Danish Design Museum | Copenhagen

The Danish Design Museum (Designmuseum Danmark) is one of Denmark’s leading museums dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Danish and international design. Located in the heart of Copenhagen, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of design, particularly focusing on the renowned legacy of Danish design, which has had a significant impact on the global design world.

Overview

• Name: Danish Design Museum (Designmuseum Danmark)
• Location: Bredgade 68, Copenhagen, Denmark
• Founded: 1890
• Focus: Danish design, industrial design, furniture design, architecture, fashion, and decorative arts.
• Notable Collections: Furniture, ceramics, textiles, glass, and industrial design.

History and Development

The Danish Design Museum was founded in 1890 as the Museum of Decorative Art, and it has been dedicated to the study and exhibition of design ever since. Initially, the museum’s focus was on decorative arts, but over the years, it has expanded to include a broader range of design disciplines, reflecting the development of modern design and innovation.

The museum's collection spans over 150 years of design history, showcasing classic Danish designs as well as international contributions. The museum has long been a key institution in Denmark, reflecting the country's historical and contemporary contributions to the world of design.

In recent years, the museum has undergone renovations and rebranding, and it was officially renamed Designmuseum Danmark in 2014. It continues to be a key center for design education and research, fostering a deeper appreciation for design’s role in culture, industry, and society.

Architecture and Museum Spaces

The Danish Design Museum is housed in a stunning historic building that was originally a royal hospital. The architecture combines classical elements with modern exhibition spaces. The museum is known for its elegant mix of old and new architecture, offering a peaceful and inspiring environment to explore design.

• The Museum’s Core: The museum occupies a large building in the Bredgade area of Copenhagen, a vibrant cultural district. The building itself, dating back to the 18th century, is a former Royal Medical Academy that has been adapted to house the museum’s extensive collection.
• Exhibition Spaces: The museum features multiple floors of exhibition space, with large galleries that rotate exhibitions of Danish design, international design movements, and thematic displays on the evolution of design.
• Temporary Exhibitions: The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on particular designers, design movements, or specific aspects of design, such as sustainability or technology in design.

Collections and Exhibitions

The Danish Design Museum houses an extensive collection of design artifacts, spanning various categories. Some of the museum’s most notable collections include:

Danish Furniture Design:

• The museum is famous for its Danish furniture collection, with pieces from renowned designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Børge Mogensen, and Verner Panton. These designers have become synonymous with the Danish modernist style, which is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and elegance.
• Visitors can see iconic pieces such as Arne Jacobsen's Egg Chair and Hans Wegner's Wishbone Chair, which are considered masterpieces of 20th-century design.

Textiles and Ceramics:

• The museum also showcases a rich collection of Danish textiles and ceramics, which explore Denmark’s craft traditions and modern design innovations.
• Designers such as Pernille Folcarelli and Tove Sørensen have contributed significantly to the museum's collection of textiles, which focus on craftsmanship and artistic expression.

Industrial Design:

• The museum holds important pieces of industrial design, illustrating Denmark’s contributions to everyday items and technologies. The collection includes kitchenware, lighting, and transportation designs by leading Danish designers.
• Highlights include Danish industrial designs by Jacob Jensen for Bang & Olufsen and designs by Ole Jensen for Royal Copenhagen.

Fashion and Decorative Arts:

• Fashion is another key focus, with exhibitions featuring Danish fashion designers and the development of modern clothing design. The museum’s collection includes Danish textiles and designs that showcase Denmark’s influence on the fashion world.
• The decorative arts collection includes silverware, glassware, and other domestic items that reflect the artistic and functional qualities of Danish design.

Permanent Exhibitions

• The Danish Design Legacy: One of the museum's most important permanent exhibitions, showcasing the history of Danish design, particularly the period from the mid-20th century, when Denmark was at the forefront of modern design innovation.
• Danish Modern: This exhibit features iconic mid-century furniture designs from well-known Danish designers, capturing the essence of the Scandinavian Modern movement and its global influence.
• The Art of Danish Crafts: This section focuses on traditional and contemporary Danish crafts, including ceramics, textiles, and metalwork.
• Design and Society: This exhibition explores the role of design in modern society, with a focus on sustainability, ethics, and innovation.

Educational and Cultural Impact

The Danish Design Museum is not only a place for exhibitions but also a hub for education and research. The museum offers a range of activities and programs, including:

1. Workshops: The museum frequently hosts workshops and lectures aimed at students, design professionals, and the general public. These workshops explore different aspects of design, from creative processes to sustainable design practices.
2. Design Tours: Visitors can join guided tours of the museum to gain deeper insights into the exhibitions and collections. These tours often include discussions on the history of Danish design and its influence on global design movements.
3. Collaborations: The museum collaborates with design schools, universities, and other cultural institutions to foster the development of the design industry and culture in Denmark.
4. Public Programs: The museum organizes public events such as design talks, seminars, and artist presentations to engage the community with design discourse and foster a greater appreciation for design as an essential part of modern life.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours:

• The Danish Design Museum is generally open daily, with extended hours during weekends. The museum may be closed on certain holidays, so it’s best to check their website for current timings and holiday schedules.

Admission Fees:

• Admission to the museum typically includes access to both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and children. Special rates may apply for groups or specific events.

Getting There:

• The museum is centrally located in Copenhagen’s Bredgade area, making it easily accessible by public transport. It is also within walking distance from major attractions like Amalienborg Palace and Nyhavn.
• Visitors can reach the museum by bus, metro, or bike, and there are nearby parking facilities for those traveling by car.

Conclusion

The Danish Design Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of design, particularly the renowned Danish design tradition. Its vast collection, educational programs, and engaging exhibitions make it a central hub for both design enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you're interested in furniture design, fashion, or the philosophy of design, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of design and its impact on daily life.