A PIECE OF DANISH HISTORY

THE MAGASIN DEPARTMENT STORE CELEBRATES 150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN FASHION, LIFESTYLE AND LUXURY

As you approach the Magasin department store on Kongens Nytorv in central Copenhagen, the impressive sand-colored edifice emerges with all its rich, French-inspired details reminiscent of Le Bon Marché in Paris. The department store exudes history. When opening the glass doors, it isn’t hard to imagine how uniformed doormen early last century would welcome customers with its range of temptations that bring a smile and tingling sense of excitement to customers.

The story of Magasin began in 1868 in Denmark’s second largest city Aarhus, where two businessmen named Wessel and Vett opened their first store in an old pharmacy. Two years later, Magasin’s second store opened on Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen, grandly situated across from the Royal Danish Theatre. The business opened on the ground floor of the then Hotel du Nord, which Magasin later took over and demolished to expand its business; a hotel where Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen enjoyed spending the night, tired after a full day of penning his fairytales.

HOT NEWS FROM THE SALON

One aspect that seriously put Magasin on the map of discerning ladies in central Copenhagen – and the rest of the Danish nation – early last century was Magasin du Nord Modelsalon. The fashion salon was founded in 1913 in the Magasin store on Kongens Nytorv, where, from its opening and until 1976, a small dedicated team of nimble-fingered seamstresses would create evening gowns and costumes (inspired by French designers) for the cream of society from near and far.

Christian Dior visited the Modelsalon in 1957 where during a private 

Magasin is not just a department store, but a piece of Danish history. For 150 years, Magasin has stood tall, led by people with an eye for emerging trends and who could set the course of business accordingly.

They have created the store you see today. And yes, Magasin always offers the latest in fashion, housewares, beauty and food – but it also represents a destination where people meet, are inspired and expand their horizons.