Preserving a Masterpiece: Supporting the Renovation of Arne Jacobsen’s St Catherine’s College

Designed by Jacobsen in the early 1960s, St Catherine’s College stands as one of his most significant works. It is a rare example of a true gesamtkunstwerk — a total work of art — in which architecture, interiors, furniture, and landscaping were conceived as a unified whole and remain remarkably intact today.

Preserving this unique cultural treasure is essential — not only as a monument to Danish modernist design, but as a fully functioning and contemporary academic environment. In the spirit of Jacobsen himself, who so elegantly united form and function, it is vital that this architectural masterpiece continues to serve its purpose while maintaining its original integrity and beauty.

Continuing Jacobsen’s legacy

As Jacobsen’s long-standing collaborators — and as stewards of his professional legacy — we at Dissing+Weitling feel a deep connection to the preservation of this unique site. Our practice was originally established by Arne Jacobsen and carried forward by his close partners, Otto Weitling and Hans Dissing. For decades, we have upheld Jacobsen’s values of architectural clarity, craftsmanship, and innovation in projects around the world.

From the outset, our work has included the careful adaptation and conservation of Jacobsen’s architecture — ensuring that his buildings meet the highest standards of preservation while remaining functional and relevant in modern contexts. Our portfolio includes landmark projects such as the National Bank of Denmark, Rheingoldhalle in Mainz, Hamburgische Elektricitäts-Werke (HEW) in Hamburg, Glostrup Town Hall, and the Texaco Service Station, among others.

A call to action

The need for refurbishment at St Catherine’s College is now urgent. We wholeheartedly support the college’s fundraising efforts to ensure that this architectural icon is restored with the care, precision, and respect it deserves.

We encourage donors, foundations, and institutions to recognize the extraordinary significance of St Catherine’s — both as a centre of academic excellence and as a world-class example of modernist architecture. Supporting this renovation is not only an investment in cultural heritage, but also in the continued global influence of Danish design.

If you would like to know more about the campaign, please contact Dissing+Weitling — we will be happy to connect you with the appropriate representatives.