Danish Architecture Centre

Danish Architecture Center (DAC) is an international cultural attraction for everyone who wants to explore and understand how architecture and design create the framework for our lives. They believe that architecture can change the world and that it can be part of the solution to future challenges in relation to the UN’s Global Goals.

Therefore, their mission is to engage even more people in the world of architecture through exhibitions, tours, learning and networking. DAC is established as a foundation, and their core funding is provided by a public-private partnership between the Danish government and Realdania, a for-profit charitable entity. The Danish government is represented by the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of the Interior and Housing.

History

Danish Architecture Center was established as a foundation in 1986 by the then National Union of Danish Architects, the Danish Association of Architectural Firms, the Danish Association of Consulting Engineers, the Danish Contractors’ Association, the Danish Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and the Federation of Danish Industries. After more than 30 years in the historic Gammel Dok warehouse in the Christianshavn district, the new Danish Architecture Center opened in May 2018 in the spectacular BLOX building. With the move to the heart of Copenhagen’s Cultural District, DAC has become an international experience destination with more than 100 employees.

Copenhagen has been named the 2023 World Capital of Architecture by UNESCO. Throughout the year DAC has been the meeting hub offering a program with a wide range of activities. Furthermore, DAC has been certified as ‘Green Attraction’ in 2023.

Certification as a Green Attraction in 2023 is an important milestone for DAC and it supports their engagement in the sustainable transition. Furthermore, it aligns with the UN Global Compact, which DAC has been a part of since 2008. Being a 'Green Attraction' means that the current important transition towards more sustainability is not only part of their history; it is also a crucial part of their identity and the day-to-day operations.

Sustainability at DAC is about environmental, economic, and social sustainability and it is incorporated in all their activities. They operate with four overall categories for sustainability: Circularity, Climate footprint, Communication and Social sustainability.

DAC wishes to spark the conversation about the future of architecture. Focusing on what is to come with new opportunities, innovations, and fresh ideas. That is why most of their exhibitions showcase newer architecture, design, and urban development. DAC’s exhibitions provide knowledge about our physical framework to inspire visitors to venture out into the city and consider the architecture they encounter there.