The cisterns

Art in a former water reservoir
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The Cisterns (Danish: Cisternerne) is an old water reservoir in the Frederiksberg district that has been converted into a museum. The large underground space once stored the city's drinking water, and today hosts changing art exhibitions and events.

History of the cisterns

The cisterns were built in the middle of the 19th century as a water reservoir for a new water supply in the city. This had become necessary after more than 4,000 people died of cholera in 1853, as a result of dirty wells. The cisterns were used in this function until 1933.

However, the building was not converted into an exhibition space until Copenhagen was named Capital of Culture in 1996. From 2001 to 2013, it housed the Museum of Modern Glass Art, and today the complex is part of the Frederiksberg Museums.