Danish Jewish Museum
Architect Daniel Libeskind’s intimate "Mitzvah" interior turns a 17th‑century royal boathouse into a powerful, quietly absorbing journey through 400 years of Jewish life in Denmark.
Tucked into the vaulted 17th‑century Galley House by the Royal Library Garden, the Danish Jewish Museum offers a powerful journey through 400 years of Jewish life in Denmark. Inside this former royal boathouse, architect Daniel Libeskind has created an intimate, maze‑like interior based on the Hebrew word “Mitzvah”, echoing both the rescue of Danish Jews during the Second World War and everyday stories of faith, identity and belonging in Danish society.
A brief summary to Danish Jewish Museum
- Proviantpassagen 6, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1218, DK
- +4533112218
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan around the limited opening days and hours; the museum is usually open Wednesday to Sunday midday to late afternoon and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Set aside time simply to walk the corridors twice; on a second circuit the "Mitzvah" floor plan and subtle slopes become much easier to sense and appreciate.
- Combine your visit with a quiet break in the Royal Library Garden just outside, which offers benches, greenery and a striking contrast to the museum’s enclosed vaults.
- Photography without flash is generally fine in most areas, but avoid bright light on delicate objects and check for any marked restrictions in temporary exhibitions.
- If you read Danish, ask about the reading room and research resources; they provide deeper insight into local sources on Jewish history in Denmark.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv; trains run every few minutes and a single zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK. From either station it is about a 10–15 minute level walk through the historic center to the Royal Library Garden. Pavements are generally smooth and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though cobblestones appear in some stretches.
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City bus
Several city bus lines stop near Slotsholmen and the Parliament area, a 5–10 minute walk from the museum, with typical journey times of 10–25 minutes from inner districts depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets cost around 20–25 DKK within the central zones and buses usually run every 10–20 minutes during the day. Expect some cobbled sections and occasional crowds at peak commuting hours.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach the museum by bike from most central neighbourhoods in 10–20 minutes. You can use a rental or bike‑share for roughly 20–60 DKK per hour depending on the provider. Bike racks are available around the Royal Library and nearby streets, but spaces can fill up in office hours, so allow a little extra time to park and walk into the garden.
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Taxi from central areas
A taxi ride from popular central locations such as the main railway station or Nyhavn typically takes 10–15 minutes in normal traffic. Fares usually fall in the 120–200 DKK range including basic charges and may rise at night or in heavy congestion. Taxis can drop passengers close to the entrances of the Royal Library and Parliament area, from where a short, mostly flat walk leads into the Royal Library Garden.
Danish Jewish Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Danish Jewish Museum
A museum woven into Copenhagen’s royal waterfront
Housed in the historic Galley House on Slotsholmen, the Danish Jewish Museum occupies the vaulted basement of what was once King Christian IV’s royal boathouse. Here, warships once loaded ammunition and provisions, shielded from prying eyes; today those same brick vaults shelter delicate ritual objects, family heirlooms and everyday traces of Jewish life in Denmark. The setting is no coincidence: it was Christian IV who first invited Jews to settle in Denmark in the 17th century, linking the building’s maritime past with the beginnings of Danish Jewish history. Step inside and you exchange the open, leafy calm of the Royal Library Garden for a low, stone‑arched interior. The thick walls and discreet position beside the modern Black Diamond library capture the sense of a story that has long been present, yet often hidden in plain sight within the very heart of Copenhagen.Daniel Libeskind’s architecture of the word “Mitzvah”
The interior is a complete reimagining by architect Daniel Libeskind, known for his Jewish Museum in Berlin. Rather than imposing a neutral gallery, he has inscribed the Hebrew word “Mitzvah” – meaning commandment, obligation or good deed – into the floor plan itself. As you follow the skewed corridors and angled passageways, you are literally walking through the four letters of the word. Floor levels tilt almost imperceptibly, walls swerve and perspectives shift, creating a subtle sense of instability that recalls the vulnerability of minority life. Yet the spaces are finished in pale wood, warm light and carefully framed views of the old masonry, balancing unease with a distinctly Nordic calm. The result is a small "building within a building": a contemporary wooden volume nested inside centuries‑old stone, where past and present seem to speak to each other.Four centuries of Danish Jewish life under one roof
The permanent exhibition, often described as “Space and Spaciousness,” traces some 400 years of Jewish presence in Denmark. Rather than a single grand narrative, it unfolds through objects: silver Torah ornaments, prayer books, shop signs, wedding contracts, everyday utensils and portraits. Each piece opens a door onto themes of migration, trade, assimilation, religious practice and cultural exchange. One thread running through the displays is the 1943 rescue of Danish Jews, when thousands escaped across the Øresund to Sweden with the help of their neighbours. Maps, photographs and personal testimonies give that episode human scale, placing it within wider questions of solidarity, citizenship and the responsibilities of a majority society toward its minorities. Alongside wartime stories, you encounter quieter chapters: the establishment of congregations, debates over identity, and the place of Jewish culture in a modern welfare state.A minority museum at the crossroads of culture and research
The museum functions not only as an exhibition space but also as a state‑recognised cultural history institution. Behind the scenes, its collections, archives and research projects document the diverse experiences of Danish Jews: urban and provincial, religious and secular, long‑settled families and more recent arrivals. A reading room offers materials for those wishing to delve deeper, especially in Danish, while temporary exhibitions and cultural events explore topics from festivals and food traditions to contemporary art and memory culture. Because of its compact size, the visit feels concentrated and reflective. Rather than overwhelming with scale, the museum invites you to linger with individual stories and details. Its position within Copenhagen’s cultural district, close to parliament and major museums, underlines how Jewish history is interwoven with the national story rather than standing apart from it.Atmosphere, details and how to experience the space
Inside, the atmosphere is hushed and contemplative, with muffled sounds from the garden above and a soft play of light along the angled timber surfaces. Display texts are presented in both Danish and English, making the exhibitions accessible to international visitors. Occasional glimpses of the garden and surrounding buildings through deep window openings remind you that this intimate museum is embedded in the city’s political and cultural core. Allow time simply to walk the corridors and notice how the architecture changes your sense of balance and direction. Small seating niches encourage pauses for reflection, while multimedia elements and films add voices and movement to the otherwise quiet rooms. Whether you have a personal connection to Jewish heritage or are encountering this history for the first time, the museum offers a compact but layered experience that stays with you after you step back out into the daylight of the Royal Library Garden.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Circle Bridge
0.2 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Holmens Bro
0.3 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.3 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Stable Boy's House
0.3 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
National Museum of Denmark
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Magstræde
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Stork Fountain
0.5 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.5 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.6 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Unmissable attractions to see
Garden of the Royal Library
0.1 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.1 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Black Diamond
0.1 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
The War Museum
0.1 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Slotsholmen
0.1 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Børsen
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.3 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Marmorbroen
0.3 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Essential places to dine
No. 2
0.2 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant 1733
0.5 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Maven
0.5 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Marv & Ben
0.5 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Kadeau
0.5 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
King Hans Cellar
0.5 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Puk
0.6 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Noi
0.6 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant Tight
0.6 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Cafe Wilder
0.6 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Rio Bravo
0.6 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
à terre
0.6 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Llama
0.6 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.5 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Audrey Vintage
0.5 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Magasin du Nord
0.6 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.6 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Akimbo
0.6 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
& Other Stories
0.6 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Magnolias
0.6 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.6 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.6 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ruby
0.4 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Godt Øl
0.5 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Zefside
0.5 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Dubliner
0.5 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Marble Bar
0.6 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Eiffel bar
0.6 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Rooftop Bar
0.6 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.6 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
0.6 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Brønnum
0.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lusso
0.7 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Hive
0.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
The Zoo
0.8 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Miami Bar
0.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Dorsia
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Mini Bar
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
La Terraza
0.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
1.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.0 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
1.0 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Arch
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
