Den Gamle By, also known as The Old Town Museum, is an open-air museum in Aarhus, Denmark, that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Danish urban life from the 16th century to the present. Established in 1909, it was the world’s first open-air museum dedicated to urban history and culture. The museum comprises over 75 historical buildings relocated from various parts of Denmark, meticulously reconstructed to form a small town complete with homes, shops, and workshops.
Visitors can explore different periods, with sections dedicated to life in the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s, including a recent addition depicting the 1970s. Interactive exhibits, costumed staff, and traditional crafts and activities enhance the immersive experience, making Den Gamle By a vibrant living history museum that educates and entertains visitors of all ages.
Highlights
• Participate in workshops and demonstrations of traditional crafts like blacksmithing, pottery, and textile weaving.
• Explore the beautifully recreated historical gardens showcasing plants and various eras' gardening techniques.
• Engage with staff dressed in period costumes who bring history to life by portraying historical figures and daily activities.
• Indulge in hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to experience historical cooking, printing, and other daily tasks.
• Enjoy seasonal events and festivals, such as Christmas markets and summer fairs.
How To Reach
By Car: Den Gamle By - The Old Town Museum is located around 1.6 km from the city center. It will take around 5 minutes to reach the destination via the M. P. Bruuns Gade and Thorvaldsensgade route.
By Foot: You may visit the Den Gamle By - The Old Town Museum on foot as it is only 1.6 km from the city center. The total time to cover this distance is around 15 minutes.
Best Time To Visit
You can explore the Den Gamle By - The Old Town Museum at any time of the year. Winters are regarded as the best season to explore the Den Gamle By - The Old Town Museum as the weather remains ideal for exploring. Since most people flock to the museum on the weekend, it is the best day. The best time of the day is to visit here at around 11:00 AM. You may also plan your travels in the afternoon.
Other Essential Information
- Wear shoes or platform sandals to remain comfortable throughout the day.
- Do not touch or click pictures of artefacts inside the museum.
- Do not spoil the museum’s interiors.
- Maintain a peaceful environment inside the museum’s premises.
- Wear lightweight and breathable clothes.
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Visit the Merchant's House
The Merchant's House is one of the most notable buildings in Den Gamle By, dating back to the 17th century. This grand Renaissance building, originally from Aarhus, showcases the life and work of a prosperous merchant family. Inside, visitors can explore the intricately decorated rooms, including the merchant's office, living quarters, and storage areas filled with goods typical of the time. The house is furnished with authentic period pieces, offering a vivid picture of trade and domestic life during Denmark's Renaissance period.
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Explore the Toy Museum
The Toy Museum is a delightful attraction for visitors of all ages. It houses an extensive collection of toys from the 19th and 20th centuries, providing a nostalgic journey through childhood across different eras. The exhibits include dolls, trains, games, and other playthings that reflect the changing trends and technologies in toy manufacturing. Interactive displays allow visitors to engage with some toys, making it an educational and entertaining experience for families. The museum highlights the evolution of toys and offers insights into the social and cultural aspects of childhood over the past two centuries.
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Look at the exhibits of 1974 Neighborhood
A relatively recent addition to Den Gamle By is the 1974 neighbourhood, which transports visitors to the more recent past. This section of the museum recreates a typical Danish urban environment from the 1970s, complete with a block of flats, a radio and TV shop, and a hairdresser's salon. The exhibits are filled with authentic 1970s furnishings, appliances, and everyday items, providing a snapshot of life during this vibrant decade. Visitors can explore the differences and similarities between life then and now and engage with the cultural and social changes of the period, such as the rise of pop culture and new technology.
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Marvel at the interiors of the Apothecary
The Apothecary is one of the museum's most fascinating exhibits, showcasing a fully equipped pharmacy from the 19th century. This exhibit includes a range of pharmaceutical tools, medicines, and herbs that were used in the past. Visitors can learn about historical medical practices, remedies, and the role of the apothecary in the community. The carefully restored interior, complete with antique cabinets and jars, provides a detailed look at how healthcare was administered in the 1800s. This exhibit highlights the advancements in medicine and the challenges faced by practitioners and patients before modern healthcare.