Christian Frederik Hansen (29 February 1756 – 10 July 1845), known as C. F. Hansen, was the leading Danish architect between the late 18th century and the mid 19th century, and on account of his position at the Royal Danish Academy of Art (Det Kongelige Danske Kunstakademi) the most powerful person in artistic circles for many years.

He was born in Copenhagen into the poor household of shoemaker and leatherworker Matthias Hansen and his wife Anna Marie, who had been nursemaid for Prince Christian VII.

His mother used her connections at the royal court, and found some influential people who interested themselves in his education and training.

He studied at the Academy under architect Caspar Frederik Harsdorff, but probably also received some training from Nicolas-Henri Jardin.

Instead he received economic support from Dowager Queen Juliane Marie and King Christian VII for a shorter tour, and he traveled out of the country starting in late 1782, travelling over Vienna and Venice to Rome, where he studied ancient Roman art.

He built fine houses for the well-to-do, both in town and out in the country, estates on Elbchaussee, and small churches.

In 1808 he was named Professor of Architecture, Chief Building Director, and given the position of State Advisor (etatsråd).

His marble bust of sculptor Hermann Ernst Freund is in the Academy's Assembly Hall, as is his portrait of artist Conrad Christian August Bøhndel.