 With inspiration from San Cataldo in Amalfi in Italy, which had served as a retreat for Danish artists and scientists since 1924, consideration was given to turning Klitgaarden into a similar venue.The town of Skagen and a circle of prominent cultural figures including the writer Klaus Rifbjerg and art collector and founder of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art Knud W. Jensen, collaborated to raise the funds needed to realize the plans.After a thorough renovation the refuge opened its doors in the summer of 2000.