Lur Blowers Monument

A Monument to Ancient Tradition

The Lur Blowers monument rises 20 meters above Rådhuspladsen, Copenhagen's bustling City Hall Square, commanding attention with its distinctive silhouette. Two bronze male figures stand closely together atop a tall terracotta column, each holding a raised lur—an ancient curved bronze horn dating to the Late Bronze Age around 1000 BC. The figures wear capes and helmets, embodying the warrior spirit of Denmark's prehistoric past. The column itself is constructed of red brick and bears the inscription "J.C. JACOBSEN•CARLSBERG 1811•2•SEPTEMBER•1911," commemorating the centenary of Carlsberg founder J.C. Jacobsen's birth.

The Design Evolution and Inspiration

The monument's final design reflects a fascinating creative journey. Originally conceived as a single lur blower, the design was revised to feature two figures because lurs were always tuned and played in pairs—a detail that underscores the authenticity of the sculpture. The two inverted lurs mirror the positioning seen in the Brudevælte Lurs, ancient instruments discovered in Danish bogs. Architect Anton Rosen designed the column, drawing inspiration from the classical columns of St. Mark and St. Thomas on Venice's Piazzetta di San Marco. A circular bench at the column's base invites visitors to pause and contemplate this remarkable fusion of ancient heritage and modern civic art.

From Vision to Reality

The idea of a lur-blower monument emerged around 1890 when architect Martin Nyrop, designer of the new Copenhagen City Hall, envisioned columns flanking the City Hall Square entrance, each topped with a Heimdallr figure holding a gjallarhorn. A wooden mock-up was installed in 1901 but the concept was abandoned. The idea resurfaced at the 1909 Danish National Exhibition in Aarhus, where Carlsberg displayed a temporary wooden victory column featuring a lur blower. This temporary structure inspired the Carlsberg Foundation and New Carlsberg Foundation to commission a permanent monument for Copenhagen. The final bronze sculpture was created by Siegfried Wagner and inaugurated in 1914, transforming a century-old vision into an enduring landmark.

The Lur: Bronze Age Artifact and Cultural Symbol

The lur itself carries profound historical significance. These curved bronze tubes, resembling oxen horns, were crafted during the Late Bronze Age and are thought to have been used for sounding battle cries, participating in religious ceremonies and rituals, and possibly entertainment. In Denmark, lurs are typically discovered in pairs within bog deposits, suggesting their importance in paired performance. The National Museum of Denmark preserves examples of these ancient instruments, and the Lur Blowers monument has made the lur an enduring symbol of Danish cultural identity. The instrument has since appeared on the Lurpak butter label and in various political, artistic, and advertising contexts, cementing its place in modern Danish consciousness.

A Gathering Place in the Heart of Copenhagen

Located in Rådhuspladsen, one of Copenhagen's most vibrant public squares, the Lur Blowers monument serves as both a historical landmark and a focal point for urban life. The square itself, built in 1905 alongside the new City Hall, has evolved into the city's civic stage—hosting royal celebrations, sports parades, political demonstrations, concerts, and seasonal festivals. The monument shares the square with other iconic features including the Dragon Fountain, a statue of Hans Christian Andersen, and the mechanical World Clock inside City Hall. The square marks the beginning of Strøget, one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, and sits adjacent to Tivoli Gardens, making it a natural gathering point for both locals and visitors.

Enduring Legacy and Recognition

The Lur Blowers monument has become synonymous with Copenhagen itself, instantly recognizable and frequently photographed from multiple angles. Its prominence in the city's landscape reflects the deep connection between Denmark's prehistoric past and its modern identity. The monument's gift from the Carlsberg Foundation underscores the role of Danish industry and philanthropy in shaping the city's cultural heritage. Standing sentinel over Rådhuspladsen, the bronze figures continue to symbolize Denmark's ancient traditions while anchoring one of the world's most dynamic and livable capitals.