The church of Saint Nicholas dates back to the early 13th century and is thus Copenhagen's third-oldest church.
As a consequence of the great fire in Copenhagen in 1795, Nikolaj's long history as a church came to an end in 1805, and ever since the place has served in a variety of different capacities.
In 1957, art pioneer Knud Pedersen established an art library in the building, and since then it has come to play an important part for contemporary art. In the 1960's, a number of significant avant-garde manifestations took place here, among these some of the first international Fluxus performances in 1962.
In the 1970's, the Danish Association of Visual Artists became associated with the building, and since 1981, Nikolaj has functioned in its present capacity.
In 1957, art pioneer Knud Pedersen established an art library in the building, and since then it has come to play an important part for contemporary art. In the 1960's, a number of significant avant-garde manifestations took place here, among these some of the first international Fluxus performances in 1962.
In the 1970's, the Danish Association of Visual Artists became associated with the building, and since 1981, Nikolaj has functioned in its present capacity.