The Designmuseum Danmark in Copenhagen is the most important Danish museum exclusively dedicated to industrial design and applied arts.
Founded by The Confederation of Danish Industries together with the Carlsberg Foundation, the museum was opened to the public in 1895 to “disseminate a concept of quality within design (and) through displaying exemplary objects (…) to raise standards within the products of Danish industry”.
Since 1926, the Designmuseum has been housed in the former King Frederik’s Hospital, a Rococo-style building completed in 1757 after a design by architects Nicolai Eigtved and Lauritz de Thurah.
The former King Frederik’s Hospital in Copenhagen, home of the Designmuseum Danmark; photo: Pernille Klemp
Interior view of the museum’s building; photo Christian Hoyer
The museum’s collection comprises furniture, light fixtures, vehicles, toys, porcelains, tableware, graphic designs and posters, textiles, clothes, photographs, technical drawings, and sketches. The collection features pieces by many recognized designers, including Kaare Klint, Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Verner Panton, and Erik Magnussen.
The permanent exhibition of the Designmuseum Danmark is divided into three main thematic sections, dedicated to Design and Craft from the 20th century (mostly focused on modern Danish design), to Porcelains made in the 1700-1880 period, and to innovative contemporary Danish designers (entitled Danish Design Now).
Additionally, the museum hosts special exhibitions, usually from 5 to 12 a year, and organizes guided tours, educational programs, and family workshops.
The museum’s building includes a specialized library, a cafeteria, and a shop.
The permanent exhibition, section “Design and Craft from the 20th century” with furniture designed by Arne Jacobsen; photo: Pernille Klemp
A piece from the Porcelain Collection; photo Christian Hoyer
Interior views of the Designmuseum Danmark: cafeteria, and library; photos: Christian Hoyer
Cover image: a view of the “Danish Design Now” permanent exhibition, dedicated to Denmark’s most innovative young designers; photo: Christian Hoyer.
All photos are courtesy of Designmuseum Danmark.