Designmuseum Danmark
Designmuseum Danmark is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Copenhagen audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type museum
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Copenhagen Copenhagen guide
About Designmuseum Danmark
Denmark's museum of design and decorative arts, set in the Rococo former Frederiks Hospital, famous for its gallery of Danish chairs, ceramics, textiles and Poul Henningsen lamps.
Designmuseum Danmark, founded in 1890, is Denmark's museum of design and decorative art. It stands at Bredgade 68 in the Frederiksstaden district and, since 1926, has occupied the former Frederiks Hospital, a Rococo building constructed between 1752 and 1757. The conversion of the old hospital into a museum was carried out by the designer Kaare Klint and the architect Ivar Bentsen. Known for much of its history as Kunstindustrimuseet, the institution took the name Designmuseum Danmark only in 2011, and reopened in June 2022 after a two-year renovation.
The collections span Danish and international design and decorative arts, including furniture, ceramics, textiles, and Chinese and German porcelain. Featured designers include Arne Jacobsen, Kaare Klint and Poul Henningsen, creator of the PH lamps. One of the most popular displays, 'The Danish Chair', is an installation by Boris Berlin that frames each chair as a work of art. The museum also holds the largest library in Scandinavia devoted to decorative arts and industrial design.
Did you know? The museum was founded in 1890 but did not move into its home, the former Frederiks Hospital of the 1750s, until 1926. It carried the name Kunstindustrimuseet until adopting Designmuseum Danmark in 2011.
How long should you spend at Designmuseum Danmark?
Plan about ~90 min at Designmuseum Danmark. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Designmuseum Danmark worth visiting?
Designmuseum Danmark is one of the 24 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Copenhagen, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Copenhagen
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Designmuseum Danmark and read more:
Day 1 of the Copenhagen in 2 days itinerary →Day 2 of the Copenhagen in 3 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Designmuseum Danmark
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