Islev Church –
a modern Danish church gem
Architecture and design
Islev Church was designed by the renowned Danish architect couple Inger and Johannes Exner, known for numerous church buildings across Denmark, including Præstebro Church opposite Herlev Hospital. The first sketches were made in 1960, and the church was consecrated in January 1970. The solid brick walls were chosen to protect the sanctuary from the noise of nearby Slotsherrensvej.
The building project was awarded to the firm Ranyco, master mason Skjellerup, and master carpenter Hans H. Nielsen.
Beyond the main sanctuary, the church includes a parish hall, a fireside lounge, a confirmation room, and various offices. Three large doors allow the parish hall to open into the church, creating space for 350–400 people—used, for instance, on Christmas Eve and at confirmation services.
The organ loft and organ
The organ loft, supported by hand-forged iron columns by Poul Skjellerup, leads into the sanctuary. The cutouts in the columns visually lighten the structure.
The organ, designed by the Exners and built by Frobenius, was inaugurated in 1971 and renovated in 2015 with added stops and a separate swell division. The four organ cases, made of furniture board and painted in coordinated hues of blue, green, and violet, contain unique stops. The facade cutouts follow the mathematical shape of the superellipse, and each one is unique.
The 119 original pipes are color-matched to their organ cases, while new pipes retain their metallic finish. The star on the swell division was designed by Inger and Karen Exner in collaboration with Johannes Exner, who passed away in 2015 before the organ’s completion.
The altar and crucifix
The brick altar was designed by Exner. It is constructed entirely of bricks, held together by embedded ties and mortar, with no concrete apart from the joints. The altar table itself is a superellipse resting on a circular base. The copper candlesticks were crafted by silversmith Bent Exner.
The crucifix is by famous Danish sculptor Robert Jacobsen, made from scrap metal found at a dump outside Paris. Originally created for another church, it was loaned to Islev Church temporarily—where it has remained ever since.
Baptismal font and liturgical art
The baptismal font features a copper basin made by Bent Exner and an iron stand forged by Poul Skjellerup, who also made the copper flower vases, candleholders, and the large hanging candle globe.
The pulpit is only slightly raised from the floor. The beautiful woven altar tapestries are the work of textile artist Grete Balle, inspired by the church space and Jacobsen’s crucifix. Her work echoes the rustic architecture, using coarse yarn and symbolic motifs such as halos in both round and elongated forms.
Roof structure and lighting
The roof employs a "king-post" truss construction, a technique dating back to ancient bridge building. The vertical posts (called kings) descend into the church interior and are anchored in the outer walls.
The pendant lights were custom-made by Louis Poulsen based on Exner’s drawings. They are positioned to cast light from behind, directly onto the hymnbooks.
The fountain sculpture
The fountain on the church square, titled Pass It On (Giv det videre), was inaugurated in 1977. It was designed by Inger and Johannes Exner and crafted by Poul Skjellerup.
Visits to the church
You are welcome to visit Islev Church during office hours:
Tuesday to Friday, 10:00–13:00.
For further information, please contact the church office: post@islevkirke.dk
About the architects
Inger and Johannes Exner have left a remarkable legacy, having designed a wide range of churches and other notable buildings across Denmark. Among their most prestigious works is the restoration of Koldinghus Castle.
Learn more at:
To mark the 50th anniversary of Islev Church in 2020, we published two printed booklets: a commemorative publication and an illustrated architectural guide featuring a historical overview, a description of the building, and beautiful photographs by Roberto Fortuna. An English version is available.
All publications can be purchased at the church for 20 DKK each.
