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'Time of the Shipyard' Mural

A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.

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A monumental hyper-realistic mural by American artist Garin Baker depicting scenes from Helsingør's historic shipyard era, painted directly on the gable of Kongensgade 23. This striking artwork commemorates the city's maritime industrial heritage, when the shipyard operated for approximately 100 years (1883–1983), building ocean-going vessels that shaped Denmark's economy and global reputation.

A brief summary to 'Time of the shipyard' mural

  • Kongensgade 23, Helsingør, 3000, DK
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light to appreciate the mural's hyper-realistic detail and depth.
  • Stand directly opposite the mural to take in its full scale and composition; the gable wall's height makes it an impressive sight from street level.
  • Combine your visit with the nearby Shipyard Museum and Culture Yard to deepen your understanding of Helsingør's maritime heritage.
  • Follow the broader 'Life in the Sound' mural trail through Helsingør's streets to see complementary artworks depicting other historical periods.
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Getting There

  • Train from Copenhagen

    Direct regional trains depart from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør approximately every 20 minutes. Journey time is 45 minutes. Tickets cost approximately 110–130 DKK (€15–17 USD). Exit at Helsingør Station and walk approximately 10 minutes through the medieval town center toward Kongensgade, following signs toward the harbor and Culture Yard.

  • Car via E47 Motorway

    Drive north from Copenhagen on the E47 motorway toward Helsingør, approximately 45 kilometers. Journey time is 45–55 minutes depending on traffic. Street parking is available on Kongensgade and nearby streets; expect to pay approximately 20–40 DKK per hour (2–4 EUR). The mural is located directly on Kongensgade 23 in the city center.

  • Bus from Copenhagen

    Regional buses operate between Copenhagen and Helsingør, with services departing hourly. Journey time is approximately 60–75 minutes. Tickets cost approximately 80–100 DKK (€11–13 USD). Buses arrive at Helsingør Bus Terminal; walk approximately 12 minutes through the town center to reach Kongensgade 23.

  • Walking from Helsingør Harbor

    If arriving by boat or exploring the harbor area, the mural is a 5–8 minute walk inland from the waterfront. Follow the harbor promenade eastward and turn onto Kongensgade. The gable wall is prominently visible on the right side as you approach the Culture Yard complex.

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Discover more about 'Time of the shipyard' mural

A Monument to Maritime Industry

The 'Time of the Shipyard' mural stands as a powerful visual tribute to one of Helsingør's most defining chapters. For roughly a century, from 1883 to 1983, the Helsingør Shipyard was the beating heart of the city's economy, employing thousands of workers and constructing massive ocean-going vessels that sailed the world's seas. This mural, painted directly onto the gable wall of Kongensgade 23, captures that industrial legacy with extraordinary detail and emotional resonance.

The Artist's Vision and Technique

Created by renowned American artist Garin Baker, known for his large-scale monumental works, this mural exemplifies hyper-realistic painting at its finest. Rather than being painted on-site, Garin Baker created the artwork in his studio in the United States, then had it transported to Helsingør in rolls before being applied to the wall. This meticulous approach allowed for exceptional precision and depth. The composition draws heavily from extensive research and material gathered by Elisabetta Saiu in close cooperation with the Shipyard Museum and former shipyard workers themselves, ensuring historical authenticity and emotional truth in every brushstroke.

Part of a Larger Artistic Strategy

This mural is not an isolated artwork but rather a key component of a comprehensive public art initiative that began in 2012. Under the theme 'Life in the Sound,' the city of Helsingør has systematically commissioned murals that tell the story of its rich history in collaboration with local cultural institutions. The 'Time of the Shipyard' mural works alongside other significant pieces depicting 'The Middle Ages,' 'The Sound Dues,' and scenes of maritime life, creating a visual narrative that guides visitors through centuries of the city's evolution. This coordinated approach transforms Helsingør's streets into an open-air gallery of historical storytelling.

Location and Accessibility

Situated prominently on Kongensgade 23, directly opposite the gate of the original Helsingør Shipyard (now known as the Culture Yard), the mural occupies a symbolically significant position. Its placement ensures that viewers stand where the shipyard once thrived, creating a poignant dialogue between past and present. The mural is easily accessible to all visitors exploring the historic streets of Helsingør, requiring no special arrangements or entry fees. Its scale and vivid detail make it impossible to miss, whether you approach from the harbor promenade or wander through the medieval cobblestone streets.

A Living Connection to the Past

What makes this mural particularly moving is its creation through genuine collaboration with those who lived the shipyard era. Former workers contributed their memories, photographs, and artifacts, transforming personal experience into public art. The hyper-realistic style ensures that viewers can almost feel the energy of the shipyard—the precision of construction, the camaraderie of workers, the pride of craftsmanship. For descendants of shipyard workers and for curious travelers alike, the mural serves as both memorial and celebration of a vanished world that shaped modern Denmark.

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