Varehuset Messen, Købmagergade 42
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Varehuset Messen is a former grand department store at Købmagergade 42 in the heart of Copenhagen’s Old Town. Completed in 1895 and designed by architect Emil Blichfeldt, the five‑storey corner building combines richly detailed historicist architecture with large display windows and a striking rooftop statue of Hermes by sculptor Julius Schultz. Once a pioneering modern emporium, it now houses Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, with a memorial plaque recalling scientist Niels Steensen’s connection to the site.
A brief summary to Varehuset Messen
- By Malene Birger Pop Up Shop, Købmagergade 42, Copenhagen, København K, 1150, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Stand back at the opposite side of Købmagergade to take in the full façade and spot the Hermes statue crowning the rooftop.
- Look for the plaque commemorating Niels Steensen on the façade to connect the building with Copenhagen’s scientific history.
- Combine a stop here with a slow stroll along Købmagergade to notice how historic buildings and flagship stores coexist.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Metro and short walk from Nørreport
Take the M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro line to Nørreport Station, a major hub in central Copenhagen. From there, expect a 5–10 minute walk along the pedestrian shopping streets through level, paved terrain suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Metro tickets within central zones typically cost around 20–30 DKK one way, with frequent departures throughout the day.
-
Bus to Nørreport area
Several city bus routes stop at or near Nørreport Station in central Copenhagen, from where it is about a 5–10 minute walk along pedestrian streets to Varehuset Messen. Buses usually run every few minutes on weekdays and slightly less often in the evening and on weekends. A single city bus ticket in the central zones generally costs around 20–30 DKK, and low-floor buses make boarding easier for passengers with limited mobility.
-
Bicycle from inner Copenhagen
From most central neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro, you can cycle to Købmagergade in about 10–20 minutes using Copenhagen’s extensive network of bike lanes. Bicycles must be parked in designated stands near, but not on, the pedestrian street itself. If you use a public bike-share or rental, expect typical prices from about 15–30 DKK for a short ride, with higher rates for longer use.
-
Taxi to the edge of the pedestrian zone
Taxis can drop you near the pedestrian zone around Gammeltorv, Kultorvet or nearby streets, typically 3–8 minutes’ walk from Varehuset Messen, depending on the exact drop-off point. From inner-city locations, journeys usually take 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. In central Copenhagen, taxi fares commonly start with a base charge and reach roughly 80–160 DKK for short trips within the core, with higher prices at night and on holidays.
Varehuset Messen location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Varehuset Messen
From 19th‑Century Department Store to City Icon
Varehuset Messen rose on Købmagergade in 1895 as one of Copenhagen’s early modern department stores, operated by the firm Hilligsøe, Køedt & Co. The building embodied a new era of urban commerce, where multiple goods and services were gathered under one roof in a bright, purpose‑built structure. Behind its large panes of glass, Copenhageners encountered a world of curated displays, imported novelties and everyday necessities, all packaged in an atmosphere of urban sophistication. The store closed in 1971, but the name Messen still clings to the corner as a kind of urban memory. Today the structure is occupied by Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, shifting the focus from consumption to education yet preserving the building’s role as a daily gathering place in the city’s commercial core.Layers of History on Købmagergade
The site of Varehuset Messen has been part of Copenhagen’s story for centuries. In the 17th and 18th centuries it consisted of smaller merchant properties, typical of the dense Old Town fabric. Over time, these plots were combined and redeveloped as trade expanded and the street grew in importance. The area was home to merchants, artisans and shopkeepers, reflecting Købmagergade’s evolution from meat market lane to one of the city’s principal shopping streets. A plaque on the façade commemorates scientist and bishop Niels Steensen (Steno), who lived on the site long before the department store era. His presence connects this busy commercial corner with the broader history of Danish science and ideas, reminding visitors that the street’s story is intellectual as well as mercantile.Architecture Shaped for Display
Architect Emil Blichfeldt, also known for work on Tivoli’s main entrance, gave Varehuset Messen a confident historicist façade suited to its role as a showcase for goods. The five‑storey building stretches along both Købmagergade and Klareboderne, articulated in a rhythm of bays that unify the long elevations while allowing generous window openings for shopfronts and upper‑floor light. Stone details, cornices and pilasters frame the windows and accentuate the corners, giving the building a formal presence among the neighbouring townhouses. Above it all, the roofline is animated by gables and the distinctive statue of Hermes, god of trade and travel, reinforcing the commercial character that defined the building’s original purpose.Hermes Watching the Pedestrian Street
The rooftop statue of Hermes, created by Julius Schultz, is one of the building’s most recognisable features. Perched above the crossing of Købmagergade and Klareboderne, the figure looks out over the stream of shoppers, students and visitors that continually flows along this car‑free street. It is a subtle reminder of the long relationship between commerce and architecture in Copenhagen. Below, the broad windows and generous ground‑floor openings reflect the building’s former life as a showcase for goods. Today they reveal classrooms and corridors instead of counters and display cases, but the fundamental idea of visibility and connection with the street remains intact.A Corner Within Copenhagen’s Urban Fabric
Købmagergade itself is one of Copenhagen’s key pedestrian arteries, lined with shops and historic buildings and linking major city squares. Varehuset Messen sits near the centre of this axis, sharing the streetscape with landmarks such as the Round Tower and heritage courtyards reached through narrow passageways. The building’s long façades and chamfered corner help open the space at street level, creating a small widening in the flow of the crowd. Despite the constant movement outside, the interior now supports a quieter rhythm of lectures and study. This contrast between bustling street and structured academic life gives the building a dual character, both firmly embedded in the daily life of the city and slightly set apart from it.Experiencing the Building Today
Visitors encounter Varehuset Messen primarily from the outside, reading its history in stone, brick and sculpture. The details reward a slow look: the proportions of the windows, the sequence of bays, and the way the upper storeys are stacked above the former retail zone. The Hermes statue invites you to trace the building’s silhouette against the sky, while the plaque to Niels Steensen draws attention back down to eye level and to earlier chapters of the site’s story. Even without stepping inside, the building offers a compact lesson in how Copenhagen has layered commerce, knowledge and everyday life into its streets. It stands as a reminder that behind many shopfronts and façades in the Old Town lie multiple generations of stories, each leaving its mark on the city’s appearance and character.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Varehuset Messen
0.0 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Jorcks Passage
0.3 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Fiolstræde 42
0.4 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.4 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.4 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Kongens Nytorv
0.5 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.5 km
Explore the cosmos at Aarhus' historic Ole Rømer Observatory, home to Denmark's largest functioning telescope and rich astronomical heritage.
Magstræde
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Christiansborg Palace
0.5 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Rosenborg Castle
0.6 km
Discover the charm of Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, a historic gem showcasing royal treasures and serene gardens.
Holmens Bro
0.6 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.6 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.6 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Round Tower
0.1 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Gråbrødretorv
0.2 km
Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Amagertorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Stork Fountain
0.2 km
Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Københavns Synagoge
0.3 km
A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
Læderstræde
0.3 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Kultorvet
0.3 km
Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
Højbro Pl.
0.3 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Skaal
0.3 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Højbro Plads
0.3 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.3 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Bishop Absalon
0.3 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Gammel Strand
0.4 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.1 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Wining and Dining
0.2 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Det Lille Apotek
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.2 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
l’Alsace
0.3 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant Tight
0.3 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Alouette
0.3 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Maven
0.4 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Frank
0.4 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Llama
0.4 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.4 km
Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Norse Store
0.1 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Norse Projects
0.1 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Studio Arhoj
0.1 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.2 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Magnolias
0.2 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Time's Up Vintage
0.2 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
0.2 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.2 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.2 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Storm - design art fashion
0.2 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
ILLUM
0.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.2 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
0.2 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bo-Bi Bar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
0.1 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Bar'Vin
0.1 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Strøm
0.1 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.2 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Charlie's Bar
0.2 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Moose
0.2 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Trykbar
0.2 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.2 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
The Dubliner
0.3 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
1105
0.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Balthazar
0.3 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
