This month, exactly 40 years ago, hotel manager Alberto Kappenberger and architect Arne Jacobsen opened the new SAS Royal Hotel on Hammerichsgade in Copenhagen, presenting architecture and design at such a high level that it immediately became known as the worlds first designer hotel. On the occasion of its anniversary, the Radisson SAS Royal has created an exhibition that celebrates the creative process and the work of those visionaries of forty years ago. The hotel has succeeded in gathering many of the treasures from the time Arne Jacobsen was working on the hotel, such as original drafts, models and photographs, the press statement from the opening event and of course many of Jacobsens other works.

Arne Jacobsen had obtained the exclusive rights to design absolutely everything in the hotel, from the sophisticated building, which ushered in the beginning of the longest period of prosperity in Denmark to the little balls at the end of the curtain strings.  

Hotel Manager Jan Kjær Nielsen says:� It is a fabulous architectural history that we have inherited. Because of the huge respect that surrounds the progressive thoughts of the past, it has been of the utmost importance to us to carry on that legacy with the greatest respect for Arne Jacobsen. We have tried to create a style that is in line with the present, but at the same time respects and understands the past.�

�It is rare to be in such an interesting situation as the Royal is at this moment. We celebrate the 40th anniversary of Arne Jacobsen�s hotel at a time when the interest in the works of Jacobsen has never been greater.

�Design enthusiasts from around the globe have awarded him with what is close to God-like status. We are therefore even more excited with the idea of creating a special reproduction of one of the pieces of furniture that was created for the hotel. Most of the original furniture from the Royal is so rare that second-hand pieces are sold at auctions for incredible amounts. I am in dialogue with renowned furniture maker Fritz Hansen about such a co-operation, and hope that it can be done,� adds Jan Kjær Nielsen.

The legendary pieces of modern furniture design � the Swan chair and the
Egg � were especially created for the SAS Royal Hotel in 1960 and will once again be visible all over the hotel, which just purchased 450 new chairs. Most of the chairs will be placed in the rooms - all single rooms will be equipped with one Swan chair and all double rooms with two. The lobby will also be dominated by Jacobsen�s beautiful classic furniture. Presently, five Swan-chairs and ten Eggs are being re-upholstered in leather � a subtle red cognac-colour for the Swan and a dark graphite green for the Egg. The renovation does not stop there.  Every room will exhibit Arne Jacobsen design as well as retain the original treasures of the hotel.  

Room 606 has been thoroughly renovated with special care. The original interior has not been changed, since the room is an architectural gem that still attracts design and architecture lovers from all over the world, who come to experience the room, as it was, when the hotel opened 40 years ago. To preserve its special status, the walls have been painted in the original colours and the carpet has been specially produced and exists nowhere but in room 606. Furthermore, all the woodwork has been polished, and all the chairs have been reupholstered with new woollen fabric in the original colours.  

�Everything is completely original, just as it appeared at the opening �except for the trouser press and the iron. But that is the only contemporary modernism that exists in room 606, and we intend to keep it that way,� says Jan Kjær Nielsen.
A limited edition postcard has been produced. It celebrates the spectacular architecture and design and cannot be bought. Only those who stay in room 606 will receive one. For those unable to stay in room 606 can always check the mailbox and hope to hear from a friend or loved one with excellent taste.

Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts, currently includes 100 hotels in operation and 26 hotels under development in 37 countries and is the sole franchisor in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Radisson Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.