THE HISTORY
A Story of Community
Konventum is a conference, hotel and education center. However, the venue also harbors a fascinating history of architecture, the spirit of the times, art, learning styles, and personal development.
It all started in 1956 when the leaders of the Danish trade union movement decided to build an innovative workers’ folk high school in North Zealand. Their vision was to create a creative learning environment for shop stewards from Danish workplaces.
The Workers’ Educational Association (AOF) and the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) purchased 30 hectares of land along the coast of the Øresund strait and launched an architectural competition.
Some of the greatest architects of the era submitted their proposals on how to design a visionary, functionalist educational institution that would optimize opportunities for learning, knowledge sharing, and socializing.
The architectural trio of Ebbe and Karen Clemmensen, along with Jarl Heger, envisioned a white, southern Spanish-style village consisting of several smaller buildings scattered across a green savanna. In doing so, they pulled off an architectural masterstroke. The design was characterized by the simple Scandinavian style that dominated the 1960s, drawing inspiration from both Spanish and Japanese architecture—a style that also inspired iconic venues like the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
The school was named ‘LO-skolen’ and was operated by the LO-skolen Foundation from the very beginning.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Outstanding Craftsmanship
LO-skolen was built using the finest materials and the most skilled tradespeople. It was furnished by some of the greatest furniture designers of the era within the cooperative movement—including Børge Mogensen, head of the FDB design studio, whose iconic work is beautifully represented throughout the venue.
In May 1969, the doors opened to the very first folk high school classes. There were rya rugs on the walls, Bob Dylan tunes played on the guitar, and cold beers enjoyed over lunch. In the residential wings, students lived for six months at a time, taking courses in management, board leadership, occupational health and safety, organization, communication, and workplace well-being.
Over the years, the buildings expanded organically, and today the venue spans an impressive 20,000 square meters.
From the very beginning, the educational programs at LO-skolen were run by FIU (the Trade Union Movement’s Internal Education System)—a visionary educational framework that is still renowned and replicated far beyond Denmark’s borders today.
Up until 2008, Konventum operated exclusively as a folk high school. However, in the mid-1990s, several trade unions began shifting their priorities. This led to fewer students, prompting LO-skolen to adapt its business to a new era.
In 2008, the last folk high school courses concluded. LO-skolen was rebranded as Konventum—a name inspired by the Latin conventus (assembly) and the Danish word konversere (to converse)—reflecting our ongoing vision to remain a place where people meet and connect.
COMMUNITY LIVES ON
Modern Times
Today, Konventum is North Zealand’s largest meeting and conference venue. Every single day, we welcome professionals from all industries for meetings and conferences of all sizes. Konventum is a place where everyone is welcome, and where the historic dreams of innovation, creativity, and community thrive alongside today’s demands for efficiency and modernity.
While the FIU courses have become shorter over time, we continue to train shop stewards in engaging in constructive dialogue with management and collaborating to handle change, ensuring continued workplace cooperation.
The sense of community is truly alive and well.
Fællesskabet lever i bedste velgående.
Architecture, Art & Design
The Architecture
In architectural circles, Konventum is considered a masterpiece of landscape-integrated architecture.
The architecture is highly consistent in its style and lines, with every exterior and interior detail meticulously thought out. These buildings are Danish from top to bottom, representing the very best of Danish design and craftsmanship. In 2011, Konventum was officially listed as a protected heritage site by the Danish Agency for Culture.
The Art
Konventum’s collection of modern Danish art is our pride and joy. Our collection features over 1,200 works, all dating from 1950 to the present day.
The collection richly represents multiple genres and styles within modern Danish art. The COBRA movement is well-represented, and you will also find works by prominent artists such as Trampedach, Heerup, Børge Jørgensen, Karl Åge Riget, Kathrine Ærtebjerg, Lizzie Mallow, and Henning Damgård Sørensen, among others.
Guided art tours are available. Read more under Events.
The Design Furniture
At Konventum, you can sit back and relax in design classics from some of Denmark’s greatest furniture designers. Iconic pieces like ‘The Spanish Chair’, ‘The King Chair’, and ‘The Pelican’ are not just for display—they are used and enjoyed every single day.
We house one of Denmark’s largest collections of Danish design classics, featuring more than 300 chairs designed by legendary figures such as Hans J. Wegner, Børge Mogensen, and Arne Jacobsen.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Konventum’s Boards of Directors
Since 2008, Konventum A/S has been owned by the private commercial foundation, Fonden LO-skolen. The foundation manages the administration of the entire group as well as the maintenance of the buildings.
Our board of directors is the supreme authority at Konventum and consists of a broad composition of representatives from management, employees, the trade union movement, and the municipality. In close cooperation with management, the board works to sustainably secure Konventum’s business areas.
Since 2018, the foundation has also operated Højstrupgård.
Board of Directors in Fonden LO-skolen
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Henrik W. Petersen, Chairman of the Board, Union President of Blik- og Rørarbejderforbundet
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Pernille Elkjær Christensen, Head of the Center for Development and Education, HK
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Flemming Grønsund, Vice President, FH
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Lene Krabbe Dahl, Union Secretary, 3F
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Claus Skovhøj Olsen, Chief Financial and IT Officer, FH
Board of Directors in Konventum A/S
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Henrik W. Petersen, Chairman of the Board, Union President of Blik- og Rørarbejderforbundet
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Lene Lindberg, Branch Chair, FOA Nordsjælland
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Mette Duwall Friis, Employee-Elected Board Member
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Knud Martens, CEO, FolkeFerie.dk
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Claus Skovhøj Olsen, Chief Financial and IT Officer, FH
CSR
For a Better World
Konventum’s core narrative is anchored in a philosophy of innovation and community, as well as promoting sustainability. Our focus on learning and community means that we view social responsibility as an integrated part of our culture and history. For us, it is important to pass on a world that is slightly better than yesterday. Therefore, at Konventum, we do what we can to ensure a better future for everyone.
We work continuously to become even more sustainable, which has resulted in a Green Key certification. This commits us to meeting a number of environmental requirements and continuously improving our sustainability efforts.
We have furthermore developed a food philosophy focused on sustainability and social responsibility. The kitchen staff is trained in reducing food waste, for example by creatively repurposing ingredients into new dishes.
Social responsibility is also sustainability. Since 1969, we have educated shop stewards who help ensure good working conditions. Therefore, it is only natural that all of our employees are likewise covered by a collective agreement.
