Bellevue Teatret stands on Strandvejen in Klampenborg, a short distance north of Copenhagen. It is a theatre first, staging plays, musicals and other live performances, but it is also known as a building: Arne Jacobsen, the Danish architect, designed it, and it dates from 1936, when it opened to the public.
The theatre sits by the south-eastern corner of Dyrehaven, the old deer park, and looks out towards Øresund and the beach. That setting is part of what draws visitors. Many come for an evening performance and find that the walk through the park and along the shore makes the trip feel like a day out rather than a night at the theatre.
Visiting the building
Guided tours are offered in Danish or English. Each lasts about 45 minutes and gives a closer look at the architecture. When the sky is blue, the roof is opened for tours, which lets you see the building and the view together. The Bellevista terraced houses next to the theatre were also designed by Arne Jacobsen, so the surrounding streets are worth a stroll as well.
Before or after a performance
You can pre-order open-faced sandwiches, known as smørrebrød, and eat them in the upper bar before most performances. Coffee and cake are also available there, which makes it easy to arrive early and settle in without rushing.
The theatre also hosts conferences and other events and has a friends' association for those who want to follow its work more closely.
Getting there
Parking is free and is located behind the theatre. Klampenborg station is nearby, so reaching the theatre by train from central Copenhagen is straightforward. For a performance, it is worth checking the programme and timings on the theatre's own website before you set out.