Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, Amagertorv

A Renaissance House at the Heart of Strøget

Royal Copenhagen’s flagship store occupies the Mathias Hansen House, a copper‑roofed Dutch Renaissance gem dating from 1616 on the central square of Amagertorv. One of Copenhagen’s oldest surviving buildings, it has withstood city‑changing fires and bombardments, and today anchors the flow of shoppers along the pedestrian Strøget. Stepping inside, you move from the bustle of the square into a world of polished wood, creaking floors and tall windows framing the old town streets. The house became home to Royal Copenhagen in 1911, when the porcelain company moved its main shop here and began shaping the building into a showcase for Danish design. Original architectural details, such as decorative drainpipes and the steep gables you glimpse from outside, set the tone: this is retail wrapped in history.

From Royal Kiln to Design Icon

The story behind the store stretches back to 1775, when the Royal Porcelain Factory was founded under royal patronage. What you see on the shelves today is the result of centuries of craft, with patterns that trace their lineage to the early days of Danish court culture. Classic blue‑and‑white services, botanical motifs and delicately fluted forms all nod to those origins while still feeling distinctly modern. Within these rooms, the brand’s close ties to the Danish monarchy are quietly evident in the choice of collections and historical pieces. Designs like Flora Danica, once created as a princely diplomatic gift, are still produced with the same meticulous techniques, offering a glimpse into the golden age of European porcelain.

Three Floors of Porcelain Storytelling

The flagship unfolds over three levels, each with its own mood. On the ground floor, carefully lit displays highlight dinnerware, tea and coffee sets, and seasonal pieces, inviting you to linger over the fine brushwork on every plate and cup. Upstairs, long tables are laid as if for an elegant gathering, demonstrating how the porcelain comes to life in full settings. Higher floors often combine retail with museum‑like vignettes: historic designs, special series and, at times, areas dedicated to themes such as Christmas traditions or floral motifs. The overall feeling is immersive rather than crowded, encouraging you to wander, compare patterns and imagine how each piece would look in daily use back home.

The Art of the Blue Painter

A distinctive feature of this store is the focus on craftsmanship. Porcelain painters, who spend years mastering their skills, sometimes demonstrate how the famous blue decorations are applied by hand. Watching a motif emerge brushstroke by brushstroke makes the precision of the finished pieces easier to appreciate. Even when no demonstrations are underway, information about techniques, signatures and pattern histories is woven into the displays. You are reminded that each item started as a blank form, then passed through many hands before earning its small painter’s mark beneath the glaze.

Experiences Beyond Shopping

The flagship also serves as an introduction to broader Royal Copenhagen traditions, from special collections to occasional painting classes held elsewhere in the building. These experiences highlight how the brand encourages visitors to connect personally with the craft, whether by learning about pattern design or, at times, painting their own small piece. With tax‑free shopping and international shipping available, the store is well set up for travelers who want to bring a fragile souvenir safely home. Even if you leave empty‑handed, the combination of architectural heritage, design history and quiet attention to detail makes a visit feel like time spent in a small cultural institution as much as a premium shop.

Amagertorv’s Living Urban Salon

Outside the doors, Amagertorv functions as a lively urban salon, with the Stork Fountain, street performers and neighboring design houses framing the store’s historic façade. The juxtaposition of centuries‑old brickwork and contemporary shop windows encapsulates Copenhagen’s blend of past and present. From the upper floors, glimpses of the square and Strøget’s constant movement contrast with the calm interior. It is this balance—between old and new, busy and serene, everyday tableware and collectible art—that gives the Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store its particular atmosphere and makes it a memorable stop in the city’s historic center.