Founded by C.W. Eckersberg in 1825
GThe artist and professor C.W. Eckersberg founded GL STRAND in 1825 with the
purpose of raising the common knowledge of art and create a connecting link between
the elitist Art Academy and the public audience. The goal was to enlighten and generate
debate through art and to create a new agenda for cultural policy in Denmark. From the
outset the starting point of GL STRAND’s exhibitions have been - and still is – primarily
the new young art and the support of young artists.

Exhibitor of the new art
The main reason to GL STRAND’s long-running activities is its ability to create innovative
exhibitions in touch with the new currents in art. The art society has always concentrated
its efforts on artists who dared to part with tradition and create their own expression.
Among others, GL STRAND’s long exhibition history count innovative artists such as
Edvard Munch (exhibited in 1908), Vilhelm Hammershøi (1916), Robert Jacobsen and
Richard Mortensen (1949), Asger Jorn (1953), John Kørner (2004) and Eija-Liisa Athila
(2007).

A central institution in Copenhagen
GL STRAND is a Copenhagen based institution rich in tradition and central to the city’s art
life both in terms of history, geography and significance. Since its foundation in 1825
Kunstforeningen GL STRAND has resided at various addresses in Copenhagen’s city
centre and has already celebrated its 180 years anniversary. The art society has resided
at the current address in Philip de Lange’s beautiful building at Gammel Strand since
1952. A building that truly fits the spirit of the institution; in the centre of modern city life
with foundations on one of Copenhagen’s historical co-ordination points and with a free
view across the city’s new horizons.

See also

> CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
> GUIDED TOURS
> GL STRAND VISION

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