Background

Holmegaard Værk: Denmark's Living Glassworks Museum

A vibrant glass and ceramics museum on Zealand, uniting historic Danish craftsmanship, hands-on artistry, and modern exhibition design in atmospheric factory halls.

4.6

Holmegaard Værk is Denmark’s premier glass and ceramics museum, set on the site of the historic Holmegaard Glassworks outside Næstved. Experience vibrant exhibitions, glassblowing workshops, and a dynamic showcase of Danish craft heritage in a stunning industrial space surrounded by scenic woodland.

A brief summary to The Open Air Museum

  • 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

  • Arrive early to enjoy watching glassblowers at work before the crowds and experience quieter workshops.
  • Check for special temporary exhibitions—they frequently feature leading Danish designers and artists.
  • The on-site café offers tasteful Nordic light meals and pastries—perfect for a break between galleries.
  • Families can participate in creative workshops, but some require advance booking during weekends or holidays.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Regional trains arrive at Næstved Station, a major transit hub with regular connections across Zealand. From here, catch a local bus to Fensmark or the Holmegaard Værk stop—look for buses marked toward Fensmark or Holmegaard. The museum lies just outside the village, and signage guides you through leafy streets to the imposing brick factory buildings. Bus tickets for this regional journey typically cost DKK 24–36, depending on the zones covered.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Næstved’s center or train station offers the fastest route, taking about 10–15 minutes through scenic countryside to the museum entrance. Expect fares to range from DKK 130–180 each way, depending on traffic and exact pick-up point.

  • Driving

    The museum is located on the outskirts of Fensmark, surrounded by woodland and open fields, just northeast of Næstved. There is ample free on-site parking for cars and tour buses, and the parking area is clearly signposted when you arrive in the village.

  • Bicycle

    Cycling from Næstved is a pleasant option in good weather, following well-marked cycle routes through rural Zealand and forest edges. The last segment passes by local bakeries and fields before reaching the museum’s entrance, where dedicated bicycle stands are available.

Unlock the Best of The Open Air Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Open Air Museum

Holmegaard Værk stands as a testament to Denmark’s craft ingenuity, occupying the preserved grounds of the renowned Holmegaard Glassworks, which has operated in southern Zealand since 1825. What was once the heartbeat of Danish glass manufacturing, supplying both royal and common households, is now a spectacular museum that fuses the past with present-day artistry. As you approach the redbrick industrial halls, you're greeted by sculptures, whimsical fused glass installations, and a striking forest backdrop that adds a sense of seclusion and discovery. Inside, light dances through walls of historic mouth-blown glass, illuminating galleries bursting with both iconic and experimental designs. The museum’s permanent collections are rich in treasures—delicate 19th-century drinking vessels, mid-century modern tableware, and contemporary glass art that pushes sculptural boundaries. The living glass workshops at the museum’s core remain true to tradition, as artisans work daily with molten glass, offering visitors a rare ringside seat to the magic of hand-blown creation. Interactive exhibits encourage visitors to try their hand at design and experiment with creative technologies, making it engaging for all ages. Beyond glass, Holmegaard Værk celebrates Danish ceramic history, from everyday faience to cutting-edge studio ceramics. The aroma of firing kilns, the echo of creative chatter, and the tactile surfaces of raw clay transport visitors back to the roots of Danish material culture. Modern digital installations, children’s activity labs, and temporary exhibitions ensure every visit offers something new. With a stylish café and well-curated shop featuring unique objects, Holmegaard Værk is a cultural highlight—a luminous link between industry, nature, and living art, inviting discovery on every visit.

Popular Experiences near The Open Air Museum

Popular Hotels near The Open Air Museum

Select Currency