The official museum of Copenhagen is set in the mansion-ish former headquarters (1787–1948) of the city's old shooting club—you'll still find the membership seals/shooting targets supplied by each member filling the stairwells. The essential function of the museum is to give a nuanced and yes, somewhat liberalized look at the city's history, so much of the ground floor is dedicated to showing what life in Copenhagen has been like for a range of citizens, from the century-old door of a Jewish tailor's to a satellite dish that marks the home of many Asian immigrants. That's interesting and it will re-shape your preconceived notions of all Danes as slender, blue-eyed blondes, but the real treasure trove is upstairs under the chandeliers of the former ballroom. There, arranged artfully in a circle of glass cabinets, are relics from one of the city's favorite sons, philosopher Søren Kirkegaard. Each case is themed to a turning point in the writer's life—a five-diamond ring a girlfriend returned to him when they broke up, a lock of his hair taken on his deathbed, his quill, his original gravestone plaque (which broke; the one in Assistens now is from 1927). On the opposite side of each case, past museum visitors have donated a token that reflects a similar period in their own lives (for example, someone's first apartment key as demonstration of Love of Self), and push-button displays in both Danish and English explain the connection. It's a smart way to bring the eternal tenets of a 19th-century philosopher to life. In the attic, the Dream of the City playroom purports to be about civic planning but is really just a savvy excuse for bored kids to play with Legos for a while.
Copenhagen
Travel Guide
Copenhagen› Attraction
Københavns Museum (Museum of Copenhagen)
Vesterbrogade 59, Copenhagen
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Vesterbro
Hours
Daily 10am–5pm
Transportation
Bus 26, 6A
Phone
3321-0772
Prices
Adult DKK 40, senior DKK 20, under 18 free; free on Fridays
Web site
Københavns Museum (Museum of Copenhagen)

Map
Vesterbrogade 59 Copenhagen CopenhagenNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.