Danish Jewish Museum
A compact museum of 400 years of Jewish life in Denmark, where Daniel Libeskind’s walkable word “Mitzvah” turns history, memory and rescue into immersive architecture.
Tucked into the historic Galley House by Copenhagen’s Royal Library Garden, the Danish Jewish Museum tells 400 years of Jewish life in Denmark through evocative objects and daring architecture. Daniel Libeskind’s slanted corridors spell out the Hebrew word “Mitzvah,” echoing the wartime rescue of Danish Jews and the long, largely inclusive relationship between Jewish communities and the Danish state. Intimate, text-rich displays explore faith, everyday life, exile, and return in a compact but thought‑provoking space.
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 at least 60–90 minutes if you like reading exhibition texts; the museum is small but densely packed with information and architectural details.
- Check opening days in advance, as the museum is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and only open limited daytime hours on other days.
- Spend a few minutes in the Royal Library Garden before or after your visit; the quiet setting helps you process the museum’s more intense themes.
- Look for how the angular corridors change direction; they outline the Hebrew letters of the word “Mitzvah,” a key to understanding the museum’s concept.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
From most central Copenhagen locations, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Kongens Nytorv station, then walk about 10–15 minutes through the inner city to Slotsholmen. Standard single metro tickets within the city zones typically cost around 20–30 DKK and trains run every few minutes throughout the day. The walk is flat and on paved sidewalks, suitable for most visitors, though cobblestones in some streets may be uneven.
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S-train and bus combination
If you arrive via S-train, travel to Nørreport Station and transfer to a city bus serving Slotsholmen and the Parliament area; the bus ride is usually 5–10 minutes, followed by a short walk of a few hundred metres. A combined ticket for S-train and bus within central zones generally costs about 20–30 DKK when bought as a single trip. Services are frequent during the day but can be less frequent in the late evening.
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Bicycle within the city
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle paths make it straightforward to reach the museum by bike from most inner-city neighbourhoods within 10–20 minutes. You can use a rented city bike or a private bicycle; expect typical city bike rental rates of roughly 80–150 DKK per day depending on provider. The route is almost entirely flat, but be prepared for busy intersections at peak commuter times and observe local cycling etiquette.
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Taxi from central Copenhagen
From central areas such as the main train station or City Hall Square, a taxi ride to the museum area usually takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares commonly fall in the 120–200 DKK range for this distance, with higher prices in heavy traffic or evenings. Taxis can drop passengers close to the Royal Library and Parliament complex, but stopping directly at the museum entrance may be limited by local security measures.
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
Discover more about Danish Jewish Museum
A hidden museum in a royal boat house
Housed within Christian IV’s former Royal Boat House on Slotsholmen, the Danish Jewish Museum occupies one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric corners. Brick walls, vaulted ceilings and traces of the 17th‑century harbour complex link the building to the same king who first invited Jews to settle in Denmark in 1622. The museum forms part of the Royal Library complex, just off the tranquil Library Garden, creating a contemplative pocket of history amid the city’s political and cultural heart. Inside, the transition from historic masonry to sharply angled, pale timber surfaces is striking. You step from a Renaissance service building into a contemporary cultural history museum dedicated entirely to Jewish life in Denmark – the first official museum in the country focused on a minority community. That juxtaposition of old and new mirrors the museum’s ambition: to place centuries of Jewish presence firmly within Denmark’s broader national story.Four centuries of Danish Jewish life
The permanent exhibition traces around 400 years of Jewish history in Denmark, from early merchants and court Jews through emancipation, integration and the upheavals of the 20th century. Display cases highlight ritual objects, family heirlooms, business artefacts and personal documents that anchor big historical shifts in individual lives. Rather than centring solely on persecution, the narrative emphasises everyday coexistence, gradual inclusion and cultural exchange. You encounter stories of religious practice in a Lutheran kingdom, of Jewish contributions to trade and industry, and of the changing balance between tradition and modernity. Sections on World War II and the dramatic escape to Sweden in 1943 are framed not only as trauma but as a chapter in a much longer relationship between Jews and the Danish state.Libeskind’s architecture as a walkable word
The museum’s most distinctive feature is its interior, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. Narrow corridors twist at unexpected angles, floors slope slightly, and sightlines break and rejoin. These passages correspond to four conceptual “planes” – Exodus, Wilderness, The Giving of the Law, and The Promised Land – which together form the Hebrew word “Mitzvah,” meaning commandment or good deed. As you move through the space, you are literally walking inside this word. The architecture alludes both to Jewish textual traditions – layers of commentary around a central text – and to the Danish rescue of most of the country’s Jews during the Second World War. Light filtering through irregular openings softens the sense of disorientation, while carefully placed showcases and benches invite you to pause and read, think, or simply absorb the geometry around you.Intimate exhibitions and changing perspectives
Within this labyrinthine framework, the museum presents compact thematic displays that reward slow looking. Bilingual texts in Danish and English unpack everything from synagogue life and religious holidays to migration stories, wartime escape routes and post‑war identity debates. Audio, film and occasional interactive elements add layers without overwhelming the small footprint. Temporary exhibitions and research projects often focus on specific individuals, families or episodes, such as Danish Jews’ experiences in 1943–45 or more recent immigration from Eastern Europe. The museum also functions as a knowledge centre, hosting lectures, educational programmes and collaborations that extend the story beyond the walls. Even during a short visit, the material invites you to consider questions of belonging, minority status and cultural memory in a Nordic welfare state.A quiet refuge in Copenhagen’s cultural district
Despite its central location, the museum feels calm and self‑contained. The Royal Library Garden outside offers a peaceful place to reflect after the slightly disorienting interior. From here, you are steps away from Christiansborg Palace, the Royal Library’s “Black Diamond” extension and several other museums, making the site easy to combine with a broader exploration of Danish history. The Danish Jewish Museum is compact enough to see in an hour yet layered enough to occupy much longer if you delve into the texts, listen to recordings and follow the architectural narrative. It works equally well as an introduction to Jewish history in Denmark and as a focused architectural experience, where the building itself becomes an interpretive lens on a complex, often inspiring story.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
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
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
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
