Centuries after its construction in the 1750s, the former Royal Frederik’s Hospital is the current home to Designmuseum Danmark. The rococo landmark in Copenhagen is wrapping up a two-year renovation, set to reopen Sunday, June 19 to resume showcasing Danish ingenuity and inspiring quality industrial design.
The comprehensive renovation has left no stone unturned: the interior of the historic buildings and sandstone decorations, “Amaliegadepladsen,” and all exhibition areas have been reworked and updated to ensure the building’s future and improve the guest experience. “We have a greater focus on the crucial questions of the present, including the green transition, health, and identity,” says museum director Anne-Louise Sommer. “We believe that design, more than ever, can create connections between historic achievements and contemporary global and national challenges.”
After shutting down in 2020, the restoration began with strengthening the foundation of the building and converting to a modern, energy-efficient radiant heating system covered by a newly laid marble floor. The second half of the renovation focused on restoring the building’s historic 18th century facade and decorative elements carved in Gotland sandstone.
The museum will welcome guests back with eight new exhibitions covering a wide spectrum of design over time. A new shop and café as well as facilities in the garden offer visitors a more complete way to explore this piece of architectural history and the important industrial design displayed within.
Photo by Rasmus Hjortshoj
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- Photo by Luka Hesselberg
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- Photo by Luka Hesselberg
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- Courtesy of Designmuseum Danmark
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- Photo by Luka Hesselberg
Courtesy of Designmuseum Danmark
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- Courtesy of Designmuseum Danmark
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- Museum Cafe. Photo by Christian Hoyer
Courtesy of Designmuseum Danmark
