Brandts – Art Museum in Odense’s Old Woollen Mill

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.