Jacob A. Riis Museum
The childhood home of a Danish-American reformer who documented poverty and changed a nation.
Housed in a beautifully preserved medieval building in Ribe's historic quarter, the Jacob A. Riis Museum tells the compelling story of a Danish boy who emigrated to America and became one of the most influential social reformers and photojournalists of the late 19th century. Through carefully curated exhibits featuring Riis' groundbreaking photographs and personal artifacts, the museum chronicles his transformation from struggling immigrant to crusader for social justice in New York's tenements. The intimate setting in his childhood home creates a deeply personal connection to his remarkable life journey.
A brief summary to Jacob A. Riis Museum
- Sortebrødregade 1, Ribe, 6760, DK
- +4576163980
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Purchase a combined ticket for both the Jacob A. Riis Museum and the HEX! Museum of Witch Hunt to explore multiple layers of Ribe's history in one visit.
- Use the audio guide to gain deeper context about Riis' life and work; it significantly enhances understanding of the exhibits.
- Allow time to explore the surrounding museum quarter with its medieval architecture, hidden courtyards, and historic facades before or after your museum visit.
- Visit during March–October for extended opening hours (10:00–17:00 daily); November–February the museum closes Mondays.
- Browse the museum shop for historically themed applied art, books on Riis and Danish-American history, and unique souvenirs with cultural significance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from Esbjerg
Regional trains connect Esbjerg (approximately 30 kilometers away) to Ribe station in 25–35 minutes. Trains run multiple times daily. From Ribe station, the museum is a 10–15 minute walk through the historic town center. Cost approximately DKK 60–90 per ticket depending on time of booking.
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Car from Esbjerg or Billund
From Esbjerg, drive south via Route 11 for approximately 30 kilometers (30–40 minutes). From Billund Airport, take Route 18 southwest for approximately 60 kilometers (50–60 minutes). Ribe's town center has limited on-street parking; use the designated car parks near the town center and walk to Sortebrødregade. Parking costs approximately DKK 40–60 for a full day.
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Bus from Esbjerg
Regional buses operate between Esbjerg and Ribe, with journey times of 45–60 minutes depending on route and stops. Buses run several times daily. The bus station is centrally located; the museum is a 5–10 minute walk from the bus stop. Cost approximately DKK 50–80 per ticket.
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Cycling from Ribe town center
If staying elsewhere in Ribe, the museum is easily accessible by bicycle or on foot. The town center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with the museum located at Sortebrødregade 1 in the medieval quarter. Ribe is flat and ideal for cycling; rental shops are available throughout the town.
Jacob A. Riis Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Jacob A. Riis Museum
A Danish Boy Who Changed America
In 1870, at just 21 years old, Jacob A. Riis left his hometown of Ribe for New York City with little more than determination and hope. What followed was an extraordinary transformation that would reshape American social consciousness. Through his hard-hitting journalism and pioneering photography, Riis documented the brutal realities of immigrant life in New York's worst neighborhoods, forcing the bourgeoisie to confront the human cost of urban poverty. His work caught the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, with whom he formed a lifelong friendship and partnership in reform efforts. The museum presents this remarkable arc—from near-destitution to becoming what Roosevelt called "the ideal American"—with compelling narrative depth and historical context.The Medieval Heart of Ribe's Museum Quarter
The Jacob A. Riis Museum occupies a building dating to 1583, nestled within one of Denmark's best-preserved urban quarters. The medieval architecture itself tells a story: crooked facades, slanted floors, and labyrinthine courtyards create an authentic atmosphere that transports visitors back centuries. Walking through the museum's spaces means navigating the very building where Riis spent his childhood, adding profound intimacy to the experience. The surrounding museum quarter features splendid facades, side-buildings, and hidden courtyards that exemplify Danish vernacular architecture at its most characterful. For those interested in preservation and historic urban design, the setting alone justifies a visit.Photographs That Opened Eyes
The museum's core strength lies in its presentation of Riis' photographic work. His images from New York's tenements—crowded rooms, desperate faces, unsanitary conditions—were revolutionary for their time, combining journalistic urgency with artistic composition. The museum displays copies of his first-edition publications alongside personal belongings brought back to Denmark, creating a tangible connection to his American life. Interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages, while the thoughtfully designed displays effectively illustrate how Riis' work catalyzed social reform movements. The photography transcends historical documentation; it remains emotionally powerful and socially relevant today.Bridging Two Worlds
What makes this museum distinctive is its focus on the immigrant experience itself. Riis' story serves as a lens through which to understand Danish emigration to America—a phenomenon that shaped both nations. Local school programs encourage students to imagine themselves embarking on similar journeys, fostering empathy and historical perspective. The museum's "American Friends Fund" accepts donations of artifacts and monetary contributions, demonstrating ongoing transatlantic engagement with Riis' legacy. The building also houses the HEX! Museum of Witch Hunt, offering combined tickets for visitors interested in exploring multiple layers of Ribe's complex history.Intimate Scale, Profound Impact
The museum is intentionally compact, allowing visitors to absorb Riis' story without overwhelming detail. A typical visit lasts 1–2 hours, making it ideal for those traveling through Ribe. The audio guide enhances the experience by providing context and additional insights. While the historical building's narrow passages and uneven floors may present challenges for visitors with mobility constraints, the intimate setting reinforces the personal nature of Riis' journey. The museum shop offers applied art with historical themes, books, posters, and thoughtfully curated items that extend the experience beyond the galleries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
0.5 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Kammerslusen Ribe
5.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Sønderho Church
18.9 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
19.0 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Bunker
24.7 km
A concrete relic of World War II occupation, standing silent in Denmark's westernmost forest.
Namaste Esbjerg
24.8 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Esbjerg Water Tower
24.9 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Dronning Louise
24.9 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Christian IX statue, Esbjerg
24.9 km
Historic equestrian monument and central meeting point on Esbjerg’s main square, celebrating the king who founded Denmark’s youngest major North Sea port.
Vadehavskysten
25.0 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Landgangen
25.0 km
Step inside a piece of Copenhagen’s iconic bridge architecture, now transformed into a creative hub for art, music, café culture, and panoramic city views.
Gangbroen over Toldbodvej, Esbjerg Havn
25.0 km
A converted harbor tower blending industrial heritage with contemporary art, panoramic views, and creative events on Copenhagen’s iconic Knippels Bridge.
Denmark
25.0 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Esbjerg Museum
25.1 km
Iconic harbor-view cultural tower on Knippelsbro, blending Copenhagen’s bridge heritage with art, events, and sweeping views across Indre By and Christianshavn.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
25.1 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hex! Museum of Witch Hunt
0.0 km
Explore the chilling history of witch hunts in 16th–17th century Denmark through immersive audio and artifacts in historic Ribe.
P Dovns Slippe
0.0 km
Explore the Wadden Sea's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage at Vadehavscentret near Ribe, Denmark.
Det Gamle Rådhus Ribe
0.1 km
Compact in size but rich in stories, Ribe’s Old Town Hall reveals centuries of justice, ceremony and civic life within an atmospheric medieval shell.
Den Gamle Arrest, Ribe
0.1 km
Stay the night in Ribe’s old town prison, a 16th‑century listed house on the cathedral square where chaplains, schoolgirls and inmates once shared the same walls.
Ribe Cathedral
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring live demonstrations and interactive workshops.
Ribe Domkirkeplads
0.1 km
Tiny but central parking right on Ribe’s cathedral square, putting you only steps from Denmark’s oldest town’s historic heart, shops and cobbled lanes.
Faldne fra Sønderjyske Krige, Ribe
0.2 km
Step into Viking-era life at Vikingborg near Ribe, where interactive exhibits, reconstructed buildings, and live reenactments reveal Denmark’s ancient Norse heritage.
Kannikegaarden
0.2 km
Award-winning parish hall and archaeological showcase where contemporary Nordic architecture hovers above Ribe’s oldest brick ruins beside the cathedral.
Buste af Jacob A. Riis
0.2 km
A modest bronze bust in Ribe’s old town honouring Jacob A. Riis, the local boy whose New York photographs and journalism helped change urban social history.
Wooden bridges
0.2 km
Simple timber footbridges over Ribe’s quiet river, offering gentle views, soft light and a tranquil pause just beyond the medieval streets.
St. Catherine's Priory, Ribe
0.2 km
A beautifully preserved Dominican priory in Ribe, where brick cloisters, a serene church and a quiet garden reveal nearly eight centuries of Danish monastic history.
Stormflodssøjlen
0.2 km
Experience Danish creativity at Holmegaard Værk, where heritage glassmaking, live demonstrations, and cutting-edge design exhibitions come together in a vibrant historic setting.
Flood column in Ribe
0.2 km
A slender wooden column on Ribe’s harbour that turns tranquil waterfront views into a powerful, six-metre-high lesson in storm surges, memory and resilience.
Taarnborg
0.2 km
A contemplative Renaissance townhouse in Ribe’s cobbled centre, where historic clergy once lived and today’s cultural life unfolds in quietly atmospheric rooms.
Ribe Kloster
0.2 km
A serene former convent tucked into Ribe’s cobbled centre, where brick Gothic walls, quiet courtyards and layered history evoke centuries of monastic life.
Essential places to dine
Quedensgård Cafe Og Krambod
0.0 km
Historic café and krambod in a crooked old merchant’s house in Ribe, blending Danish comfort food, a leafy courtyard and shelves of characterful curios.
Pinocchio
0.0 km
Casual Italian pizzas and pastas served all day in a cosy, family-friendly restaurant right in the historic heart of Ribe’s medieval old town.
Kolvig - by Skovmose
0.1 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest city, where Nordic cuisine meets industrial heritage.
Hotel Dagmar
0.1 km
Denmark's oldest hotel since 1581, blending Renaissance charm with modern hospitality on Ribe's historic square.
Restaurant Vægterkælderen
0.1 km
Hearty steaks and classic Danish flavours served in a candlelit 16th‑century cellar beneath historic Hotel Dagmar on Ribe’s storybook main square.
Weis Stue
0.1 km
Centuries-old timber inn and restaurant on Ribe’s main square, serving classic Danish dishes and simple rooms in a wonderfully crooked historic house.
Terpager & Co
0.1 km
Historic 16th‑century café, wine bar and deli in Ribe’s old town, blending Nordic hygge, plant‑forward cooking and small‑producer wines in a cozy courtyard setting.
Restaurant Jacob A. Riis
0.1 km
Square-side steakhouse and brasserie in Ribe’s historic heart, named after reformer Jacob A. Riis and serving generous, familiar dishes from morning through evening.
BØFFEN Restaurant
0.1 km
Homemade burgers and ice cream on Ribe's historic square—casual comfort food at unbeatable prices.
Pizza Express
0.1 km
Casual pizzeria on Ribe's main square serving traditional Italian pizzas in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Peking House Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Chinese buffet in historic Ribe's pedestrian heart—diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, family-friendly.
Restaurant Sælhunden
0.1 km
Historic riverside dining in Denmark's oldest town, where 400 years of character meet fresh Danish cuisine.
Huset Ribe
0.2 km
Casual café-brasserie and gourmet deli on a cobbled street in Ribe’s old town, perfect for light meals, good coffee and local delicacies in a relaxed setting.
Monza Pizza
0.2 km
Authentic Italian pizza handcrafted on Ribe's historic main square
Brorsonsminde -by Skovmose
0.2 km
Historic 1899 mission house turned warm Danish restaurant and celebration hall in Ribe’s old town, serving hearty, seasonal cuisine with a sense of occasion.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Janne K Ribe
0.0 km
Bright, comfortable women’s fashion in inclusive sizes, tucked into a historic townhouse on Ribe’s cobbled main street.
Den Lille Ravbutik
0.0 km
A cosy amber specialty shop in Ribe’s medieval heart, where warm golden stones, Scandinavian design and coastal heritage come together in wearable souvenirs.
NEW FORM Ribe
0.0 km
Sporty, pet-friendly clothing store in Ribe’s historic center, stocking practical outdoor and casual wear for the whole family near the Wadden Sea coast.
Det Gamle Apothek
0.0 km
A historic former pharmacy in the heart of Ribe, now a cosy Nordic shop filled with atmospheric décor, seasonal treasures and a touch of old-town magic.
Overdammens Idebutik
0.0 km
A cosy Ribe gift shop where Scandinavian homewares, seasonal decorations and thoughtful souvenirs are tucked into a warm, cobbled-street setting.
CHANGE Lingerie
0.1 km
Scandinavian fit-focused lingerie and loungewear in a cosy boutique on Ribe’s historic Mellemdammen, blending everyday comfort with a touch of indulgent elegance.
Biti v/Tina Haugsted Larsen
0.1 km
Long-established Ribe corner boutique mixing Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, gifts and souvenirs in the atmospheric setting of the town’s central square.
Imerco
0.1 km
Denmark's premier homeware destination offering Scandinavian design, kitchen essentials, and exclusive collections in historic Ribe.
Ribes Embroidery And Yarn (M Svendsen)
0.1 km
A cozy, floor‑to‑ceiling yarn and embroidery cave in Ribe’s historic center, where more than fifty years of color, fiber and patterns invite you to start a new project.
Habengood
0.1 km
Ribe's intimate vintage and vinyl destination where personal service meets curated second-hand treasures.
Garnslusen
0.1 km
Specialty yarn and embroidery shop in the heart of Denmark's oldest city
Tøjeksperten
0.1 km
Contemporary menswear in Ribe's historic pedestrian district, backed by Denmark's most generous return policy.
Butik B
0.1 km
Inviting women’s fashion boutique in Ribe’s historic center, blending Scandinavian style, everyday practicality and a relaxed, personal shopping atmosphere.
Tip Top I/S
0.2 km
A small, local clothing shop on Ribe’s historic Nederdammen, offering practical Scandinavian-style fashion in the heart of Denmark’s oldest town.
Maude Retro & Vintage
0.2 km
Colorful, craft-filled treasure trove in Ribe’s old town, where retro charm, handmade ceramics, knitwear and quirky art meet on a cozy cobbled-street corner.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Stenbohus
0.1 km
Cosy, timeworn bar in the heart of Ribe, blending historic surroundings with easygoing drinks, local character and relaxed late‑night atmosphere.
Strygejernet
0.1 km
Intimate corner pub in Ribe’s old town, pairing rustic coziness, smoke-free comfort and friendly bar life with simple drinks, games and unhurried evenings.
Termansens
0.2 km
Intimate jazz and live music in a centuries-old townhouse, where Ribe’s historic charm meets cozy, small-scale culture house vibes after dark.
Klubben 1811
0.2 km
Casual, spacious bar in Ribe’s old town, mixing sports, pool and cold beer in a bright, easygoing setting just steps from the city’s medieval streets.
Café Valdemar
0.3 km
A compact late‑night bar and disco in the heart of historic Ribe, blending casual drinks, chart‑driven beats and a friendly weekend crowd on Sct Nicolaj Gade.
Vin For Dig Ribe
0.3 km
Cosy neighbourhood wine shop and intimate vinbar in Ribe, pairing curated bottles with generous takeaway tapas and relaxed Danish hygge.
Grosmann's
7.8 km
Small-town Danish hygge in a tiny cocktail bar on Kirkegade, where classic drinks, warm lighting and everyday village life meet in laid-back South Jutland style.
Mødestedet
19.0 km
Cozy wine bar on Skærbæk’s main street, where locals and visitors share unhurried glasses of wine, simple snacks and relaxed conversation from day to evening.
Bodega Pubs v/ Kim
19.0 km
Cozy local bodega in Skærbæk serving cold beer, simple drinks, and laid-back Danish bar culture in a friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood setting.
Dowdi Pub Bar
24.7 km
Old-school brown pub in central Esbjerg with inexpensive beers, wood‑panelled charm and a relaxed, local crowd from daytime regulars to late‑night lingerers.
Pappi's pub
24.8 km
Unpretentious, drinks-first bar on Kongensgade offering a simple Danish pub vibe, easy prices and a central stop-off point in the heart of Esbjerg.
Bjælkehytten - En Vestjysk BierBar
24.8 km
Timber-clad, late-opening beer hut on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, serving easygoing brews and shots in a cosy, West Jutland party atmosphere at the heart of nightlife.
Rustik - Bar & Natklub
24.8 km
High‑energy bar and nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, mixing industrial style, cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor late into the night.
SoHo - Bar & Cocktails
24.8 km
Adults-focused cocktail bar tucked inside Esbjerg Street Food’s old theatre hall, pairing crafted drinks, modern design and a lively, central city atmosphere.
King George
24.8 km
Esbjerg's beloved beer hall where Danish tradition, lively atmosphere, and authentic hospitality converge on Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
24.9 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
Club Fanø Rindby
26.2 km
Vital hub for kite sports, fatbiking, and Nordic coastal adventure on Fanø, pairing local expertise with welcoming spirit in the island’s scenic Rindby beach area.
Bilka-søen
28.2 km
Esbjerg's energetic nightclub delivering vibrant music, dancing, and social entertainment in a lively atmosphere.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
28.6 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Romo Golf Links
30.3 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Fishi
35.4 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
Al Capone
44.2 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
44.3 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Koldingtivet Engen
47.8 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
48.3 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Mørks Kælder
48.4 km
Modern basement nightclub in central Kolding, pouring drinks and classic dance tunes for a grown-up crowd late into the weekend night.
Pitstop
48.7 km
Small, central and loud, Pitstop is Kolding’s alternative live music stronghold, blending intimate gigs, late-night dancing and laid-back bar vibes in a historic building.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
48.7 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Jazz 6000
48.9 km
An essential stop in Kolding for jazz lovers, Jazz 6000 brings world-class live music, community spirit, and a cozy club atmosphere to southern Denmark.
Rotes Kliff
49.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly