-to-back, which support the gate structure.
History
Erected in 1901 alongside the Ny Carlsberg Brewhouse, the Elephant Tower was conceived by architect Vilhelm Dahlerup, who had previously worked on earlier phases of the brewery facilities. In contrast to the brewhouse, designed by Vilhelm Klein, this tower played a pivotal role within the Ny Carlsberg complex, arranged with the original Ny Carlsberg building and the Dipylon around a central courtyard. Initially, it served dual functions as both a water tower and a storage silo for herbs.
Functioning as the brewery’s entrance from the direction of Valby, the Elephant Tower complemented the Dipylon gate, which faced towards central Copenhagen.
Architecture
Exemplifying Ny Carlsberg’s unique architectural character and Dahlerup’s stylistic approach, the Elephant Tower showcases vibrant Historicist design elements drawn from various historical periods and cultural influences.
Elephants
The concept of the four granite elephants originated with Carl Jacobsen, drawing inspiration from Bernini’s famous elephant statue carrying an obelisk in Rome’s Piazza della Minerva. These sculptures were crafted by Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan based on Dahlerup’s designs and serve as prominent visual motifs representing power and durability.
The spire
The tower’s upper portion spans 115 square metres and is built using red decorative brickwork. It features tall, rounded-arch windows and is crowned by a copper-covered onion dome, contributing to its distinctive profile.
See also
- Carlsberg Group buildings and structures
- Animal sculptures in Copenhagen
- Arches and vaults in Denmark
- Art Nouveau architecture in Copenhagen
- Art Nouveau industrial buildings
- Elephants in art
- Gates in Copenhagen
- Granite sculptures in Copenhagen
- Sculptures by Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan
- Cultural depictions of Carl Jacobsen
- Towers completed in 1901
- Vilhelm Dahlerup buildings
- Water towers in Denmark