The Thorvaldsen Museum in Copenhagen opened in 1848 as Denmark's very first art museum. Since then, the museum has occupied a central place in the awareness of the importance of art. This is due both to the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen's special status in European art history, but also to the museum's unique architecture and decoration. _x000D_The Danish architect Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll (1800-1856) traveled to Rome as a newly qualified architect in 1834 and sought out the highly esteemed Thorvaldsen, who lived and worked there. There is no doubt that the young architect was highly influenced by the antique art and architecture he met on his journey. The museum building is in itself a historical treasure, with grand architectural features to complement the statues of gods and famous historical figures that line the walls. _x000D_This is the story of the people and circumstances that made this ambitious and extremely contemporary construction project possible. The book also provides a comprehensive analysis of the museum's formal language, colors and motifs. The numerous new photographs and many other illustrations testify to the museum's striking appearance and beauty.