National Museum of Denmark
Hovedstaden
The National Museum of Denmark, known locally as Nationalmuseet, is the country's principal museum of cultural history, located in the historic Prinsens Palæ by Frederiksholms Kanal in Copenhagen. The museum's collections span Danish as well as international cultures, featuring artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era. Its origins trace back to the Royal Kunstkammer founded by Frederik III around 1650, evolving through the 19th century with key contributions by notable figures such as C.J. Thomsen, who developed the archaeological division of the collection into the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages. Housed since 1853 in Prinsens Palæ, the museum holds permanent exhibitions that present Denmark's rich archaeological and ethnographic heritage alongside classical antiquities. It is part of Copenhagen's cultural quarter and has been recognized with the European Museum of the Year Award in 1994. The museum also administers Liselund Castle on the island of Møn and offers a variety of cultural events and workshops, making it a vibrant center for historical learning and public engagement.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or outside peak tourist seasons for a more relaxed experience. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to benefit from discounts and avoid queues. Check the museum's official website for special exhibitions and family-friendly workshops, especially during school holidays. The museum is accessible by public transport and offers guided tours and educational programs.
Interesting facts
- •The museum won the European Museum of the Year Award in 1994.
- •C.J. Thomsen developed the archaeological classification system still used today dividing artifacts into Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages.
- •The museum's collections originally stem from the Royal Kunstkammer founded by Frederik III around 1650.
- •Liselund Castle on Møn is part of the museum's administration.
- •The museum is housed in Prinsens Palæ, built for the crown prince who became King Frederik V in 1746.
History
The museum's roots lie in the Royal Kunstkammer collection established around 1650 by Frederik III.
In 1807, a royal commission was formed to preserve antiquities, leading to the formation of the Oldsagskabinettet (Antiquities Cabinet) under C.J.
Thomsen in 1819, who pioneered the classification of artifacts into Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages.
The collections moved several times before settling in Prinsens Palæ in 1853.
Over time, the museum expanded to include ethnographic and classical collections, eventually adopting the unified name Nationalmuseet in 1892.
The institution has undergone changes in admission policies, including periods of free entry and paid admission, reflecting broader cultural funding trends in Denmark.
In recent years, it has incorporated Liselund Castle and continues to develop new exhibitions and cultural programs.
Place Guide
Prinsens Palæ1740s
The historic building housing the museum, originally constructed in the mid-18th century for the crown prince who became King Frederik V. It offers a grand architectural setting for the museum's extensive collections.
Permanent Archaeological Exhibitions
Exhibitions showcasing Denmark's prehistoric artifacts arranged according to the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages classification developed by C.J. Thomsen. These displays provide insight into Denmark's ancient history and cultural development.
Ethnographic and Classical Collections
Separate exhibitions presenting artifacts from global cultures, including ethnographic objects and classical antiquities, reflecting the museum's broad international scope.
Contact
Phone: 33 13 44 11
