DEC 10

ORGANIC HOUSE BLEND

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Copenhagen’s Opera House, opened in 2005, is one of the most modern and striking opera houses in the world. Situated on the waterfront near Amalienborg Palace, it was designed by the renowned architect Henning Larsen and stands as a symbol of Copenhagen’s commitment to fostering art and culture.

With its bold, futuristic architecture—including a vast glass façade and a roof that rises majestically over the harbour—the Opera House is an awe-inspiring sight. Inside, it seats more than 1,500 people and hosts grand opera productions as well as musical adventures. Beyond being a home for classical music, it also serves as a cultural gathering place that attracts both local and international artists.

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Here’s a little-known and rather fascinating glimpse into the making of Copenhagen’s Opera House—known only to a handful of people behind the scenes—and it reveals much about power, control, and symbolism.

Today’s Anecdote

A hidden room beneath the stage – and Mærsk’s invisible fingerprint

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It is well known that the Opera House on Holmen is among the most advanced and technically impressive opera buildings in the world, boasting state-of-the-art acoustics, movable stage floors, and elaborate stage machinery. But few know that beneath the stage lies a secret, hidden room—absent from the official blueprints.

This space, referred to internally by some staff and technicians as “the Mærsk Room”, was reportedly built as a private technical control chamber and retreat during construction. It is not open to the public, and rumours have persisted for years that it was created at the direct request of Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller himself, who wanted a place where he could monitor performances and technical operations without being seen—or disturbed.

According to a former stage technician, the room supposedly had a direct video feed from the stage, separate ventilation, blackout curtains, and an access code known only to a select few. Whether Mærsk ever actually used it is uncertain—but its very existence was in keeping with his demand that nothing in the Opera House should be left to chance.

Another rarely mentioned aspect: according to several people close to the project, Mærsk was deeply concerned with symbolism. He insisted that the Opera House be placed in exact axial alignment with the Marble Church and Amalienborg Palace, thereby connecting monarchy, religion, and culture across the harbor.

That is why the Opera House stands precisely where it does—not for reasons of practicality, but to embody a Danish trinity of culture that Mærsk saw as the foundation of civilization: the King, the Church, and the Arts.

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Henning Larsen himself was reportedly skeptical of this solemn “alignment,” but he could not alter it—Mærsk was adamant. In this way, Copenhagen as a city was drawn into a mental and ideological architectural program that few citizens have ever reflected upon.

One final curiosity…

The building’s interior is clad in materials of extraordinary luxury: genuine South German limestone, Peruvian mahogany, and Italian lava stone—all personally selected by Mærsk. But perhaps the most exclusive feature is the golden ceiling in the foyer, made from 24-carat gold leaf. More than 100,000 individual sheets were applied by hand.

According to one of the gilders, the process took over a year, and all workers had to sign strict confidentiality agreements before gaining access. The project was so secretive and costly that even the builders were forbidden from taking photographs during the work.

The Opera House on Holmen is not merely a monument to art and culture. It is an architectural and symbolic masterpiece, infused with Mærsk’s precision, control, and ideological vision—from the hidden cellar to the golden ceiling.

And perhaps that is exactly what makes it so unique—and just a little mysterious.

MORE ABOUT THE COFFEE

Organic House Blend

Origin

Peru Negrisa / Bolivia

coffee roast

Taste Notes

Plum, red apple,

almond, orange

This blend unites the deep, rooted character of Peru with the refined nuances of Bolivia, offering a cup that tells the story of Latin America’s rich coffee heritage. Expect juicy notes of plum and orange, layered with almond and plum, and finished with a gentle touch of red apple.
A carefully crafted fusion, it celebrates not just two origins, but the harmonious depth and brightness they create together.

Altitude: 1100-1900 m.a.s.l.

Variety: Caturra, Criola, Tipica

Process: Washed

Certification: Organic

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Did you know that you can order same coffee as beans?

SHOP ORGANIC HB BEANS

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