The Royal Danish Opera in Copenhagen, designed by Henning Larsen Architects, was a gift by Danish shipping magnate Mærsk McKinney Møller to the state of Denmark. Situated on Dock Island in Copenhagen Harbour, on axis with Amalienborg, the Royal Residence, the Opera structure sits as a counterpart to Frederik’s Church, forming the termination points of the east-west axis from the harbour and across Amalienborg Square. Various 17 meter wide canals run on either side of the building accentuating the placement of the Opera House on the island. The front of the house is visually integrated in the harbour space, whereas the back of the building, designed as a lower building block, relates to the buildings in the area and to the new apartment blocks subsequently built on the north and south side of the Opera building. Waagner Biro Steel and Glass was designed and constructed the architecturally impressive, minimalistic steel and glass façade which welcomes the over 1,700 visitors and passers-by.