Danish Jewish Museum
A quietly powerful museum where Libeskind’s angular design and intimate artifacts tell 400 years of Danish‑Jewish life and a remarkable story of rescue.
Tucked into the tranquil Royal Library Garden behind Christiansborg, the Danish Jewish Museum offers a striking fusion of 17th‑century brick vaults and Daniel Libeskind’s contemporary, labyrinthine interior. Through thoughtful exhibits and intimate objects, it explores 400 years of Jewish life in Denmark, from early merchants invited by King Christian IV to the dramatic rescue of most Danish Jews during World War II. This compact but architecturally bold museum rewards slow looking and quiet reflection.
A brief summary to Danish Jewish Museum
- Proviantpassagen 6, Copenhagen, København K, 1218, DK
- +4533112218
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- 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
- Plan 1–2 hours to move slowly through the angled corridors and read the bilingual exhibit texts without feeling rushed.
- Check seasonal opening hours in advance, as the museum is often closed on Mondays and may adjust times between summer and winter.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the intentionally sloping floors and changing levels are part of the design but can be tiring if you hurry.
- Use the Royal Library Garden before or after your visit as a peaceful spot to reflect on what you have seen inside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and walking
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Kongens Nytorv station; trains run every few minutes and the ride from Nørreport or Frederiksberg takes about 5–10 minutes. A standard single ticket within the city zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK. From Kongens Nytorv, allow 10–15 minutes on foot along mostly flat, paved streets to reach the Royal Library Garden and the museum, which is suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
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City bus
Several city bus routes stop near Slotsholmen and Christiansborg Palace, a short walk from the museum. Travel time from locations within the inner city is usually 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic, and a single bus ticket in the central zones is generally in the 20–30 DKK range. Buses are low‑floor with space for prams and wheelchairs, making this a practical option if you prefer to minimise walking distance around the harbour area.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it easy to reach the museum by bike from most downtown districts within 10–20 minutes. Expect mainly flat terrain and clearly marked lanes, though the streets around Slotsholmen can be busy at peak times. Standard city bike rentals usually cost about 100–150 DKK for a full day; remember to park only in designated racks near the Royal Library Garden and always lock your bicycle securely.
Danish Jewish Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Danish Jewish Museum
Jewish stories in the heart of Copenhagen
The Danish Jewish Museum sits discreetly in the Royal Library Garden on Slotsholmen, only steps from the Danish Parliament yet wrapped in a sense of calm. Inside, it tells the story of more than four centuries of Jewish presence in Denmark: traders invited by King Christian IV in the 17th century, families woven into the fabric of Danish society, and communities navigating questions of faith, identity and belonging. Rather than focusing solely on persecution, the museum highlights everyday life, religious practice and cultural expression. Display cases hold ceremonial objects, family heirlooms, letters and photographs that move the narrative from royal edicts and laws to kitchen tables and synagogue pews. Texts are in Danish and English, allowing you to follow the unfolding story even if you are just passing through Copenhagen.Architecture shaped by the word “Mitzvah”
The building’s interior is as much an exhibit as the objects themselves. Renowned architect Daniel Libeskind was commissioned to transform the Royal Library’s former boathouse into an immersive space. Rather than simply adding walls and cases, he carved a series of sharply angled passages and sloping floors that guide you through the museum in an almost sculptural way. These intersecting planes trace the Hebrew word “Mitzvah” – a good deed or obligation – a reference to the extraordinary rescue of most Danish Jews in 1943, when thousands were ferried to safety in Sweden. As you move along the corridors titled Exodus, Wilderness, The Giving of the Law and The Promised Land, the changing geometry subtly shapes your pace and perspective, echoing the twists of history the museum explores.Objects that illuminate a minority’s heritage
The collection draws on Judaica from the Royal Library and significant loans from the Jewish community in Copenhagen. You encounter Torah ornaments, prayer books, wedding contracts, business records and household items, each chosen to show how Jewish and Danish identities have intertwined over time. Modest pieces, like a worn cookbook or a child’s toy, stand alongside ornate ritual silver. Temporary exhibitions often delve into specific themes: intellectual life, migration waves, resistance during occupation, or post‑war rebuilding of community. Together, they provide a nuanced picture of a minority that has shaped and been shaped by the wider Danish society, including the tensions around integration and assimilation.A contemplative setting in the Library Garden
Part of the museum’s charm lies in its setting. The 17th‑century brick structure, once a royal boathouse, still reads as part of the old Royal Library complex from the outside. Only when you enter from the Library Garden do you realise how thoroughly the interior has been reimagined. The garden itself, with lawns, trees and sculptures, forms a green buffer from the city beyond. Large windows and carefully placed openings frame glimpses of the garden and the surrounding historic buildings. In good weather, many visitors linger outside before or after their visit, using the garden as an informal extension of the museum’s reflective atmosphere. It is a quiet corner of central Copenhagen where history, architecture and landscape meet.Planning a focused visit
The museum is compact, but the density of design and narrative rewards a focused visit of one to two hours. Opening hours vary by season, with generally longer daytime hours from Tuesday to Sunday and closure on most Mondays, so it is worth checking times before you go. Entry is ticketed, with standard adult prices in line with other small Copenhagen museums and concessions for children and students. Inside, the sloping floors and narrow passages are part of the architectural concept, so visitors who are unsteady on their feet may want to take their time and use handrails where available. Bags larger than a small handbag are usually stored at the entrance, keeping the exhibition spaces clear. Occasional talks, film screenings and guided tours add further depth for those wanting a deeper dive into Danish‑Jewish history.A museum of memory and resilience
At its core, the Danish Jewish Museum is about memory and the resilience of a community. The story of the 1943 rescue, when a vast majority of Denmark’s Jews escaped deportation, is threaded throughout the displays without overshadowing other periods. The narrative acknowledges both solidarity and the complexities that followed, including experiences of exile and return. By the time you step back out into the Library Garden, the slanted walls and compressed passages have done their work: you leave with a sharpened sense of how architecture can carry meaning, and how a small museum can illuminate big questions about identity, belonging and moral courage in the face of danger.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Circle Bridge
0.2 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Holmens Bro
0.3 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.3 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Stable Boy's House
0.3 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
National Museum of Denmark
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Magstræde
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Stork Fountain
0.5 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.5 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.6 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Unmissable attractions to see
Garden of the Royal Library
0.1 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.1 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Black Diamond
0.1 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
The War Museum
0.1 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Slotsholmen
0.1 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Børsen
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.3 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Marmorbroen
0.3 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Essential places to dine
No. 2
0.2 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant 1733
0.5 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Maven
0.5 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Marv & Ben
0.5 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Kadeau
0.5 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
King Hans Cellar
0.5 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Puk
0.6 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Noi
0.6 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant Tight
0.6 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Cafe Wilder
0.6 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Rio Bravo
0.6 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
à terre
0.6 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Llama
0.6 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.5 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Audrey Vintage
0.5 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Magasin du Nord
0.6 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.6 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Akimbo
0.6 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
& Other Stories
0.6 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Magnolias
0.6 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.6 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.6 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ruby
0.4 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Godt Øl
0.5 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Zefside
0.5 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Dubliner
0.5 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Marble Bar
0.6 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Eiffel bar
0.6 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Rooftop Bar
0.6 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.6 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
0.6 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Brønnum
0.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lusso
0.7 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Hive
0.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
The Zoo
0.8 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Miami Bar
0.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Dorsia
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Mini Bar
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
La Terraza
0.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
1.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.0 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
1.0 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Arch
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
