The world’s second-oldest amusement park, The Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, turns 180 years on August 15
The nation’s biggest tourist attraction, The Tivoli Gardens, turns 180 years on August 15. This will be celebrated with music, festivities, dancing, great food, anniversary deals and fireworks throughout the week in the gardens.
Since The Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843, visitors have flocked to the amusement park, which has contributed to making it the world’s second-oldest amusement park and a big part of Danish cultural heritage. The CEO of Tivoli Gardens, Susanne Mørk Koch says:
Many people from Denmark and abroad have their very own fond memories of Tivoli Gardens, and over the generations, the amusement park has received many visitors. Tivoli Gardens’ DNA has always been for everyone to share, and we look forward to offering all our guests a host of extra experiences during the anniversary. The festive programme extends over several days, where together with our visitors, we will pay tribute to all the good old classical traditions as well as the innovations that have ensured Tivoli Gardens’ existence for 180 years.
Grand celebration on the day
On the day of The Tivoli Gardens’ grand anniversary, there will be Danish sweet treats like flødeboller and birthday balloons for all visiting children as well as the young at heart. A grand birthday concert will be featured on the Open-Air Stage at 20:00, where the Tivoli Big Band will perform a special festive repertoire. In the evening, visitors can experience an anniversary concert with the world’s most celebrated soprano, Lise Davidsen, who has performed at leading opera houses like La Scala, Covent Garden and the Metropolitan Opera. Helming the podium is American conductor James Gaffigan. The anniversary celebration concludes with grand fireworks.
Special prices
Tivoli Gardens will be festively decorated for the celebrations, and throughout the week, visitors can experience Rasmus Klump’s Birthday Show, have their faces painted, take part in a treasure hunt, or head out on a guided 180-year anniversary tour. Several restaurants in Tivoli Gardens will also offer a special anniversary menu throughout the week for only DKK 180, just as Ride Passes will be available at a price of DKK 180 on the anniversary day itself.
Special concerts during the week
There will be plenty of music during the anniversary week. The many surprises include a Friday Rock concert, a singalong concert, and a Saturday Hits concert. The surprises will be revealed on an ongoing basis through The Tivoli Gardens’ website and social media channels.
History of Tivoli Gardens
The founder of Tivoli Gardens, Georg Carstensen, welcomed more than 3,000 visitors on the day the gardens first opened, 15 August 1843. The local Copenhageners poured in and were captivated by the charming and exotic world they encountered on the otherwise familiar old city ramparts. Chinese, Turkish and Pompeian inspired buildings and pavilions, coloured lamps and tummy-tickling rides would await visitors behind the wooden gate. Finally, Copenhagen had what had been fashionable in Europe for so long – an amusement park where you could dine, drink, enjoy music and theatre, try a shooting gallery and rides, and not least stroll through the beautiful parkland. Tivoli Gardens was visited by commoners and gentry alike, young and old. This sense of inclusiveness in terms of concept and visitor composition has guided the gardens ever since.
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