Designmuseum Danmark

Designmuseum Danmark is housed in a former hospital at Bredgade 68 in the Frederiksstaden district of Copenhagen, Denmark, close to Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church. The building, constructed in the 1750s in a rococo style around a central courtyard, was converted into a museum in 1926 and is among the largest collections of design and decorative arts in northern Europe. The permanent exhibition, The Danish Chair, traces the development of Danish furniture with classics by Hans J. Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Børge Mogensen and Kaare Klint, among others. Visitors can see the Egg and Swan chairs, the Wishbone chair and many prototypes and variants that illustrate the Danish approach to function, craftsmanship and materials. Other galleries cover ceramics, porcelain, silver, textiles and fashion, and temporary exhibitions explore contemporary design topics. The courtyard garden and the cafe offer a quiet place to pause. A typical visit lasts one and a half to two hours, and design enthusiasts can spend longer. The museum is least crowded on weekday mornings, with weekend afternoons busier. On Wednesdays the museum stays open until the evening, and that late opening is often the quietest time. The shop sells design objects, books and gifts, and is a good place for souvenirs. Audio guides and guided tours are available for visitors who want more background on the objects. The location makes it easy to combine with Amalienborg Palace, the Marble Church and the harbour front, and Kastellet and the Little Mermaid lie a short distance to the north. Opening hours vary by season, so checking the official site before travelling is useful.