Location:
Ny Carlsberg Vej
Architect:
Vilhelm Dahlerup
Built:
1901
The Elephant Tower is the most famous building on the Carlsberg Brewery site. It is especially known for its gate, where visitors are greeted by four life size elephants.
The initial idea for the tower came from Carl Jacobsen, working in close collaboration with Vilhelm Dahlerup. It was inspired by Bernini’s obelisk-carrying elephant in the Minerva Square in Rome and by the organ façade in Our Saviour's Church. The elephant is a symbol of loyalty and strength and characterises Carl Jacobsen’s Latin motto "Laboremus pro patria" - We work for our country.
The elephants' blankets bear New Carlsberg's swastika trademark and the initials of Carl’s four surviving children – Theodora, Vagn, Helge and Paula. The craftsmen and architect are commemorated on the inside of the gate.