On the occasion of the 175th anniversary of Denmark’s first Constitution, this historical document will be exhibited in the Danish Parliament. From Constitution Day until the end of the autumn break, the public will have the opportunity to see the original Constitution, which is normally kept in the National Archives. This was announced on the Parliament’s website.
The Constitution, first signed in 1849, marked an important transition from absolute monarchy to democracy in Denmark. The original Constitution granted voting rights to around 15 percent of the population and has been amended four times since then. The current version dates back to 1953. The National Archives informs that their copy is the only one of the original Constitution, and that previous versions of the Constitution, except for the 1953 version, were written on animal skin, with parts of the first law written on a sheep with black fur.
Søren Gade, Chairman of the Danish Parliament, emphasizes in the announcement that the Constitution is an important part of Danish history and the foundation of democracy. “The Constitution is a treasure in Danish history, and we have a lot to thank the founders of the Constitution for. Without the Constitution, we could not breathe as free citizens in Denmark. It is also the Constitution that ensures the framework of our democracy,” he says.
The exhibition will take place in the Constitution Room at Christiansborg Palace from June 5th and will be available during all regular tours of the building. Additionally, it will also be possible to see it during the Culture Night in Copenhagen. The celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Constitution will be marked with a festive church service and an official ceremony in the Parliament, where, among others, the royal couple will participate.