Exploring Copenhagen’s eerie underground Cisterns
All images: Hiatus.Design
The Cisterns in Copenhagen, hidden beneath Søndermarken Park, are a fascinating and eerie underground space with a rich history.
Originally constructed in 1856, these massive reservoirs were part of Copenhagen’s first water supply system, designed to store and deliver clean drinking water to the growing city. By the early 1930s, the Cisterns had become obsolete, and over time, they were left unused, hidden beneath the city until they found new life as a unique exhibition and event space.
Today, the Cisterns are renowned for hosting contemporary art installations, combining the raw, industrial beauty of the space with immersive artistic experiences. Walking through them is like stepping into another world – a quiet, eerie, and atmospheric place where art and architecture merge seamlessly with the space's natural dampness and darkness.
As you descend into the Cisterns, the air becomes cooler, and the scent of moisture fills the space. It's dark, with only faint lighting casting reflections across the shallow pools of water that still line parts of the floors. The vaulted ceilings, supported by thick pillars, create an echoing chamber that amplifies every footstep, adding to the surreal ambiance. Walking through the space, it feels almost like being in a cathedral, but instead of stained glass, you’re surrounded by rough stone and the ever-present sound of dripping water.
Art installations often take full advantage of this environment. Light, sound, and water are frequently used in the exhibitions to enhance the sensory experience. As you wander, you might come across projections flickering on the walls, sculptures partially submerged in water, or haunting soundscapes echoing through the cavernous chambers. The immersive quality of the space means you're not just observing art; you’re engulfed by it.
Walking through the Cisterns is a meditative and immersive experience – one that plays with your senses and offers a hauntingly beautiful contrast to the vibrant city above ground.
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