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Industrimuseet: Denmark’s Living Museum of Industry

A fascinating journey through Denmark’s industrial revolution, with hands-on exhibits, working machines, and authentic workshops inside Horsens’ iconic old textile mills.

4.5

Industrimuseet in Horsens is Denmark’s national industrial museum, offering immersive exhibits on the country’s journey from cottage crafts to major industry. Set in a vast former textile factory, it showcases original machines, reconstructed workshops, and hands-on displays capturing the sights, sounds, and stories of Danish innovation—from 19th-century craftsmanship to the boom in technology. An essential stop for anyone curious about how everyday life and work evolved in Denmark.

A brief summary to Industrimuseet

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Plan at least 2–3 hours for your visit, as the museum offers a wide range of hands-on exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day.
  • Check for special themed weekends and children’s activities, especially during school holidays—they often include workshops or guided tours.
  • The museum shop has unique industrial-inspired souvenirs and locally produced crafts.
  • The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, and accessible toilets are available.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Starting from the heart of Horsens, wander through the lively downtown with its local shops and cafés, heading in the general direction of the old industrial quarter. As you pass the city’s characteristic church spires and reach the edge of the commercial area, the red-brick factory buildings come into view. The walk is pleasant and takes around 15–20 minutes depending on your pace, with the museum’s smokestack an easy landmark.

  • Public Transport

    City buses connect the central station area to the museum district, with several lines stopping nearby; expect a simple 7–10-minute ride. A standard adult one-way ticket within Horsens is typically 24–28 DKK. The museum is signposted from the nearest bus stops, and the walk from these is short and accessible.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from the center of Horsens to the museum generally take just 5–8 minutes and cost in the range of 80–120 DKK, depending on traffic and waiting times.

  • Driving

    There is a dedicated parking lot adjacent to the museum, though spaces may be limited during weekends and school holidays. Parking fees are typically 8–15 DKK per hour. No tolls or special permits are required for this part of Horsens.

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Discover more about Industrimuseet

Step inside the sprawling red-brick complex of Industrimuseet and you enter a world where the spirit of Danish industry is preserved and celebrated. Housed in the authentic setting of a 19th-century textile factory, the museum chronicles the incredible transformation of Denmark from an agrarian society to a European powerhouse of technical skill and invention. Across its labyrinth of halls and workshops, you’ll find carefully reconstructed environments—a blacksmith’s forge, shoemaker’s bench, old-school printer, and even a hairdressing salon—each packed with genuine tools, humming machines, and stories that bridge generations. Visitors are invited to explore working machinery from the Industrial Revolution, feel the weight of a craftsman’s hammer, or smell the grease and steam of an engine room brought vividly to life. The museum doesn't simply display artifacts—it animates them through engaging demonstrations, interactive workshops (especially loved by children), and rotating exhibits that highlight everything from women in the workplace to the digital transition. A standout feature is the recreated ‘street’ lined with shopfronts, radio repair stores, and tobacconists, transporting visitors to the bustling city life of mid-20th-century Denmark. Amongst all this, personal stories are threaded throughout: listen to the voices of factory workers, study the daily routines of apprentices, and gain insights into how Danish products found global renown. The museum’s welcoming café, family-friendly activities, and frequent special events ensure that both history buffs and casual wanderers will find something to spark their imagination. Whether you come for nostalgia or learning, Industrimuseet is a vibrant testament to ingenuity, resilience, and the everyday heroes who built modern Denmark.

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