Osramhuset (The Osram Building)

A historic architectural gem in Copenhagen, once used by the famous light bulb manufacturer.

Address: Valhalsgade 4, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark

In the heart of Copenhagen's vibrant Nørrebro district stands Osramhuset (Osram House), the first pre-fabricated building in Copenhagen.

Originally built in 1953 as an office and warehouse for Søren Madsen Lamper and Dansk Osram A / S, this functionalist landmark once played a key role in illuminating the Danish capital. But like many industrial buildings of its era, its story didn’t end when the last light bulb was produced. Instead, Osramhuset has been reimagined as a dynamic cultural hub, pulsing with creativity and community spirit.

The origins of Dansk Osram A/S trace back to Søren Madsen (1896-1984), a Danish electrical mechanic who, in the 1920s, began experimenting with manufacturing incandescent bulbs. At the time, Denmark relied on imported light bulbs, primarily from major foreign manufacturers such as Philips and Osram*.

In 1928, Madsen officially launched his production of electric bulbs but faced intense competition from these international brands. However, he managed to secure supply agreements with the Danish government and Copenhagen Municipality, which helped sustain and grow his business, making bulbs for the postal service, hospitals and the railway.

Madsen successfully steered his business through the depression and the Second World War, when Denmark was occupied by German forces. In 1946 all German property in Denmark was confiscated by the Danish state and Madsen acquired the rights to the Osram brand in Denmark. He merged it with his existing operations, forming Dansk Osram A/S. What he needed now was a new office and warehouse.

Architect Karl Weidemann Petersen came up with a bold design, employing Højgaard & Schultz as contractors. The building’s design is a textbook case of mid-century modernism—clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a sense of practicality that defined post-war European architecture. It was built in shock concrete, a construction method developed in Holland, where the concrete was intensely vibrated in the mould, resulting in greater strength, as well as a denser and more uniform structure.

The individual concrete elements were cast at the Højgaard and Schultz concrete factory and delivered to Valhalsgade where they were assembled.

Inside Osramhuset, a striking functionalist staircase with a metal railing, spirals up to a landing, where natural light streams through a window adorned with an iconic frosted glass incandescent bulb design.

Business was booming and Madsen never really retired. Working until he was 70, he remained chairman of the board until 1980, when the company ceased trading and the buildings were sold to the Copenhagen Municipality. Madsen passed away in 1984.

Rather than allowing the structure to fall into disrepair, the local community and city officials saw potential in repurposing the space. 

In the early 2000s, Osramhuset was revitalised as a cultural center, hosting a diverse array of activities for children in the local community, ranging from theater performances and art exhibitions to workshops and yoga. There is a small display case just inside the entrance where you can see some of the history of the building and its founder.

While Dansk Osram A/S no longer exists as a company, its history remains a testament to Danish innovation in lighting technology. The Osramhuset building continues to serve as a cultural centre, keeping the memory of the company alive in Nørrebro.

*Osram is a renowned German lighting manufacturer with a history spanning over a century. The name "Osram" originates from the materials osmium and tungsten (also called wolfram), both used in early light bulb filaments. Osram had numerous offices and production facilities worldwide. At its peak, Osram operated in more than 120 countries, with headquarters in Munich, Germany and major regional offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Photographs: ©Julie White unless noted otherwise

Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed are solely my own. I pay for tours in full, unless noted otherwise, and any comments reflect my personal experiences on that day. Please drink responsibly. Please visit and garner your own thoughts and feel free to research the brand and the visitor centre in question.