Workers Museum (Arbejdermuseet), Copenhagen
Step inside Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and explore 150 years of Danish working‑class life, union struggles, everyday homes and hearty beer hall traditions.
Housed in the historic Workers’ Assembly Hall of 1879, the Workers Museum in central Copenhagen explores 150 years of Danish working‑class life and the labour movement. Step into recreated apartments from 1915, the 1930s and the 1950s, see how unions shaped the modern welfare state, and experience an award‑winning museum that still hosts debates, events and a traditional basement beer hall serving classic Danish fare.
A brief summary to Workers Museum
- Rømersgade 22, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1362, DK
- +4533932575
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least two hours to explore the period apartments, main halls and temporary exhibitions; the domestic interiors reward slow, detailed looking.
- Plan your visit over lunchtime to try traditional Danish smørrebrød and beer in the listed basement café, which is an atmospheric part of the experience.
- Check current exhibition information in advance if you are interested in specific themes such as democracy, migration or contemporary labour issues.
- If you prefer quieter galleries, visit shortly after opening on weekdays; afternoons, especially Thursdays when hours are longer, can feel livelier.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Metro from central Copenhagen (Nørreport area)
From the wider Copenhagen city centre, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Nørreport Station, which usually takes 3–6 minutes from Kongens Nytorv or Christianshavn. Trains run every few minutes and are step‑free. A single zone ticket within central Copenhagen typically costs about 20–30 DKK, and you can also use a travel card. From Nørreport, expect a short urban walk on mostly flat pavements to reach the museum.
-
Bus within the inner city
Several city bus routes serve the streets around Nørreport and the inner city, with journey times of roughly 10–20 minutes from districts such as Vesterbro, Østerbro or Christianshavn, depending on traffic. Standard city bus tickets cost around 20–30 DKK for central zones and accept the same tickets and travel cards as the metro. Buses run frequently during the day but are less frequent in late evening.
-
Cycling through central Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes make cycling one of the easiest ways to reach the museum from most central neighbourhoods, typically in 5–20 minutes depending on distance. The terrain is flat and there are dedicated cycle tracks on main roads. City bikes and private rentals are widely available, usually from about 75–150 DKK per day. Be prepared for busy commuter traffic at peak hours and follow local cycling rules.
-
Taxi or rideshare within the city
A taxi ride from central areas such as the Town Hall Square or the main railway station to the museum generally takes 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Daytime fares within the inner city are often in the range of 80–160 DKK, increasing at night and on weekends. Taxis can drop passengers close to the entrance, which is convenient for those with limited mobility, though streets nearby can be busy at peak times.
Workers Museum location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Workers Museum
Where Copenhagen’s workers wrote their story
Set in the imposing red‑brick Workers’ Assembly Hall from 1879, the Workers Museum is rooted in the very building where Denmark’s labour movement organised itself. What began as a cooperative house for union meetings, evening schools and social gatherings is today one of Europe’s most evocative sites of working‑class history. High ceilings, ornamental details and large meeting rooms hint at the ambitions of those who built a home for democracy when other venues were closed to them. Converted into a museum in the early 1980s, the complex still feels like a living house rather than a neutral gallery. The original corridors, staircases and halls are carefully restored to their early 20th‑century appearance, so as you move through the building you trace the footsteps of generations of trade unionists, activists and ordinary families who came here to learn, organise and celebrate.Everyday life in recreated workers’ homes
Many visitors remember the museum for its remarkably detailed period apartments. One cramped flat reconstructs the home of the Sørensen family, who moved here in 1915 with eight children and so little space that some were sent away to live in the countryside. Simple furniture, worn textiles and sparse possessions convey how precarious life could be in the years before the welfare state. Another apartment evokes the struggles of the 1930s, when unemployment and poverty forced families to pawn their belongings and stretch every krone. A later 1950s home feels almost luxurious by comparison: radios and television sets, formica surfaces and coffee with chicory reflect new consumer culture and American influences reaching Danish kitchens. Together, these interiors turn abstract history into rooms you can walk through, compare and quietly inhabit for a few moments.From protest to welfare state
Beyond domestic life, the museum charts how trade unions and political movements shaped modern Denmark. Exhibitions trace the development of the labour movement from clandestine meetings and mass rallies through to collective bargaining, paid holidays and social security. Photographs, banners, tools and personal stories show how factory floors, shipyards and offices became sites of negotiation over rights and dignity. The building itself hosted countless assemblies where campaigns were launched, strikes debated and international guests were welcomed. Today, displays explore how these struggles underpinned the emergence of the Danish welfare state and continue to influence debates about equality, migration, education and the future of work. Temporary exhibitions often connect past campaigns to contemporary questions about democracy and social justice.Architecture of solidarity and pride
The Workers’ Assembly Hall holds a place on Denmark’s UNESCO tentative list as an outstanding example of architecture dedicated to mass organisation. Its largest halls, reopened after a major renovation, reveal decorative friezes, painted ceilings and symbolic motifs that were once hidden beneath layers of paint. Rather than palatial grandeur, the aesthetic is one of collective pride: generous yet accessible rooms designed to make ordinary workers feel they belonged in public life. As you move between the main hall and smaller meeting rooms, you can sense how flexibly the building was used. Spaces could host union congresses, language classes, leisure activities and festivities, often in the same week. That multifunctional spirit survives today in the museum’s calendar of talks, educational programmes and public events that keep the building’s democratic purpose alive.Beer hall traditions and learning for all ages
A visit here is not just about reading display panels. Downstairs, the listed “Café & Ølhalle” – Copenhagen’s only protected basement restaurant of its kind – serves hearty, traditional Danish smørrebrød and beer in surroundings that echo early 20th‑century workers’ taverns. Nearby, a 1950s‑style coffee bar provides a lighter taste of nostalgia. Children and young people have their own interactive zones where they can try jobs, handle objects and engage with playful, age‑appropriate exhibits about democracy and rights. The museum’s learning programmes, developed with schools and communities, encourage visitors to see labour history not as a closed chapter but as a toolkit for understanding today’s world. Whether you arrive for the architecture, the social history or the food, the Workers Museum offers a richly layered portrait of how ordinary people helped shape modern Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.3 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Fiolstræde 42
0.3 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Varehuset Messen
0.7 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Gråbrødretorv
0.7 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Jorcks Passage
0.7 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Gammeltorv
0.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Nytorv 2
0.8 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Strøget
0.8 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Nytorv
0.8 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Amagertorv
0.8 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.
Sankt Hans Torv
0.9 km
Nørrebro's beloved public square where café culture, artistic vision, and urban renewal create a vibrant gathering place.
Stork Fountain
0.9 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.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
1.0 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Gammel Strand
1.0 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Højbro Pl.
1.0 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Unmissable attractions to see
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's labor history at The Workers Museum in Copenhagen's historic Workers' Assembly Hall.
TorvehallerneKBH
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s glass-walled food halls where Nordic produce, global flavours and everyday city life come together in one vibrant urban marketplace.
Botanical Garden
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.2 km
Heritage 19th‑century walls meet modern apartment comfort in a buzzing, hyper‑central corner of Copenhagen’s historic inner city.
Skaal
0.4 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Kultorvet
0.4 km
Historic coal market turned lively pedestrian square, Kultorvet blends layered architecture, fountain-side cafés and everyday city life in the heart of Copenhagen.
Dronning Louises Bro
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s granite social bridge, arching over the city lakes with historic elegance, everyday bike traffic and some of the best urban sunsets in town.
Søtorvet 2
0.4 km
An ornate 19th‑century lakeside residence where French‑inspired façades, poetic café lore and everyday Copenhagen life meet at the city’s watery front door.
Rosenborg castle
0.5 km
A compact Renaissance palace of kings, crowns and stories, Rosenborg Castle pairs glittering Crown Jewels with tranquil gardens in the very heart of Copenhagen.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Ørstedsparken
0.5 km
Historic city ramparts reborn as a lakeside green refuge, where playgrounds, sculptures and café culture meet everyday Copenhagen life in the heart of Indre By.
The Lakes
0.5 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Københavns Synagoge
0.5 km
A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
Museum of Natural History
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
The Round Tower
0.5 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Essential places to dine
Selma
0.0 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
ARK
0.1 km
Michelin Green Star vegan fine dining in central Copenhagen, where seasonal Nordic produce, foraging and low-waste philosophy shape an intimate tasting-menu experience.
Høst
0.3 km
Experience exceptional Scandinavian fine dining at Høst in Copenhagen, where seasonal ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.4 km
Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Det Lille Apotek
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Wining and Dining
0.6 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
SAFARI
0.7 km
Colorful Pan-African bistro in creative Nørrebro serving bold sharable plates, natural wines, and community spirit in a welcoming, art-filled setting.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.7 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Krebsegaarden
0.7 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.7 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Vækst
0.7 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Alouette
0.7 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Kate's Joint
0.8 km
Kate’s Joint brings Nørrebro’s multicultural energy to the table with creative Asian fusion, communal dining, artful interiors, and a famously laid-back vibe.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.8 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Exotic Mix
0.1 km
Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.3 km
Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Fjällräven
0.4 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.4 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Time's Up Vintage
0.5 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
0.5 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
0.6 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
McKorman
0.6 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
Butik Bungalow
0.7 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
Notre Dame
0.7 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Quirky Lane
0.7 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.7 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Wasteland
0.7 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Norse Projects
0.7 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Norse Store
0.7 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bootleggers
0.2 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.4 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
No Stress Bar
0.4 km
Basement cocktail pub in Copenhagen’s historic center mixing dessert-inspired drinks, games, comedy and drag shows into one laid-back, late-night hangout.
Ørsted Ølbar
0.5 km
Cozy basement craft-beer bar opposite Ørstedsparken, mixing candlelit pub charm, expert pours and an impressive Danish microbrew lineup in central Copenhagen.
Gejser Bar
0.6 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Bar'Vin
0.6 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Strøm
0.6 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.6 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Bar7
0.7 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Kind Of Blue
0.7 km
Discover the lively charm of Kind Of Blue, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen offering creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.7 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
0.7 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Trykbar
0.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Balderdash
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
