I don’t know for sure if Huset (the house) is one of the oldest cultural institutions of Copenhagen, but if you ask me it might, however, be the most important and most appreciated ones, because it has its history and cultural foundation grounded at “people-level”. This culture center was established in the late 60s when a group of idealists acquired the property in Magstræde, which used to be an old toy factory.
They fought somewhat of an exhausting battle to keep it going with both good and bad times through the decades. Huset’s status quo features 7 scenes for theater, music, cinema, spoken word and alternative art forms. It’s the venue for an overwhelming number of events (probably 1400 a year), and Huset also plays a significant role in the annual international Copenhagen Jazz Festival.
I’m drawn in because Huset embraces both the established and the upcoming productions… Mostly the latter. The first time I was here, I randomly walked by the gate to Huset’s courtyard in Rådhusstræde (which is now the official entrance) where a rock band was playing their hearts out for a very small audience! I felt welcome when I cautiously peeked inside, and since I’ve gone there to support other upcoming acts.
Check out information about events on Huset’s website, I’m sure there’s something you’d enjoy, and like I said – there’s something scheduled almost each day. If not, you should go to their Bastard Café and challenge your friends in board games!