The opening was not without controversy. During construction, Danish billionaire Maersk McKinney Moeller, who funded the building, insisted that metal bars be added to the fa‹ade, partially obstructing the view of passersby into the maple-lined lobby, according to the New York Times. Larsen nearly quit the project over the issue, and then criticized the completed building on Danish television last week.

The Royal Danish Opera will appear in the new building for the first time on January 26, performing a new production of AÇda with Gitta-Maria Sj‹berg and Roberto Alagna.