Designmuseum Danmark
An 18th‑century former hospital transformed into Denmark’s leading design museum, celebrating iconic chairs, everyday objects and the story of Danish Modern.
Designmuseum Danmark is Copenhagen’s temple to Danish and international design, housed in the elegant 18th‑century former Frederiks Hospital on Bredgade. Inside, light-filled galleries trace the story of Danish Modern, iconic chairs, lamps and everyday objects, alongside compelling exhibitions on global craft, contemporary design and sustainability. A leafy inner garden, café and design shop round out a visit that is as inspiring as it is relaxing.
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
- Aim for a weekday morning or late Thursday afternoon to enjoy quieter galleries and more time with the permanent Danish Modern collection.
- Allow at least two hours if you enjoy reading exhibition texts; design enthusiasts often spend three or more exploring details and temporary shows.
- Take a break in the museum garden and café between exhibitions; both the garden and the shop can be visited without a paid ticket.
- Check current exhibitions in advance if you have specific interests such as fashion, sustainable design or Japanese craft traditions.
- Photography is generally allowed without flash in many areas, but always follow on-site signage regarding works that cannot be photographed.
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
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station, a short ride of about 5–10 minutes from hubs such as Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv. Services run every few minutes throughout the day. From the station, it is an easy, level walk through the Frederiksstaden area to the museum, taking around 5–8 minutes. A single metro ticket within the central zones typically costs about 20–30 DKK, and lifts and escalators make this option convenient for most visitors.
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City bus within Copenhagen
Several city bus routes run along or close to Bredgade, connecting the museum area with places like Nørreport, the main shopping streets and other central districts. Depending on your starting point, the journey usually takes 10–20 minutes, plus a short walk through relatively flat streets. Standard bus fares in Copenhagen are around 20–30 DKK for a single trip within the inner zones, and buses generally operate at frequent intervals during daytime and early evening.
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Bicycle in the inner city
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach the museum by bike from most central neighbourhoods in about 5–15 minutes. The terrain is flat, and dedicated bike lanes run on or near Bredgade and the surrounding streets. You can use your own bicycle or one of the city’s app-based rental bikes, which typically cost from about 15–30 DKK for a short ride, depending on the provider and duration.
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Walking from nearby attractions
Designmuseum Danmark sits in the Frederiksstaden district, within comfortable walking distance of nearby sights such as Amalienborg and Nyhavn. From these areas, expect a pleasant city walk of roughly 10–20 minutes along mostly level pavements with some cobblestones. This option is free, allows you to enjoy the surrounding architecture, and is suitable for most visitors comfortable with moderate urban walking.
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 in a Historic Hospital
Designmuseum Danmark occupies the former Royal Frederik’s Hospital, a four‑winged rococo complex completed in the 1750s and later transformed into a museum in the 1920s. Walking through its colonnaded courtyards and long corridors, you sense the building’s layered history, from Enlightenment‑era healthcare to today’s celebration of form and function. The proportions are classical and calm: high ceilings, tall windows and restrained ornamentation that quietly frames the objects on display. The conversion into a museum was guided by leading Danish architects such as Kaare Klint and Ivar Bentsen, who treated the building itself as a design project. Custom display cases, benches and lighting were created to complement the historic architecture while showcasing the collections. Many of these solutions, including early use of PH lamps, now feel like exhibits in their own right, turning the entire interior into a lesson in Danish design thinking.From Danish Modern to Global Icons
The museum’s core story is the rise of Danish Modern, the movement that took simple materials and honest craftsmanship onto the world stage in the 20th century. Permanent galleries spotlight furniture by names like Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner and Kaare Klint, often arranged so you can compare subtle variations in line, curve and joinery. A famous highlight is the dense forest of chairs, where classic seating designs are displayed almost sculpturally, inviting you to see them as both tools and artworks. Beyond furniture, the collection spans porcelain, silver, glass, textiles and graphic design. You might move from delicate Asian ceramics to clean Scandinavian tableware, then on to sleek radios or posters that defined mid‑century visual culture. Throughout, the displays underline how good design shapes everyday life, from the cup in your hand to the typography on a street sign.Changing Exhibitions and Contemporary Themes
Alongside its permanent displays, Designmuseum Danmark hosts rotating exhibitions that explore current topics in design and craft. These might focus on sustainable materials, experimental fashion, digital innovation or the work of a single influential designer. The curators often mix prototypes, process sketches and finished products, giving insight into how ideas move from concept to object. These temporary shows are where you feel the museum looking forward as much as back. Themes such as circular design, responsible consumption and new technologies are presented through beautifully staged rooms that remain accessible even if you are not a design specialist. Labels and installations tend to emphasise stories and context, helping you understand why an object matters and what it says about the world it comes from.A Garden Courtyard and Places to Pause
At the heart of the complex lies the museum garden, a sheltered green courtyard enclosed by pale facades. It is a surprisingly tranquil oasis given the central city location, with trees, flowerbeds and seating arranged in a careful but informal pattern. In good weather, this becomes an outdoor living room where visitors linger with coffee, sketchbooks or simply a moment of quiet. The café, naturally furnished with Danish design, opens onto the garden and serves light meals, cakes and drinks, while the museum shop just off the main circulation route offers books, objects and gifts that echo themes from the galleries. Even if you only browse, the shop extends the experience of the museum, showing how design concepts translate into objects you could bring home.Exploring at Your Own Pace
The museum is compact enough to explore comfortably in a couple of hours yet rich enough to reward a longer stay. Some visitors drift quickly through the highlights, while others linger over individual chairs, textiles or porcelain pieces, tracing details and reading every caption. Seating is thoughtfully placed throughout so you can pause, reflect or sketch. Because of its clear layouts and lifts, most key spaces are accessible, and the atmosphere is generally relaxed rather than formal. Whether you arrive as a dedicated design enthusiast or simply curious about why Danish objects look the way they do, Designmuseum Danmark offers a coherent, beautifully staged journey through the country’s design DNA and its dialogue with the wider world.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
- Entertaining
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
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
