Magasin du Nord

A Legacy of Danish Retail Excellence

Magasin du Nord traces its origins to 1868 when Theodor Wessel and Emil Vett opened a draper's shop in Aarhus. The Copenhagen location arrived two years later in 1870, initially occupying rented space within the fashionable Hotel du Nord on Kongens Nytorv—the same establishment where Hans Christian Andersen had lodged between 1838 and 1847. As the business flourished, the partners gradually expanded their footprint within the hotel until acquiring the entire building by 1889. The hotel was demolished in 1893, and the current iconic structure was completed the following year in French Renaissance Revival style, designed by architects Henri Glæsel and Albert Jensen.

Architectural Grandeur and Design Vision

The sand-colored edifice that greets visitors today stands as a testament to 19th-century ambition and aesthetic refinement. Its French-inspired architectural details evoke the grandeur of Le Bon Marché in Paris, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The building occupies an entire city block, making it one of Copenhagen's most recognizable retail landmarks. Upon entering through the glass doors, visitors encounter an interior that seamlessly balances historical character with modern retail functionality, inviting exploration across multiple levels of carefully curated merchandise.

The Modelsalon and Fashion Heritage

A defining chapter in Magasin's history emerged in 1913 with the establishment of the Modelsalon, a fashion atelier that became legendary among Copenhagen's elite. Until 1976, a dedicated team of seamstresses created bespoke evening gowns and costumes inspired by French designers, serving the city's most discerning clientele. The salon's prestige reached international heights when Christian Dior visited in 1957, cementing Magasin's position as a destination for haute couture and refined taste. This heritage of fashion expertise continues to inform the store's curation of contemporary collections.

A Comprehensive Shopping Destination

Today, Magasin du Nord operates as a full-service department store across five floors and a basement level. The ground floor showcases beauty and accessories, with luxurious cosmetics brands and friendly makeup artists ready to assist. The first floor features men's wear, sportswear, and travel equipment. Women's fashion occupies the second floor, while the third floor presents interior design and books, including Danish classics such as Royal Copenhagen, Kähler, and Georg Jensen. The fourth floor caters to children's clothing and youth-oriented brands, and the fifth floor houses information services and cafés with views overlooking Kongens Nytorv and the Royal Danish Theatre. The basement food market, Mad&Vin, offers an extensive selection of gourmet provisions, prepared foods, and delicacies.

Cultural and Commercial Evolution

From its founding through the 20th century, Magasin expanded dramatically across Denmark, reaching 50 stores by 1892 and 98 by 1906. The company opened an international branch in Malmö in 1911 and was listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange in 1952. Strategic shifts toward fewer, larger department stores transformed the chain's footprint. Today, Magasin du Nord operates seven locations across Denmark, with the Kongens Nytorv flagship remaining the jewel of the collection. The store continues to serve as a gathering place where locals and visitors alike discover inspiration, meet friends, and experience Danish retail culture at its finest.

Contemporary Relevance and Experience

Magasin du Nord represents far more than a shopping venue—it embodies 150 years of Danish commercial history, aesthetic refinement, and cultural significance. The store's leadership has consistently demonstrated an eye for emerging trends while maintaining the elegance and quality standards that define the brand. Whether browsing the latest fashion collections, exploring interior design innovations, or enjoying refreshment at the top-floor cafés, visitors encounter a destination that honors its heritage while remaining thoroughly contemporary. The store's position on Kongens Nytorv, adjacent to the Royal Danish Theatre and surrounded by historic Copenhagen architecture, reinforces its status as a cultural landmark and essential element of the city's retail and social landscape.