Designmuseum Danmark
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Designmuseum Danmark is Copenhagen’s leading showcase for Danish and international design, housed in the former Royal Frederik’s Hospital, a refined 18th-century rococo complex on Bredgade. Inside, iconic chairs, sleek lamps, ceramics, textiles and everyday objects trace how form, function and craftsmanship shaped modern life. Quiet courtyards, a leafy museum garden, café and design shop round out an experience that feels both scholarly and deeply Scandinavian.
A brief summary to Designmuseum Danmark
- Bredgade 68, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1260, DK
- +4533185656
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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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
- Plan at least two hours if you want to see both the Danish Modern galleries and temporary exhibitions without rushing; the museum itself suggests a minimum of one hour.
- Arrive on a weekday morning or late Thursday afternoon for a quieter experience; weekends and midday tend to be busier with groups and casual visitors.
- Remember that the shop, café, library and museum garden are free-access areas, so you can enjoy the courtyard and browse design books even without a ticket.
- Backpacks and large bags are not allowed in the exhibitions; use the on-site lockers and keep a small bag for your camera or notebook.
- Check which temporary exhibitions are on before your visit; thematic shows on topics like sustainability or fashion can significantly change the feel of the museum.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station; trains run every few minutes and the ride from Copenhagen Central Station area takes about 5–10 minutes, with a standard single zone ticket costing around 20–25 DKK. From Marmorkirken it is an easy 5–10 minute level walk through Frederiksstaden’s broad streets. This option is suitable year-round and offers step-free access at the metro, though some nearby pavements are cobbled.
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City bus through the inner districts
Several city buses run along or close to Bredgade from Nørreport and other central hubs, with journey times typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. A single ticket is in the same range as the metro, roughly 20–25 DKK, and buses usually have low-floor access, making them convenient for travellers with limited mobility. Services are frequent during the day but may be reduced in the late evening and on holidays.
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Cycling in Copenhagen’s bike lanes
If you rent a bicycle in the city centre, expect a 10–20 minute ride to the museum along Copenhagen’s extensive network of segregated bike lanes. Rental bikes generally cost from about 100–150 DKK for a day, with helmets often available at a small extra charge. This option is most comfortable from spring to early autumn; in winter, be prepared for wind, rain or snow and potentially slippery surfaces.
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Walking from central waterfront areas
From popular areas such as Nyhavn or Kongens Nytorv, the museum can be reached on foot in roughly 10–20 minutes along wide sidewalks through the Frederiksstaden quarter. The route is generally flat but may include stretches of cobblestones and busy crossings, so it is best for travellers comfortable with moderate walking. This is a free option and particularly pleasant in mild or clear weather when you can combine the stroll with other nearby sights.
Designmuseum Danmark 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 Designmuseum Danmark
Design history in a former royal hospital
Designmuseum Danmark occupies the elegant former Frederiks Hospital, a four-winged rococo building completed in the 1750s under King Frederik V. Long, light-filled corridors wrap around an inner courtyard, with classical symmetry and restrained ornament that set the tone before you see a single exhibit. It is an atmospheric setting for a museum founded in 1890 to champion high-quality craftsmanship and industrial design. After moving here in 1926, the institution gradually transformed the hospital wards into galleries, reading rooms and storage. Today, the architecture is part of the experience: vaulted ceilings, timber floors and original details contrast with minimalist display cases and carefully lit objects. The building’s dignified calm makes a striking backdrop for experiments in form and function.Icons of Danish modern and beyond
The core of the museum explores the story of Danish modern – the wave of furniture, lighting and objects that redefined everyday life from the 1920s onwards. You encounter pieces by Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner, Kaare Klint and Poul Henningsen, whose chairs and lamps became shorthand for Scandinavian elegance. A single gallery might line up dining chairs like a sculptural forest, inviting comparisons between curves, joints and proportions. Alongside these classics, the collections stretch into international design and older craft traditions. Chinese and European porcelain, silver, glass and textiles show how global influences inspired local makers. Temporary exhibitions tackle contemporary themes: sustainable materials, digital tools, or how designers respond to social change. The result is less a hall of fame and more a conversation about how objects shape everyday life.Spaces for reflection, research and inspiration
Beyond the main exhibitions, the museum houses a specialised library and archives that support design research. Even if you are not consulting rare books, you sense this scholarly undercurrent in the detailed labels, material samples and process sketches that appear throughout the galleries. Prototype models, drawings and testing rigs reveal the hidden labour behind apparently simple forms. Quiet corners and benches invite you to linger over a single object, whether it is a stacking chair perfected over dozens of iterations or a ceramic bowl whose glaze captures a fleeting colour. For students, architects and design-curious travellers, the museum functions as a living reference library – a place to grapple with what “good design” has meant in different periods.Garden calm, café culture and a design shop
Stepping into the museum garden shifts the mood from intellectual to contemplative. Shielded from Bredgade’s traffic, this green courtyard is framed by pale façades and punctuated by seasonal plantings and outdoor works. In warmer months, tables spill onto the gravel, and the air carries the clink of cups and low conversation. The café, furnished of course with Danish design, offers a chance to sit in the very chairs you have just studied behind glass. Inside near the entrance, the shop extends the experience into everyday life, with books, homeware and smaller pieces that echo the aesthetics seen in the galleries. Even visitors who only browse these free-to-access spaces get a distilled sense of the museum’s philosophy: thoughtful, well-made objects used and enjoyed.Design thinking in a contemporary city
Located in the Frederiksstaden district, a short walk from Nyhavn and the royal palaces, the museum feels embedded in Copenhagen’s wider design culture. Its programme often highlights current debates – from circular economies to inclusive urban spaces – showing how chairs, lamps and interfaces are tied to ethics and environment. Whether you move quickly through the highlights or spend hours reading every caption, the visit encourages you to notice details back on the street: the curve of a bicycle frame, the rhythm of a façade, the way a handle fits the hand. Designmuseum Danmark is less about isolated masterpieces than about training the eye, leaving you more attuned to the designed world that surrounds you.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
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
