Øksnehallen

From cattle hall to cultural powerhouse

Standing on Halmtorvet, Øksnehallen is a striking reminder of Copenhagen’s industrial age. The hall was completed in the early 1900s as part of the city’s meat market complex, purpose-built to stable hundreds of head of slaughter cattle brought in from the countryside. Long, brick façades, high arched windows and a robust steel roof structure were engineered for function rather than show, yet more than a century later they lend the building a strong, dignified presence. Inside, the conversion from livestock hall to cultural venue has respected much of the original fabric. The floor is broad and uninterrupted, punctuated by sturdy columns that once framed cattle pens. Overhead, large roof lights spill natural daylight into the space, softening what could otherwise be an austere industrial interior. The result feels both monumental and surprisingly approachable.

A flexible stage for Copenhagen’s big events

Today Øksnehallen is one of Copenhagen’s largest single-room venues, offering over 5,000 square metres of column-lined floor for events. Organisers transform it into art and photography exhibitions, trade fairs, fashion shows, conferences, food festivals and design markets. The sheer scale means it can host many thousands of visitors over the course of an event without ever feeling cramped. The hall’s flexibility is one of its defining traits. Temporary walls, lighting rigs and stages can be installed to carve out smaller zones or dramatic central arenas. On one visit you might find sleek booths and conference seating; on another, long communal tables surrounded by food stalls or a maze of exhibition stands. Despite these changing layouts, the underlying character of brick, steel and daylight always anchors the experience.

Atmosphere among bricks, beams and daylight

What gives Øksnehallen its particular charm is the dialogue between its raw structure and the often polished worlds it hosts. Sunlight filters through the overhead windows, tracing patterns on the floor that shift during the day, while artificial lighting for events adds colour and drama after dark. The tall ceiling keeps acoustics lively, and the constant movement of people lends a sense of energy that suits fairs and shows. Yet there are quieter moments too. Arrive early for a design market or photography exhibition and you might have time to appreciate the fine brickwork, the rhythm of columns and the long vistas down the hall before the main crowds build. The contrast between the building’s past life as a working cattle hall and its current role as a platform for creativity and ideas adds a subtle layer of storytelling to any visit.

Anchored in Vesterbro and the Meatpacking District

Øksnehallen stands at Halmtorvet, on the edge of Vesterbro’s former Meatpacking District, an area that has itself undergone a transformation from industrial quarter to one of Copenhagen’s liveliest neighbourhoods. Outside the doors, broad urban squares and former warehouses now house eateries, bars, creative studios and cultural spaces. The hall forms part of the DGI Byen complex, which gathers a mix of sports, leisure and meeting facilities. This setting makes a visit to Øksnehallen easy to combine with exploring the surrounding streets. Between exhibition sessions or conference breaks, it is simple to step outside for a coffee, a quick meal or a walk among the characteristic white, brown and grey meatpacking buildings. The location near the city centre means the hall feels connected to Copenhagen’s broader urban life rather than tucked away as an isolated convention centre.

Planning your time inside the hall

Time spent at Øksnehallen depends heavily on what is on the calendar. A focused visit to a single exhibition might take an hour, while large trade fairs, festivals or multi-day conferences can fill half a day or more. The open plan encourages you to wander at your own pace, pausing at installations, stands or stages that capture your interest. Facilities are geared towards events rather than casual drop‑ins, so amenities such as food stalls, cafés and seating areas appear when there is a show or fair in progress and may not be present at quieter times. It is wise to check event information in advance to understand whether you are arriving to a bustling hall or a more sparsely programmed day. Whatever is on, the building itself—its history, architecture and sense of scale—provides a compelling backdrop to the activity within.