Absalon

by Lene Grønborg Poulsen, Hazel Evans (Translator), Mette Thingstrup

Folkehuset Absalon, also known as an “extension of your living room”, was founded by Lennart and Sus Lajboschitz, and inhabits the what was formerly Absalon Church, in Vesterbro, Copenhagen. Absalon’s doors first opened to the world in August 2015 and, ever since, the place has hosted its famous communal dinners every single day of the year, gathering up to 200 people each time. Lennart, Sus and co. have created a space where you will find everything from board games, dancing and film screenings, to concerts, life drawing and dinners. Regardless of the activity, the purpose is always the same: to bring people together around a shared activity.

A typical morning at Absalon sees some guests enjoying a quiet breakfast at the long tables, while others participate in one of Absalon’s many exercise events that include “Oldies But Goldies” (yoga for seniors) or “Baby Dance” (for parents on parental leave). Throughout the day, friends, students, table-tennis players and plenty of others become part of Absalon. At dinner time, people of all types and ages gather around the long tables to eat together. The weekend is no different. You might stumble into a “Family Groove” session, attempt acroyoga alongside a plant market, play bingo or find yourself dancing late into the night. This is but a taste of what Absalon has to offer—more of which you will discover throughout this book.

Paperback

Published January 1, 2019