Designmuseum Danmark is a museum of Danish and international design at Bredgade 68 in Copenhagen, housed in the former Royal Frederik’s Hospital, an 18th-century Rococo building. Its collections span furniture, lighting, textiles, fashion, ceramics, posters and other everyday objects. The Danish chair collection is a natural place to start, with permanent and changing exhibitions bringing different periods and design traditions into view. Set aside time for the galleries, then take a break at the café or browse the design-focused shop.
A former hospital on Bredgade
The museum occupies the former Royal Frederik’s Hospital, an 18th-century Rococo building on Bredgade. Its past as a hospital gives the galleries a different setting from a purpose-built contemporary museum. The address is Bredgade 68, in Copenhagen’s historic centre.
Designmuseum Danmark focuses on Danish and international design, including industrial design, furniture and crafts. The collection reaches beyond chairs and household objects: textiles, fashion, ceramics, glassware, metalwork, posters and lighting are also represented. The museum’s displays connect design to the things people use and see in daily life, from furniture and fabrics to graphic work.
Danish chairs and everyday design
The Danish chair collection is a useful starting point for understanding the museum’s focus. It brings together designs associated with makers such as Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose work helped define Danish Modern design. Look closely at the forms, materials and construction as you move through the displays; the collection gives chairs room to be considered as designed objects, not simply as furnishings.
Other galleries broaden the picture with furniture, lighting, textiles, posters and decorative arts. The permanent displays sit alongside temporary exhibitions, so the experience can change between visits. Past exhibitions have included Hokusai’s work and Japanese posters, as well as a show focused on ceramic food. Exhibition subjects and displays change, so check the museum’s current programme before you go if a particular topic matters to you.
Planning your visit
The galleries can take around one to two hours to explore. There are places to sit in many of the rooms, which can make it easier to pause before continuing. A free cloakroom is available for belongings. The museum also has a café and a shop, so you can take a break or browse design books and gifts as part of the visit.
The museum is closed on Mondays. It stays open later on Thursdays, until 8 pm, while its other listed opening days run until 6 pm. Advance tickets are recommended. The entrance and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and the museum has family facilities including a changing table. Check the museum website for current exhibitions and ticket information before setting out.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at Designmuseum Danmark?
Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to explore the museum.
What can you see at Designmuseum Danmark?
The collections include Danish chairs, furniture, lighting, textiles, fashion, ceramics, posters and other design objects. Temporary exhibitions add changing subjects.
Is Designmuseum Danmark open on Thursdays?
Yes. Thursday is the late-opening day, with the museum open until 8 pm.
Is Designmuseum Danmark wheelchair accessible?
The museum has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom.
