Kunstmuseum Brandts

A Textile Factory Transformed into a Cultural Landmark

Kunstmuseum Brandts occupies the former Brandts Klædefabrik, a historic textile factory built in 1887 that once produced fabrics for uniforms and industrial use until its closure in 1977. Rather than demolish this industrial monument, Odense Municipality and local visionaries recognized the building's potential as a cultural venue. The transformation began in the early 1980s, and the museum officially opened in 1987 as part of the Brandts International Center for Art and Culture. Today, visitors can still observe the oil stains from weaving machines on the original factory floors, creating an atmospheric backdrop that adds historical depth to the art experience. This pioneering conversion made Brandts one of Denmark's first industrial buildings repurposed for cultural use, setting a precedent for heritage preservation across Scandinavia.

A National Institution Dedicated to Photographic Excellence

The museum houses the Danish Museum of Photographic Art (Museet for Fotokunst), the only national Danish art museum dedicated exclusively to photographic art. Founded in 1985 and state-approved in 1992, this institution maintains a special obligation to preserve and exhibit Danish and international photography from World War II to the present day. The museum's commitment to the medium earned it the title of European Museum of the Year in 1988, alongside its affiliated institutions. In 2000, the museum launched the Odense Foto Triennial, which evolved into the Fuenen Festival of Photography, establishing Odense as a significant hub for contemporary photographic practice. The photographic collection comprises approximately 9,000 Danish and international works, displayed across 150 square metres on the second floor, while an additional 400 square metres on the first floor accommodates rotating special exhibitions that typically number five to six per year.

Comprehensive Collections Spanning Centuries of Danish Art

The museum's permanent collection encompasses nearly 17,000 works of art, with a particular emphasis on 250 years of Danish artistic development from the golden age through modernism to contemporary practice. Notable works include portraits by Jens Juel, paintings by Vilhelm Lundstrøm, and pieces by Hammershøi, representing the finest achievements of Danish visual culture. The permanent exhibition, titled "The Works – 250 Years of Art Seen from Funen," provides a comprehensive overview of artistic evolution in the region, contextualizing individual masterpieces within broader historical and cultural narratives. Beyond painting and sculpture, the collection encompasses film, video art, and mixed media, reflecting the museum's commitment to visual culture in all its contemporary forms. This breadth ensures that each visit reveals new perspectives, whether visitors are encountering canonical works or discovering emerging artists.

Family-Centered Programming and Sensory Engagement

For three decades, Kunstmuseum Brandts has pioneered art experiences designed specifically for children, earning critical acclaim for its innovative approach to making contemporary art accessible to young audiences. The museum's traditional sensory exhibition invites children to engage with art through touch, movement, and imagination, transforming passive observation into active participation. A dedicated creative workshop encourages hands-on artistic exploration, while exhibitions featuring beloved Danish illustrators—such as Jakob Martin Strid's "The Fantastic Bus"—demonstrate how children's literature and fine art can intersect meaningfully. The museum's philosophy recognizes that artistic engagement need not be age-segregated; adults frequently discover unexpected pleasure in children's exhibitions, finding that playful engagement with art opens new interpretive possibilities. This inclusive approach has made Brandts a destination where families create shared cultural memories.

Exhibition Dynamism and International Reach

The museum presents 8–10 special exhibitions annually, ensuring that the visitor experience remains fresh and intellectually stimulating across repeat visits. These exhibitions range from retrospectives of canonical figures to cutting-edge contemporary installations, often featuring both Danish and international artists. The curatorial vision emphasizes accessibility without compromising intellectual rigor, presenting world-class art in ways that feel inviting to diverse audiences. Since 1988, the museum has published *Katalog – Journal of Photography and Video*, a tri-annual publication distributed to subscribers in more than 20 countries, establishing Brandts as a significant voice in international art discourse. This publication commitment underscores the museum's role not merely as a local institution but as a contributor to global conversations about visual culture.

Atmosphere, Amenities, and Urban Integration

The five-floor structure offers expansive gallery spaces that allow comfortable viewing without crowding, while the industrial architecture—with exposed beams, high ceilings, and original factory elements—creates a distinctive aesthetic that enhances rather than competes with the artworks. The Kunstcafé Brandts, overlooking the intimate Amfipladsen square, provides a welcoming space for reflection and refreshment, serving seasonal cakes, salads, sandwiches, and specialty beverages in an atmosphere decorated with atmospheric sculptures and a large mural by Malene Landgreen. The museum shop, Fyn's only dedicated art bookstore, offers an extensive selection of exhibition catalogues, art books, designer goods, crafts, and original lithographs. The museum's Green Attraction certification reflects its commitment to environmental responsibility through energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable purchasing practices. Located in Odense's vibrant city centre, Brandts functions as a cultural anchor that draws both local regulars and international visitors, fostering a sense of community around artistic experience.