Odd Fellows Mansion, Copenhagen

The Odd Fellows Mansion is a significant Rococo-style town mansion located in Copenhagen. It gained its current name when it was acquired by the local branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1900. Before this acquisition, it was known through its history as the Berckentin Mansion and later the Schimmelmann Mansion, reflecting the names of its notable owners.

The mansion's origins date back to the redevelopment of the Frederiksstaden district, a project under the creative guidance of architect Nicolai Eigtved. Eigtved's vision for the district included the design of the mansion, which was executed by Johann Gottfried Rosenberg. It was originally built to serve as the residence for Christian August von Berckentin, a wealthy merchant and politician who was recently ennobled with the title of Count.

In 1762, the mansion was purchased by Heinrich von Schimmelmann, leading to its rechristening as the Schimmelmann Mansion. It continued to serve as a prominent cultural hub under the ownership of Ernst Schimmelmann, Heinrich's son, who inherited it in 1782. Ernst and his wife, Charlotte Schimmelmann, were passionate patrons of the arts. Charlotte, particularly, became renowned for hosting salons that attracted various cultural figures, thereby enhancing the mansion's reputation as a center for vibrant cultural life.

Today, the mansion is not only a historical building but also a cultural venue. It includes a concert hall that is accessible to the public, furthering its legacy as a place of gathering and cultural exchange. Additionally, the Odd Fellows Mansion has served as a picturesque location for various film and television productions, including the 1997 film "Smilla's Sense of Snow" and an episode of the TV series "Matador," highlighting its architectural and historical significance.