Studenterhuset
| Company type | Non-profit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Student services, cultural events |
| Founded | 1730s |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen , Denmark |
Area served | Students of University of Copenhagen and other higher education institutions |
Key people | Volunteer student board |
| Products | Café, concerts, debates, events, university festival organization |
| Owner | Autonomous entity associated with the University of Copenhagen |
Number of employees | Small number of paid employees; approximately 200 student volunteers |
| Parent | University of Copenhagen (association) |
| Website | studenterhuset |
Studenterhuset (The Students' House), situated at the intersection of Købmagergade No. 52 and Trinitatis Kirkeplads adjacent to the Round Tower, functions as a central hub for students in Copenhagen, Denmark. While it primarily caters to students of the University of Copenhagen, individuals enrolled in other higher education institutions are also eligible for membership. The structure originates from the 1730s but exhibits architectural modifications characteristic of the 19th century. For more than one hundred years, the property was under the ownership of brewers who operated a brewery within the courtyard. It gained protection status by being included on the Danish registry of protected buildings and places in 1945. A commemorative plaque indicates that Studenterforeningen occupied its initial premises here between 1820 and 1824. Distinguished former inhabitants encompass medicine professor Christian Friis Rottbøll (1727–1797), naval officers Steen Andersen Bille (1751–1833) and Olfert Fischer, politician Christian Colbjørnsen, as well as philosophy professor Børge Riisbrigh (1731–1809).
17th century
Initially, the location consisted of two separate properties. According to Copenhagen's earliest cadastre from 1689, one property was identified as No. 1 in Rosenborg Quarter, owned by brewer Anders Børgesen; the other was designated No. 2 and belonged to Jens Christensen, a former turner.
18th century
Subsequent to a fire, these two properties were consolidated into a single estate. The current edifice was erected between 1729 and 1731 by master mason Ole Larsen alongside carpenter Gabriel Sørensen, commissioned by the widow of councilman Jens Lasen. In the 1756 cadastre, it appeared as No. 2 in Rosenborg Quarter under ownership of Niels Pedersen. Among its notable residents were medicine professor Christian Friis Rottbøll (1770–75), theology professor and bishop N. E. Balle (1773), law professor Edvard Colbjørnsen (1773–76), jurist and politician Christian Colbjørnsen (1774), philosophy professor Børge Riisbrigh (1782), and naval officer Olfert Fischer (1782).
The census of 1787 documented nineteen inhabitants, including brewer Johan Conrad Fribert with his brewery personnel; Supreme Court judge Jacob Edvard Colbiørnsen accompanied by family and servants; widow Caroline Kløecker with her children and domestic staff; along with naval officers Just Bille and Steen Andersen Bille.
1800–1840
By the time of the 1801 census, twenty-nine individuals lived on the property within three separate households. Brewer Hendrich Jacobsen resided there with his family, brewery employees, and lodgers. Caroline Kløcker maintained a household comprising maids, servants, two book dealers, and an artist lodger named Friderich Harrer. Peder Boy Wiborg, who managed the adjacent porcelain factory, lived there with his wife, six children, and a wet nurse.
The property continued to be listed as No. 2 in the 1806 cadastre.
In November 1820, the recently established Student's Union (Studenterforeningen) leased space on the ground floor before moving to Admiralgade 28 in 1824.
1840s
During the 1850 census, forty-two occupants were recorded at the address. Brewer Carsten Carstensen resided on the ground floor with his family and staff members. First-floor residents included medical doctor and botanist Peter Thonning along with his family and servants. Additional inhabitants comprised employees from St. Petri Girls' School as well as local merchants such as grocer Carl Christensen and widow bookbinder Anne Kirstine Lerche.
The majority of residents listed in the 1845 census remained consistent during this period.
Subsequent Developments
Starting in the 1870s, the premises were occupied by Meyer & Henckel, a company specializing in chemicals.
In 1875, the property became home to Vilhelm Prior's bookstore and publishing firm. His son, Aage Prior, joined as a partner in 1900 and took over the business following Vilhelm's passing in 1910. After Aage's death in 1936, his widow Anine Prior along with their daughters Anna and Estrid continued managing the enterprise until at least 1950. The bookstore ultimately ceased operations in 1964.
From 1943 until 1970, the upper two floors of the side wing were utilized as dormitory accommodations for students of theology.
Current Use
Studenterhuset functions as an autonomous entity associated with the University of Copenhagen and is overseen by a volunteer student board. Approximately 200 student volunteers representing up to 40 different countries collaborate with a small number of paid employees to run the facility. It features a café, hosts concerts, debates, and a variety of other events. Additionally, Studenterhuset is responsible for organizing the University of Copenhagen’s annual spring festival.
External links
- Official website
- Henrik Marcus Marcussen at geni.com