Den Frie

A golden Pegasus flies on the gable of a 19th century structure. Below is the entrance to Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art in Copenhagen. With its wings unfolded, and the young rider’s arms in the air, it is a symbol of free art – and so is the arts centre inside. The centre is known as ‘Den Frie’ (‘the free’), and owned by 53 artists – a communal ownership model maintained since 1891 as an alternative to juried exhibitions. “We have a history like no other Danish arts centre,” enthuses Kit Leunbach, curator and head of press relations. Featuring solely contemporary exhibitions, the centre relates to current issues, and aims to feed people’s curiosity.