Munkebjerg Church
Munkebjerg Church stands out with its striking modern architecture and a church interior designed around a sense of community. Here, visitors encounter the innovative ideas about church design that emerged in the 1960s, an eye-catching stained-glass mosaic, and artworks that work in harmony with the building's light and materials.
A different kind of church in Odense
When Munkebjerg Church was inaugurated in 1961, it looked very different from traditional Danish churches. Architects Erik and Ebbe Lehn Petersen chose a hexagonal floor plan, a dramatic slate roof, and a freestanding bell tower. While the design sparked debate when the church was first built, it is now regarded as a notable example of modern Danish church architecture.
The interior also breaks with tradition. The space is broad and relatively short, while the pews are arranged diagonally to draw attention towards the altar. Wherever you sit, you remain close to the centre of the church. This creates a sense of intimacy that continues to shape the experience today.
Art, light and materials
The most striking artwork is the large stained-glass mosaic by artist Knud Lollesgaard, which forms the entire altar wall. Installed in 1983, the mosaic brings together architecture, light and symbolism in a single work of art. Its colours change with the daylight, giving the church interior a different character depending on the season and time of day.
Look out for the interplay of white walls, exposed concrete beams, the granite altar and baptismal font, and the prominent wooden cross in front of the mosaic. These materials are central to the church's character and reflect the simple, robust architectural style that defined much of the 1960s.
The church also features Skulptur 87, a sculpture that adds another artistic layer to the visitor experience. Together with the mosaic and the church furnishings, it demonstrates how art in Munkebjerg Church is not merely decoration but an integral part of the overall architectural design.
A church interior shaped by the ideas of the 1960s
Munkebjerg Church was created during a period when many new churches sought to bring congregations closer to the heart of worship. As a result, the traditional separation between nave and chancel is almost absent, and the entire space feels centred around the altar. The architecture reflects the idea of community rather than distance between clergy and congregation.
Contact information
- Email: munkebjerg.sogn@km.dk
- Phone: +45 66 12 02 90
Last updated by:VisitOdensejmjen@odense.dk
