Tivoli Gardens opens in Copenhagen (1843)

Tivoli Gardens opened in Copenhagen on 15 August 1843, becoming one of the world's oldest operating amusement parks. Founded by Georg Carstensen, the park was established as a pleasure garden featuring attractions, performing arts, and cultural venues, serving as a significant landmark in Copenhagen.

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Background and detail

Background. Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park and pleasure garden located in central Copenhagen, Denmark. It is recognized as one of the oldest amusement parks in the world still intact. The park serves as a significant tourist attraction and an active part of the cultural scene in Copenhagen, hosting various performing arts and concerts.

Founding and Charter. Georg Carstensen obtained a five-year charter to create Tivoli by telling King Christian VIII that "when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics." The park was initially called "Tivoli & Vauxhall," referencing gardens in Paris and London. After the opening, Carstensen remarked that "Tivoli will never, so to speak, be finished," a sentiment that would later be echoed by Walt Disney regarding Disneyland.

Early Attractions. From its beginning, Tivoli included buildings in the style of an imaginary Orient, a theatre, band stands, restaurants, cafés, flower gardens, and mechanical amusement rides such as a merry-go-round and a primitive scenic railway. Hans Christian Lumbye served as the musical director from 1843 to 1872.

People involved

Sources

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