Danish theme park Tivoli Gardens has revealed its most ambitious architectural and placemaking investment to date, with two new rides opening soon.
The comprehensive transformation of the park's former Asian-inspired district represents the largest themed development ever undertaken in its nearly 200-year history.
Opening this August in the heart of Copenhagen, the new themed area will be named Hikari, which translates to "light" in Japanese. Spanning more than 2,000 square metres (21,500 square feet), the project is a significant investment.
Interpretation Rather Than Imitation
Rather than creating a nostalgic reconstruction of Japan, Tivoli Gardens has focused on a contemporary interpretation of Japanese architectural, landscape, and urban design principles, filtered through the park's traditional artistic and theatrical approach.
Visitors will find a vibrant, atmospheric streetscape incorporating authentic reclaimed doors, windows, and vintage objects sourced directly from Japan. The project also features 60 tonnes of traditional roof tiles shipped to Copenhagen from Japanese manufacturers Tsuruya and Eishirou Kawara. Additionally, the area will showcase an original artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Takashi Murakami, alongside street art and decorative installations.
Because Tivoli Gardens occupies a fixed 80,000-square-metre footprint in the centre of the capital, the project required a clever reimagining of existing space during a two-year closure. The resulting design offers a more dynamic and efficient use of the layout without expanding the park's boundaries.
Two New Rides and a Roller Coaster Transformation
At the heart of the new development is The Demon, one of the park’s most iconic roller coasters. The coaster has undergone an extensive visual transformation to integrate fully into the new district, running through the area like an elevated railway.
Joining the roller coaster are two brand-new attractions:
- Hotel Hikari: An immersive, family-friendly funhouse manufactured by Gosetto. Guests enter what appears to be an ordinary hotel lift before exploring environments filled with mechanical illusions, a vortex tunnel, a tilted room, and an infinity mirror maze.
- Typhoon’s Eye: A high-thrill Zero Gravity attraction manufactured by SBF Visa Group. Housed behind a queue building inspired by the historic Katsura Imperial Villa, the rotating drum ride spins guests at high speed until centrifugal force pins them to the walls and the floor drops away, creating an intense, high-G experience.
Authentic Gastronomy and Landscaping
Food and drink will play a major role in the expansion. Hikari will feature five street food venues developed in collaboration with prominent Danish restaurateurs, offering a mix of contemporary Japanese-inspired takeout options and covered seating.
The atmospheric setting is completed by specialised Japanese-inspired landscaping. Notable flora includes a sculpted pine tree as the area's signature feature, a temple tree (Ginkgo biloba), Japanese azaleas, and various bamboo plantings.
Investing in the Future
Commenting on the expansion, Susanne Mørch Koch, Chief Executive Officer of Tivoli Gardens, said:
"The strong financial results achieved by Tivoli Gardens in recent years have given us the opportunity to invest even more ambitiously in the future of the Gardens. We are therefore delighted to unveil Hikari, a truly visionary new area. Hikari demonstrates how Tivoli Gardens can continue to renew itself, surprise guests and create world-class experiences while preserving the unique character that has made the Gardens so special for nearly two centuries."
Søren Tegen Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Wonderful Copenhagen, added:
"Copenhagen competes with other European capitals for visitors, talent and international attention. To remain an attractive destination, we must continue to evolve and renew what we offer. Tivoli Gardens is one of Denmark’s most iconic cultural landmarks and has a unique ability to combine heritage with innovation. Hikari is a great example of how a destination can continue to develop while strengthening the overall visitor experience in Copenhagen."
An official opening date for Hikari is expected to be announced shortly.
