Den Gamle By
Midtjylland
Den Gamle By, located in Aarhus, Denmark, is a pioneering open-air museum dedicated to the culture and history of Danish market towns. Established in 1914, it is the world's first open-air museum of its kind, featuring 75 historic buildings collected from 20 different Danish towns, primarily dating from the 1500s to the late 1800s, with additional structures from the 20th century. The museum recreates an authentic small town atmosphere with half-timbered houses, workshops, shops, gardens, a post office, a school, and a theatre. Most buildings are furnished in their original historical style or arranged into exhibitions with changing themes. Staff members often portray town citizens such as merchants and blacksmiths, enhancing the immersive experience. Den Gamle By inspired similar museums in Scandinavia, including Bergen and Åbo. The museum's extensive collections include furniture, tools, clothing, toys, ceramics, and silverware, providing a vivid insight into Danish urban life across centuries. It also hosts special exhibitions and events, such as the 2017 "Aarhus Fortæller" exhibition about the city's history. Den Gamle By remains a key cultural institution in Aarhus, attracting visitors eager to explore Denmark’s urban heritage in a uniquely engaging setting.
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Astuce: Visit Den Gamle By during spring and summer for the best weather and special events like historical reenactments and thematic exhibitions. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid queues. The museum offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Allow ample time to explore the extensive outdoor areas and indoor exhibitions. Guided tours and family-friendly activities enhance the experience, especially for children interested in 19th-century life. Check the museum's official website for current programs and opening hours before your visit.
Faits intéressants
- •Den Gamle By is the world's first open-air museum dedicated to urban history and culture.
- •The museum contains 75 historic buildings relocated from 20 different Danish towns.
- •Staff at the museum perform roles as historical town citizens, such as merchants and blacksmiths, to create a living history experience.
- •Den Gamle By inspired similar open-air museums in Bergen, Norway, and Åbo, Finland.
- •The museum's collections include significant amounts of historical clothing, toys, ceramics, and silverware.
- •In 2017, the museum hosted the Aarhus Fortæller exhibition, attracting record visitor numbers during Easter.
Histoire
Den Gamle By was founded in 1914 by local historian and schoolteacher Peter Holm, who saved the old mayor's house in Aarhus from demolition and reconstructed it as an exhibition building for the 1909 Aarhus National Exhibition.
Afterward, the city provided land for a permanent museum site.
Over the following decades, Holm and his successors relocated around 50 historic buildings from various Danish towns to form a reconstructed market town.
The museum expanded significantly in the 1920s and 1930s with buildings from Aalborg and other cities, evolving from a local project into a national institution.
Its name was changed to Den Gamle By.
Danmarks Købstadmuseum in 1995.
The museum has continued to grow and modernize, with notable expansions including the 2017 Aarhus Fortæller exhibition celebrating Aarhus's history during its tenure as European Capital of Culture.
Guide du lieu
The Old Mayor's House (Den gamle Borgmestergård)16th century
The founding building of Den Gamle By, this historic merchant's house was saved from demolition and reconstructed to serve as the museum's centerpiece. It showcases traditional 16th-century architecture and period interiors.
Historic Workshops and Shops1500s–1800s
Various workshops such as blacksmiths, cobblers, and bakeries, as well as shops including grocers and tailors, are preserved and furnished to demonstrate traditional crafts and commerce in Danish towns from the 1500s to 1800s.
Period Gardens and Public Spaces
The museum includes five historic gardens and public spaces that illustrate traditional horticultural practices and town planning, providing a green contrast to the built environment.
20th Century Street - Queen Margrethe's Street (Dronning Margrethes Gade)2000–2014
A recreated street showcasing urban life in Denmark from 2000 to 2014, including shops like a 7-Eleven, a bank, a pizzeria, and a jazz bar, reflecting modern Danish town culture.
Contact
Téléphone: 86 12 31 88