Photography Competition: “Capture the Light in the Round Tower”

Light plays a very special role in the iconic architecture of the Round Tower. From the soft rays of sunlight gliding through the old windows of the Spiral Ramp to the tower’s distinctive crown bathed in the red glow of dusk, light adds an extra dimension to an already extraordinary architectural experience.

On the occasion of Light Year 2026, marking the 350th anniversary of Ole Rømer’s discovery of the speed of light, Rundetaarn invites photographers — whether professional, amateur, or hobbyists — to take part in a competition focusing on light and architecture in the Round Tower and the Trinitatis Complex.

The competition launches on 6 February and culminates on Architecture Day on 5 October, when a professional jury will select the winners. The winning photographs will subsequently be exhibited in Rundetaarn’s Spiral Ramp during week 41, culminating in Copenhagen’s annual Culture Night on 9 October.

The submission form can be found at the bottom of the page.

The Library Hall, located halfway up Rundetaarn, is also part of the Trinitatis Complex.

Explore the entire building complex

Participating photographers are encouraged to explore and capture the light throughout the entire Trinitatis Complex. Architecturally, the building originally consists of three parts: Trinitatis Church, the Library Hall, which once housed the Royal University’s book collection, and Rundetaarn, built as a platform for the Observatory.

Photographing the complex from the outside is also permitted, and participants may choose to focus on the view, provided that the architecture plays a role in some way.

During the competition, the Trinitatis Complex will exceptionally open on selected days, allowing photographers to capture the light at times when Rundetaarn and Trinitatis Church are normally closed. These special openings will be announced on an ongoing basis at social media and the website.

The bell loft is currently under renovation and will not be accessible as part of the competition.

In Trinitatis Church, the light also beautifully streams through the large windows.

Prizes and Recognition

The winners can look forward to:

• 1st prize: DKK 10,000
• 2nd prize: DKK 5,000
• 3rd prize: DKK 3,000

The competition is organized by the Round Tower. Any taxes on the prizes are the responsibility of the winners.

The photographer behind the “Photo of the Month” in each of the eight months will be awarded an annual pass to Rundetaarn.

Photographs will also be shared continuously on the Round Tower’s social media channels.

Jury

The winners will be selected by a professional jury consisting of:

• Klaus Nygaard, Editor-in-Chief at Digital FOTO
• Camilla van Deurs, former City Architect and Partner at Nordic Office of Architecture
• Kim Høltermand, architectural photographer

Schedule

• Start: 6 February 2026
• Deadline for Upload: 13 September 2026
• Architecture Day and Award Ceremony: 5 October 2026
• Exhibition: 5–9 October 2026

Rules for Participation in the Photography Competition

Image Upload
Images must be uploaded via rundetaarn.dk.

• Maximum 5 images per participant (can be uploaded all at once or in multiple batches)
• Maximum file size per image: 5 MB (max width 2500 px)
• Accepted file formats: JPEG or PNG

Editing and Manipulation

• Standard image editing (color adjustment, cropping, contrast, exposure, etc.) is allowed.
• Use of AI or manipulation that significantly adds, removes, or alters elements in the image is not allowed.

Content

• The main focus of the image must be light and architecture, with the architecture centered on the Trinitatis Complex, i.e., the Round Tower and Trinitatis Church.
• Avoid images containing recognizable people (even with consent).
• Images must be suitable for public display and must not contain offensive or inappropriate material.

Use of Images

• The Round Tower reserves the right to share uploaded images on social media, with credit and tags where provided.
• If The Round Tower finds it relevant to print images such as postcards, posters, or similar items based on a submitted photograph, this will take place only after mutual agreement with the photographer.

Equipment

• All types of equipment are allowed, from professional cameras to smartphones.

Ownership and Rights

• Photographers retain ownership of their images.
• By participating in the competition, the photographer agrees that images submitted to the competition may not be used in commercial or promotional contexts that exploit the competition or the Round Tower (Rundetårn) without prior agreement with Rundetaarn. This includes, for example, use in advertisements, product marketing, or other commercial promotion where the image is associated with the competition or with Rundetaarn. The purpose is to maintain control over the contexts in which Rundetaarn appears commercially. This rule also applies when permission has otherwise been granted to use professional photographic equipment in Rundetaarn.
• Images must also not contain commercial or promotional elements.

Responsibility

• Participants are responsible for the content of their images and for ensuring they have the necessary rights to the subject matter.
• The Round Tower is not responsible for loss, damage, or infringement of third-party rights.

Deadline

• All images must be uploaded by 13 September 2026.

Submission Form for Images