Although Denmark is a small country, it has a rich history waiting to be discovered. Here is a guide to exhibitions exploring different historical subjects such as the story of welfare society’s road to victory in Copenhagen, the social history of the Danish holiday, the Vikings’ society, religion and expansions, and the life of Denmark’s King Christian IX. Step back in time and dive into the history of Denmark!
Holidays at long last!
Sun and summer. Travel and adventure. Freedom and long days at the beach. This is holiday. Or is it? Being on holiday is something that every Dane holds very dear. However, being on holiday has not always played the part that it does today. One hundred years ago, many Danes were never able to go on holiday. Sundays and some public holidays were the only breaks from the long working days. Today, the dreams and struggles that led to the Holidays with Pay Act of 1938 are able to put our views on holiday in perspective: this in a time when there is a political focus on the workload, and a time where technology is further limiting our chances of getting away from work and surrendering ourselves to adventure.
Workers’ Museum, 22 Rømersgade, Cph K; ends Dec 31, open 10:00-16:00
Under the Wings of Democracy
From the enfranchisement of Danish women in 1908 (albeit in local elections, national enfranchisement came in 1915) to the hosting of the European Capital of Culture in 1996 – Copenhagen underwent extensive changes, socially, politically and economically speaking, in less than 100 years. The exhibition depicts a century in which democratically-elected politicians helped create the modern cityscape and welfare society of contemporary Copenhagen. Find out which historical events of the 20th century left the greatest marks on Copenhagen.
Museum of Copenhagen, Vesterbrogade 59, Cph V; ends Dec 31, open daily 10:00-17:00
The Vikings
The Vikings are often surrounded by all sorts of myths and beliefs. This exhibition provides a new and more nuanced view on the history of the Vikings by focusing on their society, religion, peaceful and violent expansions, and their international connections. Expansion and warfare, power and aristocracy, rituals and beliefs, and cultural contacts and exchanges are the four main themes of an exhibition that consists of both old and new archeological finds. One of the new findings, which is also the exhibition’s absolute main attraction, is the 37-metre long Viking ship, which is the world’s longest such vessel.
National Museum of Denmark, Ny Vestergade 10, Cph K; ends Nov 17, open Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mon
Photographs of a Royal Family
Take a day trip to Frederiksborg Castle and combine scenic walks with cultural experiences at the museum. Dive into the photographs of the Royal Family in the current exhibition about the Denmark’s King Christian IX, who also built the Renaissance castle. He became known as Europe’s father-in-law because his children married into most of the important royal families of Europe. The best known were Alexandra, who married Edward VII of Britain, and Dagmar, who was married to the Russian tsar, Alexander III. The exhibition shows a series of photographs of the royal family from their vacations at Fredensborg Castle and from their residences in England, Russia and Greece.
Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød; ends Dec 31, open Mon–Sun, Nov 1-March 31: 11:00-15:00, April 1-Oct 31: 10:00-17:00
Find out more at http://www.cphmuseums.com/.
