Christiana

Category: Intentional Communities

Christiania is an autonomous community that started 33 years ago following the civil occupation of an unused area, then owned by the Ministry of Defence.
It is an unparalleled example of human entrepreneurship and innovative spirit.
Art
Christiania has been described as a life surrounded by art. There is art everywhere. Many of the houses, which have been built by the present or previous inhabitants and which nobody owns, are works of art in themselves, and are often studied and admired by students from the nearby School of Architecture. Everywhere you go in Christiania there are paintings and sculptures, and there is always live music or theatre playing somewhere. Christiania has several of its own art galleries.

A social and healthy life
Christianites have the opportunity to live a socially active and responsible existence as they have a high level of influence on their everyday lives. Diversity of opinions and attitudes among your peers is encouraged. Consensus democracy, despite the lengthy negotiations that are needed to reach common consent, provides unity and realistic solutions. A strong social network is a well-developed part of the community. This leads to an improved quality of life and a safety-net for the inhabitants. From an early age the children of Christiania roam freely within the area. We all know each other’s children and where they live. The elderly and infirm are also taken care of by neighbours and the Citizens Council. Today, Christiania has four day-care institutions, which are paid for by the entire community.

Social networking
Neighbourliness is of vital importance for the life of Christiania. Most of the 800 inhabitants know each other and help with everything from house construction to talking confidentially. Christiania also attracts a large number of people from the surrounding city who do not feel comfortable in modern society. They are well accepted, and are often integrated to the extent that they can provide small-scale services for Christiania. This gives them a meaningful existence and the satisfaction of fulfilling a role in a larger context.

The story of Christiania
The story of Christiania is colourful, long, and filled with battles, victories and defeats. Many of the people who began the experiment do not live here anymore, but the dream of a life of freedom and the idea of a place ruled by its inhabitants endures. Now 33 years on, people from near and far still feel attracted to the magical mixture of anarchy and love of this community. It all began in 1970 when a group of citizens knocked down the fence around an extensive area previously used by the Ministry of Defence. They wanted a playground for their kids and something green to look at. The same year an article in an alternative newspaper was published in connection with an art exhibition. The article discussed the abandoned military area and suggested that it be used for the numerous young people who were unable to find accommodation elsewhere. The article resulted in the massive immigration of people from all sections of society, who came to create an alternative life based on communal living and freedom. This was the birth of Christiania.