Tivoli Gardens

A yearly event that most Danes and myself await eagerly is the opening of Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli, for the uninitiated, is the percussor to Disneyland. It has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world including Walt who was inspired enough to create his own parks.

Situated on seventeen acres in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s most popular amusement parks. Comprised of a spectacular garden, theme park, restaurants, shopping, and performing arts center. In the summer months there are concerts every Friday night and musicians from around world flock there. I saw a little known singer by the name of Sting perform.

In recent years the park has also opted to open during the Christmas season to the delight of one million visitors who come to marvel at the Christmas light shows and performances.

This year's opening was April 17. I missed it and the chance of my visiting this summer is slim.

Which is why I am so very happy that world renowned photograper Harry Benson chose to document all aspects of this magical spot with 200 stunning photographs of the park, its performers, and its visitors taken by over the course of several visits in different seasons in a new coffee table book.

The book's introduction by John Loring, who has designed for Tivoli since 1996, traces the development of Tivoli Gardens as an entertainment center and popular gathering place since it first opened in 1843, and highlights the myriad attractions visitors will find today. The park was originally created by the King as a way for him to share his wealth and avoid the peasants' rioting.

With its intimate, behind-the-scenes perspectives, Tivoli Gardens the book captures the essence of my well loved place.