Designmuseum Danmark
Rococo hospital turned design powerhouse, where Danish chairs, lamps and everyday objects reveal how Scandinavian style quietly reshaped modern living.
Designmuseum Danmark is Copenhagen’s showcase for Danish and international design, housed in the former royal Frederiks Hospital on elegant Bredgade. Behind its rococo façades you step into a world of iconic chairs, luminous PH lamps, ceramics, fashion and everyday objects that shaped the Scandinavian design story. A leafy museum garden, design shop and café complete a visit that blends architecture, history and cutting‑edge creativity in one compact, inspiring stop.
A brief summary to Designmuseum Danmark
- Bredgade 68, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1260, DK
- +4533185656
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Arrive near opening time on a weekday to enjoy the permanent galleries and special exhibitions before the busiest midday hours.
- Plan at least two hours so you can explore the design collections, spend time in the garden and browse the museum shop without rushing.
- Save a break for the courtyard café; sitting among classic Danish furniture adds another layer to understanding how the designs work in real life.
- Check current exhibitions in advance if you are interested in particular designers or themes, as several shows are temporary and rotate through the year.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From central metro hubs such as Kongens Nytorv or Marmorkirken, reach the museum area in about 10–15 minutes’ total travel time. Metro tickets within the inner zones typically cost around 20–30 DKK for a single ride. Trains run every few minutes during the day. From the station, expect a mainly level urban walk on paved pavements, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with crossings and signals at main junctions.
-
City bus within Copenhagen
Several local bus lines serve the Frederiksstaden district around Bredgade, with journey times of roughly 10–25 minutes from inner neighbourhoods depending on traffic. A single bus ticket within the central zones usually falls in the 20–30 DKK range and can be paid via travel card or mobile ticket. Buses generally offer low-floor access, but they can be crowded at peak hours and services late in the evening are less frequent.
-
Cycling through the city
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it practical to reach the museum by bicycle in about 10–20 minutes from many central districts. You can bring your own bike or rent one through local bike‑share schemes, with typical costs from roughly 20–40 DKK for a short session depending on provider and duration. Routes are mostly flat and separated from car traffic, though you should be comfortable riding among other cyclists and observing local cycling etiquette.
-
Taxi or rideshare from central areas
A taxi ride from major central landmarks to the museum generally takes 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic and starting point. Typical fares for such short city journeys range from about 80–160 DKK, with supplements in late evening or on holidays. Taxis drop passengers close to the entrance, which suits visitors with limited mobility, but bear in mind that congestion around the inner city can increase both travel time and cost.
Designmuseum Danmark location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Designmuseum Danmark
Rococo hospital transformed into a temple of design
Designmuseum Danmark occupies the former Frederiks Hospital, an 18th‑century rococo complex built between 1752 and 1757 under King Frederik V. Once a pioneering public hospital, it later found a second life as a cultural institution when the design collections moved here in 1926. The long wings around a central courtyard, high sash windows and restrained ornamentation create an elegant architectural frame that naturally lends itself to carefully curated galleries and quiet cloisters. In the 1920s, leading Danish architects including Kaare Klint and Ivar Bentsen reworked the hospital into a modern museum. Interiors were redesigned with an almost surgical precision: proportions, light and circulation were all reconsidered so objects could be seen clearly and thoughtfully. The building became a manifesto in itself, demonstrating how historic architecture and modern design thinking could coexist.Tracing the story of Danish modern
Inside, the museum charts the evolution of Danish design from craft‑based decorative arts to the streamlined aesthetics that shaped the 20th century. Galleries explore furniture, industrial products, textiles, ceramics, silver, glass and graphic design, showing how each discipline responded to changing technology and lifestyles. Rather than isolating masterpieces, the displays often place objects in context, revealing how a chair, lamp and table might work together in a living space. Central to the narrative are designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner, Poul Henningsen and Kaare Klint. Their iconic chairs, modular storage systems and sculptural lamps demonstrate the core values of Danish modern: functional clarity, honest materials and human‑scaled comfort. Alongside them, international works and historic Asian and European pieces highlight how Danish makers were inspired by, and in conversation with, global traditions.Collections that connect everyday life and craftsmanship
Beyond headline names, the museum’s strength lies in its breadth. Cases of porcelain and faience trace centuries of dining and drinking culture, while silver and glassware show how ritual and celebration have been staged at the table. Textile displays follow patterns from hand‑woven fabrics to bold mid‑century prints and contemporary fashion, underlining how design touches both clothing and interiors. The museum’s approach emphasises use as much as beauty. Many objects are familiar typologies perfected rather than reinvented: a comfortable dining chair, a well‑balanced cutlery set, a stackable storage unit. By seeing them together, it becomes easier to understand how Danish design turned everyday items into carefully considered tools for living, quietly influencing homes around the world.Courtyard garden, café and design shop
Stepping into the museum garden offers a contrast to the busy streets around Bredgade. Enclosed by the former hospital wings, this green courtyard functions as an outdoor gallery, event space and peaceful retreat. In fine weather, visitors linger here with a coffee, surrounded by clipped hedges, seasonal plantings and occasional installations that extend the exhibitions beyond the interior walls. A well‑stocked shop showcases contemporary Danish and Nordic design, from books and posters to ceramics, textiles and small furniture pieces. Many items echo themes from the galleries, allowing you to take a piece of the museum’s design philosophy home. The café, furnished of course with Danish design classics, adds another layer to the experience, turning a cultural visit into a relaxed half‑day outing.Exploring exhibitions and research behind the scenes
Alongside permanent presentations, Designmuseum Danmark hosts changing exhibitions that might focus on a single designer, a material such as plastic or wood, or broader themes like sustainable design and future living. These shows often draw directly from the museum’s extensive archives and library, which function as an important research centre for design history in Denmark. The combination of historic building, scholarly collections and contemporary experimentation gives the museum a distinctive character. It is at once a place to admire beautiful objects and a laboratory for new ideas, inviting you to consider how design shapes society, and how the next generation of everyday objects might look and feel.A calm, readable introduction to Scandinavian aesthetics
For many visitors, this is the most accessible way to understand Scandinavian design beyond clichés. The scale of the building keeps the experience manageable, and the progression from early craft to modern icons makes the story easy to follow. Architectural details, from original corridors to carefully lit galleries, guide you gently from one chapter to the next. Whether you are deeply immersed in design or simply curious, the museum offers numerous entry points: an elegant chair to sit on, a lamp whose glow you recognise from a hotel lobby, a patterned fabric that feels unexpectedly familiar. By the time you step back out onto Bredgade, everyday objects in the city around you may look subtly different—evidence that the museum has done its work.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
I am Queen Mary
0.3 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Horn mine
0.3 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Larsens Pl.
0.3 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Our Fallen
0.3 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
St. Paul's Church
0.4 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.4 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.6 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.6 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.7 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Memorial Anchor
0.7 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Indre By
0.7 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Nyhavn
0.7 km
Copenhagen's iconic 17th-century harbor where colorful townhouses, maritime history, and vibrant waterfront culture converge.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.8 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Kongens Nytorv
0.8 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.1 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
0.1 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.2 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Amaliegade
0.2 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.2 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Frederik's Church
0.3 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.3 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Amalienborg
0.3 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Rytterstatuen
0.3 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Nyboder
0.3 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Amaliehaven
0.4 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.4 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
St Alban's Church
0.4 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Gefion Fountain
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.5 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
0.4 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Kokkeriet
0.5 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.6 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
0.7 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.7 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Cap Horn
0.7 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Goldfinch
0.7 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Skipperkroen
0.7 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Khun Juk
0.7 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Bistro Royal
0.8 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Alouette
0.8 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.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.8 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Frank
0.8 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.2 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
The Wilde Shop
0.7 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Maritime Antiques &
0.7 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
0.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagenglass
0.7 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.9 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
0.9 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.9 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Storm - design art fashion
0.9 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.0 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.
Norse Projects
1.0 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.3 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.8 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.8 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Brønnum
0.9 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
0.9 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Trykbar
0.9 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.
1105
0.9 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.0 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Moose
1.0 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
1.0 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.1 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Balderdash
1.2 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.
K-Bar
1.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Bar'Vin
1.2 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.6 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
0.9 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.
The Zoo
1.0 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.
Mirage
1.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Operaen
1.5 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Chateau Motel
1.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- LGBT Friendly
