Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens

Introduction Tivoli Gardens is located in the heart of Copenhagen, covering an area of 20 acres. Since its opening in 1843, it has welcomed over three million visitors. The park features a mime theater (established in 1847 and rebuilt after 1945), a Chinese Tower (built in 1909), a section of the Great Wall of China, Tivoli Concert Hall (originally built between 1901–1902 and rebuilt in 1956), and the Tivoli Boys Guard (founded in 1844). In addition, there are numerous open-air stages and a variety of cafés and restaurants. Tivoli Gardens is the most visited attraction in Denmark and the most beloved fairy-tale park among Danes. To begin with, its name is quite amusing: if you read the English name “Tivoli” backwards, it becomes “I Lov(e) It”—isn’t that romantic? A wide range of music, dances, carriages, and floral displays are among the park’s entertainment highlights. The Chinese Tower is the park’s iconic structure. There is also a Chinese stage designed based on the specifications of the imperial theater in Beijing’s Forbidden City. Below the eaves in front of the stage, there is a wooden plaque inscribed with the four large characters meaning “Joy with the People.” From April to June 2000, Tivoli amusement park hosted a “China Season” event, during which the Changchun Acrobatic Troupe performed there. In July 2000, the National Ballet of China also performed excerpts from Red Detachment of Women at the venue. Throughout Denmark, this is probably the place that evokes the most pride and sense of familiarity among people of Chinese heritage. Most unmissable of all is the final show held every Saturday night—the famous Tivoli Gardens fireworks display. When it takes place, the park becomes a world of fireworks and is packed with visitors. The park is closed in winter, but during Christmas, it transforms into a bustling Christmas market selling various festive items. Tickets/Opening Hours Adults: 65 DKK; Children: 35–40 DKK. Operating season: mid-April to mid-September; Christmas market: mid-November to December 23. Opening hours: 11:00–23:00.

Copenhagen, Denmark