After five months of intensive restoration, Copenhagen’s historic Cirkusbygningen has reopened its doors, ready to welcome visitors into a spectacularly colorful setting. The foyer and entrance areas have been completely redesigned as a vibrant universe inspired by the late Danish designer Verner Panton’s original vision.
The project, carried out in collaboration with LIT Architects and Verner Panton Design AG, has successfully recreated Panton’s distinctive use of color and form in the lobby, staircases, and foyers. The result is a unique fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary design that gives new life to one of Copenhagen’s best-loved venues.
Panton’s Vision Reborn
Verner Panton (1926–1998) is widely recognized as one of Denmark’s most iconic designers, celebrated internationally for his bold use of color, light, and innovative materials. In 1984, he was invited to transform the foyer areas of the Circus Building into a vibrant, functional environment—a project that became one of his major interior design works. That same colorful universe has now been faithfully brought back, enhanced with new elements.
“This is not just a renovation—it’s a revival of a world of colors, still just as fascinating today,” said Christian Sunn, Managing Director of Wallmans and daily manager of the building. “We are very pleased to be able to reintroduce this important cultural heritage. We want the foyer to be a visual and sensory experience for guests and a perfect prelude to the festive evenings inside the Circus Building.”
Orange Bar and Purple Bar
The new foyer design includes two striking bars—Orange Bar and Purple Bar—directly inspired by Panton’s aesthetic. Guests will now enter an atmosphere where geometric patterns, iconic Panton lamps, and sculptural seating create a playful yet stylish setting. The bars will serve as natural gathering points before and after shows, further enriching the venue’s festive atmosphere. The restoration also integrates classic Panton furniture designs from Cone Chairs, 430 Chairs, Pantop lamps, and Fun lamps, among others, all arranged in line with the designer’s original approach. Combined with bold wall colors, patterned flooring, and organic lighting, the foyer now offers a complete sensory experience true to Panton’s artistic philosophy.
Modern Comfort Meets Cultural Heritage
The restoration of the foyer areas is part of a broader initiative launched in April 2025 by Balders Danmark and Wallmans. The project, developed with Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects, combines careful heritage restoration with modern updates to ensure comfort, energy efficiency, and acoustic quality. Carin Panton von Halem, representing Verner Panton Design AG, praised the collaboration:
“We are incredibly pleased that this project has become reality. For us, it is essential that Verner Panton’s designs remain visible and relevant in real life. The Circus Building is one of his major interior works, and it’s a joy to see it shine again.”
Facts: Verner Panton & the Circus Building
1984: Verner Panton designed the original foyer and staircase areas of Cirkusbygningen.
1985: The redesign was completed, introducing Panton’s distinctive color universe to the venue.
2025: The foyer restoration revives and expands this vision, combining classic Panton design with modern improvements.
The Circus Building Today
Founded in 1886, Cirkusbygningen has long been a landmark in Copenhagen. Today, it is best known as the home of Wallmans Dinnerparty, a four-course dinner-and-show experience that attracts thousands of guests each year. The venue also hosts concerts, events, and performances, making it one of the city’s most popular cultural destinations. With its restored foyer, the Circus Building once again pays tribute to Denmark’s design heritage while offering visitors an unforgettable, immersive welcome to an evening of entertainment.
Read more on Cirkusbygningen.dk
