HØJHUSET – Denmark’s First Cultural Hotel

Denmark’s First Cultural Hotel

HØJHUSET Cultural Hotel, located in Herning, Denmark, offers guests a unique journey into the past. Housed in a 15-floor tower known for its modernist architecture, the building was once Herning’s folk high school, built in 1961. With its distinctive structure, it has earned nicknames such as “The Milk Carton” and “The Shag Silo.” In 2017, the Johannes Jensen and Helle Maus Foundation purchased the building with the vision of transforming it into a cultural hotel, respecting its historical and architectural significance.

Since its transformation, the cultural hotel has received several prestigious recognitions, including the Hotel Innovation Award at the 196+ Forum in Vienna.

From folk high school to cultural hub

Originally founded by Aage Damgaard, a patron of the arts, the Herning folk high school became a hub for creativity and intellectual exchange until its closure in 2007. The institution’s focus on arts and community made it a cultural touchstone for the region. Designed by architects Tyge Arnfred and Viggo Møller-Jensen, the building is a minimalist masterpiece, featuring exposed beams, tile, wood, and concrete. The interior decor includes murals by renowned artist Paul Gadegaard.

After earning heritage status in 2018, the structure underwent a careful renovation, reopening in April 2023 as HØJHUSET Cultural Hotel. Today, guests can stay in student rooms adorned with designer furniture, evoking the ’60s, while exploring the common areas filled with art by HuskMitNavn, Næblerød, and Sviatchenko, among others.

Creating a sense of place

True to its roots, HØJHUSET continues to champion cultural and social engagement. The hotel is run as a social-economic enterprise, and supports the community through inclusive events like concerts, lectures, and social dining. By hosting activities that foster community, HØJHUSET stays aligned with the original mission of Herning folk high school, offering a space for learning, connection, and artistic inspiration.

A fundamental part of HØJHUSET’s guest experience is its thoughtful interior design, which enhances the sense of place. In collaboration with Dansk Wilton and renowned artist Sergei Sviatchenko, the hotel proudly features bespoke area rugs inspired by his signature collages. These artistic area rugs serve not only as eye-catching design elements but also as integral pieces that deepen the hotel’s immersive cultural narrative. The use of these unique area rugs goes beyond aesthetics; it enriches the overall guest experience, creating a visually engaging atmosphere that reflects HØJHUSET’s dedication to combining art, design, and community in a meaningful way, while honouring the region’s proud traditions in the textile industry.

In this place, interior design becomes more than décor – it is a vital part of the story HØJHUSET tells, making every guest’s stay a rich, memorable encounter with creativity and culture.