Design Museum: the essence of Danish design

The Copenhagen Design Museum (Designmuseum Danmark) is one of the must-see museums in Copenhagen, whether you’re a novice or a fan of architecture, fashion and Scandinavian design.

Below, we’ll give you all the practical information you need, what not to miss and our tips on how to make the most of it with the whole family.

Copenhagen Design Museum: complete guide

Housed in a majestic 18th-century building, a former Copenhagen public hospital renovated by architects Ivar Bentsen and Kaare Klint, it features exhibitions that trace the evolution of Danish design, from its beginnings to contemporary innovations. You’ll find everyday objects, kitchen utensils, porcelain, chairs, art furniture and bicycles… as well as other, much more original pieces.

The museum’s atmosphere is immersive and warm, and each room tells a story. Permanent exhibitions reveal the history of iconic 20th-century design, while temporary exhibitions constantly renew the experience with varied themes and avant-garde creations.

The museum is a journey through time and aesthetics, where every object has been carefully selected to represent the very best in craftsmanship and innovation.

☕There’s a lovely café, Café Klint, where you can enjoy delicious Smørrebrød (the traditional Danish sandwich).

Not-to-be-missed exhibits at the Musée du Design

• “Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen: A symbol of Danish design, this chair is a must-have.
• Poul Henningsen’s“PH lamps“: revolutionary lighting pieces of timeless design.
• “Table lamp 4/3, Poul Henningsen
• “Alessi: Philippe Starck’s citrus press
• Gallery of chairs with sliding artel system
• Fashion and textiles: Emblematic designs from the 20th century that tell the story of the evolution of Danish fashion.

The Design Museum for families

The Design Museum is ideal for a family visit to Copenhagen. It offers interactive activities and dedicated areas for children, where they can discover the world of design in a playful way.

• At the museum’s ticket office, you can pick up a free game booklet designed for children, filled with creative design activities. Guided by Kay the monkey, they discover various patterns, shapes and materials present in the museum, while being encouraged to draw and imagine their own creations.
• Regular workshops are also organized to encourage younger visitors to create their own design objects. Schedule to be found on the official Copenhagen Design Museum website.

Is it worth visiting Design Museum?

A visit to Copenhagen’s Design Museum is a plunge into the very essence of Danish culture. The layout of the exhibits allows you to discover both everyday objects and exceptional pieces.

We particularly enjoyed the new “Danish Modern” exhibition, which highlights iconic creations such as Jacobsen’s famous Egg chair. It’s a sensory and visual experience that provides a comprehensive overview of the history and evolution of Scandinavian design.

The museum lends itself to both family visits and in-depth exploration for design enthusiasts. And don’t miss the museum’s charming garden and adorable boutique, where you’ll find Danish design objects to take home.

Where is the Copenhagen Design Museum located?

The museum is centrally located in the Indre By district. Just a few steps from the museum, you’ll find Amalienborg Palace, the Statens Museum for Kunst (Denmark’s national art museum) and the Little Mermaid statue.

Video: virtual tour of the Design Museum

To give you an idea of what’s in store, here’s a video preview of what you can expect to see during your visit to the Design Museum.

To round off your visit to Copenhagen, we recommend adding the Louisiana Museum and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (a museum of ancient art and classical sculpture) next to the Tivoli Gardens.