Since 1932 the Danish Student House has been a safe and affordable base for Danish students and researchers in Paris. Throughout the years thousands of young Danes have lived in the house that offers a unique combination of Danish atmosphere and cosmopolitan diversity. Many residents of the house have later in life left their mark on the political scene, the arts, in science or business life.
A mix of private and public funds originally funded the Danish Student House in Paris. In 1928 a group of visionary personalities formed the Committee for the Danish Student House in Paris with the goal of raising funds for the construction of a Danish student house in the international academic city of Paris.
In spite of the difficult financial situation of the time, they succeeded in getting the Government to contribute with 200.000 Danish kroner, on the condition that they could raise the same amount through private connections. The project became a matter of the people and they managed to raise double that amount, as much as 435.000 Danish kroner. In 1928 they laid the foundation of the building and the House was inaugurated by then Crown Prince Frederik in the presence of French President Paul Doumer in 1932.
The architect
The architect of the house, Professor and Royal Building Inspector Kaj Gottlob (1887-1976), was one of the most well respected in Denmark at the time. Some of his achievements include St. Luke’s Church in Aarhus, the bascule bridge Knippelsbro in Copenhagen, the School by the Strait and a handful of buildings for the University of Copenhagen. On top of this he was also a skilled furniture and silverware designer. In his younger years Gottlob was inspired by classicism and the house draws links to both classical architecture as well as the Nordic functionalism of the interwar period. Sober, rigorous, and friendly at the same time. The rooms are large and comfortable, the halls are bright and wide, and the large communal terrace with it’s pergola forms a nice backdrop for the social life of the house from early spring to late autumn.
A Resident Committee, made up of at least five residents, who will represent the interest of the residents, is elected every year in October. Together with the Director they are responsible for planning the social life of the house and will arrange outings, parties, concerts and so on. The Resident Committee is also representing the Danish House in the larger Resident Committee for the entire Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris.
FRUP BOARD Paris
The Danish Student House is acknowledget as a non-profit institution with a so-called FRUP status, Fondation Réconnue d’utilité Publique. The board is made up of members respectively chosen by The Danish Committee in Copenhagen, The Ministry for Research and Science, The University of Paris as well as Cité Universitaire.
The Danish Fund Board Copenhagen
The Danish Student House in Paris is administered by the Student House’s Danish Fund in Copenhagen. It is not possible to apply for the funds of the foundation.
(fondation reconnue d’utilité publique / non-profit institution)
Members of the Commitee of The Danish Studenthouse
From the beginning the Danish Student House has been benefitting from the support of the Royal Family. Then Crown Prince, later King, Frederik was the protector of the house for many years. In 1972 H.M. Queen Margrethe took over from her father and since 2014 the protectorate has been in the care of Princess Marie.
Every year the Danish Student House receive a grant from the Ministry of Research and Science to help run the house. Throughout the years the House has also been relying on the support from a list of foundations and privat contributors in connection with refurbishment projects as well as larger maintenance works.
The renovation during 2014-2015 was possible through the support of:
Our sincere thanks go out to all for their support.
Supporters
The Danish House is grateful for the many donations from private foundations and individuals, who through the years have made it possible to maintain and develop the House benefitting the residents.
Donations to the house have a tax break. All contributions, large and small, is received with gratitude.
If you wish to support the House then please contact the management.
