The experience starts in the foyer

MCH Messecenter Herning gives Boxen a stylish upgrade

Troldtekt Boxen Herning
Photo: Thomas Mølvig, architect

For the past eight years, Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning has been synonymous with X-large cultural events. Since its opening in 2010, the iconic black building has hosted a string of world-famous stars: Prince, Linkin Park, Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, Rihanna, George Michael, Britney Spears, Rammstein and Paul Simon – just to name a few.

In its capacity as a true multi-purpose arena, it has also staged the Ice Hockey World Championships, the Women’s Handball World Championships and the European Swimming Championships. Moreover, Cirque de Soleil has performed several times at Boxen. In principle, anything is possible in the vast space beneath the huge unsupported roof structure, and with room for 15,000 spectators, the venue can pay its way.

Now, an elegant arrivals hall has been built that connects directly to Boxen on its west side. Cubo Arkitekter has designed the rectangular structure, which comprises 12-metre-high facades with four-metres of glass at the bottom topped by eight metres of foil. The great transparency ensures lots of natural daylight, and in the evening the foyer is illuminated from within by an orgy of colour.

Exclusive surroundings

In the middle of the hall, there is a huge piece of ‘furniture’ that houses toilets and technical facilities as well as a VIP restaurant at the top on the second floor. The restaurant is linked to the kitchens and the restaurant in Boxen via bridge constructions.

In order to create a pleasant sound environment in the restaurant, floating acoustic clouds have been suspended with integrated light Troldtekt acoustic panels. At the same time, the ceiling also creates a more intimate atmosphere in the middle of the magnificent foyer. Troldtekt acoustic panels have also been used in the foyer in a matt black variant, which is both visually calming while also taking the edge off the noise levels when 3,000 cheerful people meet for a pre-show drink. 

For most of the guests and spectators who visit Boxen every year, the experience begins in the foyer before they even enter the main building. It is a successful upgrade, which very much lives up to the high expectations that audiences have just before going in to see their idols perform.