The Blue Hour
15. jan. 2026—1. feb. 2026
Immerse yourself in sound and light
The Blue Hour is a light and sound intallation created by Den Sorte Skole and Spøgelsesmaskinen. As part of the celebration of Elsinore’s 600th jubilee, and in collaboration with the GLØD Light Festival, Kronborg Castle offers free access to the installation in the ballroom from 16 January to 2 February, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The installation begins when the sun sets and ends when there is no longer any blue light in the sky. The full piece lasts 96 minutes, but it is open, so you can come and go as you like.
1.
The Blue Hour
The blue hour describes a meteorological phenomenon that is particularly dominant at northern latitudes. It is the time of day when the sun sets and twilight falls. The sun's center is below the horizon and the blue wavelengths of light color the sky. Day fades away and night is on its way. The blue hour marks the twilight and creates an opportunity for contemplation in the community between light and dark. It is a time of day for which we have many beautiful names: dusk, twilight, gloaming. Throughout time, people have marked the transition, held dusk gatherings, and allowed for a slower pace. Today, the blue hour is perhaps better known as 'the wolf hour'. We need to head home from work, do shopping, pick up children, meet friends - it's a time of day when we usually have a lot to do.
2.
Sound, light and immersion
The sound has been composed by Den Sorte Skole around the principle of the Shepard tone, which creates an auditory illusion of a tonal progression that seems to constantly descend in pitch, but in reality, it cyclically returns to its starting point over and over again. Instead of a linear progression, an infinite fall is created, allowing the audience to delve deeper and deeper into the darkness. The descent is continuously enveloped by a sporadic sea of choral voices.
The same applies to the light, created by the Ghost Machine. Ten unique lamps in various shades of blue glass are placed in a circle in the middle of the room. The light moves in different compositions with the sounds and emphasizes the blue transition in the natural light outside as well as the disappearance of the light.
Practical information
What does it start?
The installation starts every day at sunset, so the starting time changes daily. Check your weather app or Google for the sunset time. The installation lasts 96 minutes, but you are free to come and go as you please.Is it a free experience?
Yes, The Blue Hour is a gift to Elsinore, and therefore there is free admission to the dance hall from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. However, please note that there is no free admission to the castle and it is only possible to access the ballroom during the time frame of 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.Can I visit the castle for the rest of the day?
You can visit the castle during our regular opening hours, but this still requires a standard entrance ticket. The castle is closed on Mondays, but The Blue Hour is open from 4 pm to 6:30 pm every day including Mondays.Which entrance should I use?
The main entrance of the castle is closed during the exhibition period. Therefore, you must use the entrance at the back of the castle facing Øresund. We will provide signage to help you find your way.Is the café open?
Yes, the café is open during the exhibition period, so you can buy a cup of coffee, sweets, and savory snacks.Can one sit down?
Yes, that is possible. We set up chairs so you can sit down for an extended period and experience the artwork. You can also borrow cushions and blankets, so you can lie or sit on the floor.
