Royal crowns, thrones guarded by three life size silver lions, a treasury with the royal jewelry, twelve huge tapestries, clocks, elegant pieces of carved furniture, paintings etc. all gathered in a kind of small pleasure summer castle by Christian IV, King of Denmark and Norway from 1588. Rosenborg was built between 1606 and 1634 and the king designed himself a big part of this Renaissance castle.
What make Rosenborg special is its long museum tradition and its unique style of presenting the royal collections gathered over time in the castle. In fact, it is the first museum of contemporary culture in Europe. Rosenberg was opened to the public in 1838. At that time, most of the museums were arranged thematically by furniture, portraits etc., but Rosenborg's collections were arranged chronologically so the visitors can have an overview of the history.
Japanese lacquered cabinet was used by queen Charlotte Amalie to keep inside her collection of seashells.
The Great Hall or the Knights' Hall was used originally as a ballroom, then its destination changed for banquets. Christian V added 12 tapestries made in Copenhagen and representing scenes from the Scanian war (1675-1679).
In the picture below you can see the coronation chairs, one for the Danish kings (as you look at the picture on the left side) and the other one for the Danish queens (on the right side). The first one is made of narwhale-tusk and the second one is made of silver.
In this very well maintained tapestry you can see Christian V on the right side.
The underground Treasury
Emeralds and brilliants set. The emeralds seemed to be a present from Christian VI to Queen Sophie Magdalene.
Hair ornament
Interesting fact: the crown jewels may be used now by the queen, but they are owned by the state. The queen is not allowed to wear them outside Denmark and she generally uses them at New Year's banquet or during other events at the Royal House. It is a big privilege for us all to be able to see in a castle the crown jewels that are still worn by the queen.
Wow! this is amazing!
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