Brandts – Art Museum in Odense’s Old Woollen Mill
Funen’s flagship art museum in a historic woollen mill complex, blending Danish masterpieces, contemporary exhibitions, family-friendly creativity and café life on Amphi Square.
Brandts is Funen’s leading art museum, housed in the atmospheric former woollen mill complex Brandts Klædefabrik in central Odense. Inside the red-brick industrial buildings you’ll find changing exhibitions of Danish and international art across five floors, a strong focus on 250 years of Danish painting, photography and visual culture, plus an excellent children’s sensory art area. A stylish café overlooking Amfipladsen and a design-focused museum shop round out this vibrant cultural hub.
A brief summary to Brandts
- Amfipladsen 7, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4565207000
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 2–3 hours if you want to see both the main collection and temporary exhibitions, plus time in the café or shop.
- Families should check the current children’s and sensory exhibitions; they are a highlight and can get busy on weekends and holidays.
- Consider visiting on a Thursday when extended evening hours often make the galleries quieter and the atmosphere more relaxed.
- If you are budget-conscious, confirm current ticket options; children usually enter free and discounts are common for students and seniors.
- Combine your visit with a wander through Brandts Klædefabrik’s passages to enjoy independent shops, cafés and the small cinema nearby.
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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City bus
From Odense Banegård Center, use one of the frequent city bus lines heading toward the central districts around Kongensgade or Thomas B. Thriges Gade; the journey usually takes 5–10 minutes including a short walk at each end. Single tickets within Odense typically cost about 20–30 DKK per adult, with discounts for children and travel cards, and buses run at regular intervals throughout the day.
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Walking from central Odense
If you are already in the central shopping streets or near the cathedral area, allow roughly 10–20 minutes on foot to reach the Brandts quarter. The route is flat and follows regular pavements through pedestrian-friendly streets, making it suitable for most visitors, including those with strollers; surfaces are generally smooth, though older cobblestones in the factory courtyards can be a little uneven.
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Bicycle within Odense
Cycling is a practical option thanks to Odense’s well-developed bike lanes. From most central neighbourhoods you can expect a 5–15 minute ride to Brandts, with dedicated cycle paths on the main approaches and bike racks available in the surrounding streets. Be mindful that the inner courtyards can be busy with pedestrians, and cycling may need to be done slowly or dismounted in the most crowded areas.
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Taxi
A taxi from Odense railway station or nearby central hotels usually reaches Brandts in around 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares within the central zone are commonly in the range of 80–150 DKK, with supplements in the evening or on weekends; this is the most comfortable option if you are travelling with limited mobility or carrying heavy bags.
Brandts 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 Brandts
Art in the Heart of an Old Woollen Mill
Brandts sits within the historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex, once a thriving woollen mill that powered Odense’s industrial growth. Today the tall red-brick façades, old factory windows and cobbled courtyards have been reshaped into a cultural village, and the museum forms its artistic core. Walking through the entrance you feel that layered history immediately: steel beams, high ceilings and traces of machinery contrast with white gallery walls and carefully lit works of art. Spread across multiple levels, the museum unfolds vertically rather than in a single vast hall. Each floor has its own mood, from intimate, low-lit rooms to big airy spaces where large canvases and installations can breathe. The building’s industrial bones are never far away, giving even the most contemporary works a tactile, physical backdrop.Danish Masterpieces and Changing Exhibitions
Brandts is especially known for its rich holdings of Danish art spanning roughly 250 years. You may encounter works by celebrated Golden Age painters, luminous Funen landscapes and sharply observed portraits that capture everyday Danish life across the centuries. These are often presented alongside more experimental twentieth- and twenty-first-century pieces, creating a dialogue between tradition and innovation. Alongside the permanent collection, Brandts stages around eight to ten special exhibitions each year. Themes range from solo shows devoted to major Scandinavian artists to international contemporary projects exploring photography, visual culture or new media. This means the experience can vary significantly between visits: one season might feature bold abstract painting, the next immersive installations or cutting-edge photography.Art for Children and Hands-On Curiosity
A distinctive feature of Brandts is its long-standing focus on children’s experiences of art. The museum’s sensory exhibition space is designed at child height, inviting younger visitors to touch textures, crawl into nooks, and respond playfully to colour, sound and form. Rather than simply adding a kids’ corner, Brandts treats children as serious viewers and builds exhibitions around their perspective. Creative family workshops are frequently offered, giving adults and children the chance to make their own collages, drawings or small sculptures inspired by what they have seen in the galleries. Materials are typically simple and approachable, and staff are on hand to help with ideas and techniques without turning it into a formal class. It is easy to spend much longer here than planned if you are travelling with curious youngsters.Café Life on Amphi Square
On the lower levels, the museum opens onto Amfipladsen, a cosy urban square set within the former factory yard. Here you will find the Brandts Art Café, which doubles as an informal gallery in its own right. Sculptures and a large mural by Malene Landgreen frame the space, while seasonal salads, sandwiches, cakes and speciality coffees create an inviting pause between exhibitions. Large windows connect the café to the life of the square, so you can watch locals and students crossing the courtyard or gathering on the steps of the small amphitheatre. Entrance to the café and the adjacent museum shop is free, making this a pleasant stop even if you are not exploring the full museum that day.Design Shop and Green Credentials
Brandts’ shop is more than a place to pick up generic souvenirs. Shelves are lined with Danish design objects, ceramics, textiles, art books, posters and sometimes limited-edition prints or lithographs linked to current exhibitions. It is an excellent place to find a meaningful memento of Odense, whether a postcard reproduction of a favourite painting or a piece of contemporary craft. The museum also carries a Green Attraction environmental certification, signalling an active commitment to sustainability. Behind the scenes this includes efforts to reduce energy consumption, manage waste responsibly and prioritise more sustainable purchasing. Exhibitions and signage occasionally highlight these initiatives, encouraging visitors to consider how large cultural institutions can reduce their footprint while still caring for delicate works of art.A Cultural Anchor in the Brandts Quarter
Step back outside and you are immediately in the broader Brandts Klædefabrik quarter, with its mix of independent boutiques, cafés, cinema and studios. The museum functions as an anchor here: many people start with an exhibition, then drift out to explore the surrounding passages, or do the reverse and end the day with art. Because of its central location and varied programme, Brandts works equally well as a focused cultural stop or the centrepiece of a half-day in this part of Odense. Whether you are drawn by historic Danish painting, thought-provoking contemporary art, or simply the pleasure of wandering an old factory reborn as a creative district, the museum offers a well-rounded, atmospheric experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
visit
0.3 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
0.5 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.6 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.7 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
0.7 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.3 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
1.9 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
TheDoorOdense
2.7 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Det gamle vandtårn
3.8 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
4.7 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
7.4 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
9.1 km
An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
10.7 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
13.6 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
The Glavendrup Stone
13.8 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
0.0 km
A historic woollen mill turned vibrant cultural quarter, where art, film, shopping and café life fill atmospheric brick courtyards in the heart of Odense.
Tidens Samling
0.1 km
Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Pantheonsfrisen
0.2 km
A striking Don John mural turning an ordinary Odense side street into a memorable canvas of symbols, stories and contemporary Nordic street art.
The Darning Needle
0.3 km
A provocative Hans Christian Andersen–inspired granite sculpture on Odense’s main shopping street, where a simple needle becomes a playful, ambiguous urban conversation.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.3 km
A bronze suitcase poised for takeoff above a shimmering fountain, this H.C. Andersen–inspired sculpture turns a small Odense square into a quiet fairytale scene.
Hermes (gud for handlende) vandskulptur
0.3 km
A monumental Hermes of granite and water marks the gateway to Odense’s main shopping street, weaving myth, Viking history and urban everyday life into one sculpture.
Funen Opera
0.4 km
An intimate Danish chamber opera beside Odense’s parkland, where classic works and bold new productions unfold just a few metres from your seat.
The Sea Horse
0.4 km
A powerful Andersen-inspired sea horse and mermaid burst from the Odense River, marking a poetic gateway between city streets and leafy Munke Mose park.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
0.4 km
Step into the tiny yellow house on Munkemøllestræde where a poor shoemaker’s son began the journey to becoming the world’s great master of fairytales.
The maiden jump
0.4 km
Walk through history at The Funen Village in Odense, where 19th-century farmsteads, gardens, and local traditions offer a full-senses journey into rural Denmark.
Danaë
0.5 km
A serene bronze heroine from Greek myth, Gerhard Henning’s Danaë reclines quietly in Odense’s King’s Garden, bridging baroque greenery and modern city life.
Munke Mose
0.5 km
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
Odense City Hall
0.5 km
Enjoy serene lawns, mature trees, and recreational paths in Nyborg’s central green park—a scenic spot for relaxation and community just steps from historical landmarks.
Vægmaleri
0.5 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Bispens lysthus
0.5 km
A tiny red timber pavilion on stilts above Odense Å, Bispens Lysthus blends riverside calm, ecclesiastical history and postcard-perfect charm in the city’s green heart.
Essential places to dine
Mitchell's Odense
0.1 km
Denmark's only British gastro pub, serving authentic carvery and craft beverages in warm, family-friendly surroundings.
Pasfall
0.1 km
Refined French-inspired fine dining in Odense’s atmospheric Brandts Passage, where seasonal Nordic ingredients, precise cooking and relaxed elegance turn meals into occasions.
Eydes Gastro Pub
0.1 km
All-day brunch, hearty pub dishes and a full bar in a cosy, central Odense gastro pub with both snug corners and lively street-side seating.
Restaurant Værdsat
0.1 km
Informal Scandinavian gourmet in central Odense, where seasonal Funen produce, playful menus and a warm neighborhood atmosphere meet from lunch until late.
KÖZ Resturant
0.1 km
Authentic Turkish grilling and traditional cuisine in Odense's vibrant city center.
Kong Volmer Odense
0.1 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Salinaz Odense
0.1 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Mona Lisa
0.1 km
Cozy Italian trattoria tucked into Odense’s artsy Brandts Passage, serving generous pastas, crisp pizzas and classic antipasti in a warm, candlelit setting.
Marcello's
0.1 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria
0.2 km
Cosy Roman-style trattoria and pizzeria tucked into Odense’s old-town cobbles, serving wood-fired pizzas, generous pasta plates and classic Italian comfort food.
Café Cuckoo's Nest
0.2 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Olivia Brasserie - Restaurant Odense
0.2 km
French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
I Pupi Siciliani
0.2 km
Intimate Sicilian restaurant in central Odense, serving seasonal tasting menus, handmade pasta and robust southern Italian flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Bone's Odense
0.2 km
Family-friendly American barbecue in the heart of Odense, with saloon-style interiors, slow-cooked ribs, salad and soft-ice bar, and space for relaxed group dinners.
The Burger Odense
0.2 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
0.1 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Underground
0.2 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Faraos Cigarer
0.2 km
A vast 600 m² universe of comics, games, miniatures and cosplay, Faraos Cigarer Odense is the city’s colourful hub for Nordic geek culture and tabletop fun.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.3 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
Friluftsland
0.3 km
Compact outdoor specialist shop in central Odense, offering quality gear, expert advice and hands-on testing for everything from city showers to Nordic trekking.
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
0.3 km
A spacious, lounge‑like whisky specialist in central Odense, pairing rare independent bottlings with relaxed tastings and knowledgeable, down‑to‑earth guidance.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.3 km
Central Odense lingerie and swimwear boutique offering feminine designs, expert bra fitting help and relaxed browsing right on the city’s main shopping street.
Dr. Adams
0.4 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
All About Kids
0.4 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
0.4 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Magasin Odense
0.4 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
Moby Disc
0.4 km
Odense’s long-standing record shop, where forty thousand-plus vinyl and CD titles, cozy aisles and music-savvy staff keep the spirit of crate-digging alive.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
0.4 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Summerbird
0.4 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
0.1 km
Closed but not forgotten, this basement bar once turned central Odense into a roaring Alpine lodge of big steins, table dancing and unapologetic après-ski energy.
The Boat House
0.1 km
A cozy, spirits-focused bar in central Odense, famed for its extensive whisky shelves, creative cocktails and laid-back themed evenings in soft, lounge-like surroundings.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
0.1 km
Smoky, old-school Danish pub energy in the heart of Odense’s main shopping street, with cheap beers, loud nights and a lived-in, brown-bar charm.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.2 km
Basement tequila shots, loud beats and a young crowd turn this Odense city‑centre bar into a compact late‑night party zone on weekend nights.
Christian Firtal
0.2 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
The Old Irish Pub
0.2 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Viggos
0.2 km
Lively, wallet-friendly brown bar in central Odense, pouring cold draft beer, simple pub food and long, sociable nights for students, locals and night owls.
Pianobar odense
0.2 km
Lively late-night piano bar in the heart of Odense C, mixing sing-along classics, casual drinks and a compact, buzzing atmosphere on Kongensgade.
James Dean Bar
0.2 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
Proud Mary Odense
0.2 km
Big, boisterous and central, Proud Mary Pub Odense turns a former arcade into a vast English-style party pub with sports screens, cocktails and dancing till late.
Bar Rar Ltd.
0.2 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Tingstedet
0.3 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Lalou Vinbar
0.3 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Grand Bar & Lounge
0.3 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Champagniet
0.3 km
Intimate champagne bar in Odense’s old town, pairing carefully curated bubbles with cosy hygge vibes and small plates made for slow, sparkling evenings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Odense
0.3 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
0.5 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Boogie Dance Café
0.6 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
BUTCHERS Odense
0.8 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
5.6 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Muzirkus
26.8 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
27.4 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
40.2 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
43.5 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
47.9 km
Witness awe-inspiring live falconry shows and get up close with eagles, owls, and hawks at Samsø’s premier raptor center, blending living heritage with wilderness spectacle.
Ærø Golf Klub
48.7 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Vinkapellet Samsø
48.9 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Samsø Island Distillery
50.4 km
Experience authentic Danish craftsmanship at Samsø Island Distillery, where local botanicals and sustainable practices fuse to create distinctive gin and aquavit on scenic Samsø.
Ræven
50.5 km
Island spirit and Danish hospitality await at Ræven, Samsø—a cozy neighborhood bar with local brews, lively evenings, and a real taste of authentic island life.
Garagen
51.2 km
Garagen is Samsø’s beloved island bar, famed for live music, a rustic woodland setting, and its welcoming, laid-back vibe—a true hub for locals and travelers alike.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
