A unique lens to explore, and learn about Denmark’s past
Ahsan Bari and Nibras Ahmed
Highlights
- It is the largest open-air museum in Denmark
- It is the oldest open-air museum in the world
- It is a living museum with costumed interpreters and activities.
- It has a unique collection of buildings from different periods of Danish history
- It is a popular tourist attraction with over 500,000 visitors each year
The city of Aarhus, located in the heart of Denmark’s second-largest city, is a place where time stands still. Here the past is preserved with utmost authenticity and history comes to life.
Established in 1909 – “The Old Town” (Den Gamle By) – is a living museum that transports visitors to different eras in Denmark’s rich history. This offers visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of Danes from centuries past not only to the locals but also to people coming to the city from different parts of the world.
This is no ordinary museum as the place is a meticulously recreated historical village that immerses visitors in the ambience of various time periods – from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Also, the open-air museum has undergone years of meticulous research and restoration efforts to recreate a remarkable timeline and essence of Denmark’s history.
A ‘Time Capsule’ in the heart of Aarhus
As one steps into Den Gamle By, it’s as if they have stepped into a time capsule as the half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, workshops, and authentic shops, representing different centuries, take one away to the bygone eras.
One can also interact with the interpreters in era-specific costumes who seldom break character. Photo: Nibras Ahmed
Moreover, one of the highlights of Den Gamle By is the immersive experience it offers as visitors can walk directly inside the houses, touch and feel the furniture, smell the food items being prepared, and interact with the interpreters in era-specific costumes.
From the scent of freshly baked bread in the 19th-century bakery to the sound of blacksmiths hammering away in the 18th-century forge, every detail is carefully curated to create an immersive, extensive once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In an online conversation with The Denmark Daily, Emma Kierstein Kjærside, a student living at the Vilhelm Kiers Kollegium dorm in Aarhus said, “I have visited it multiple times, yes The part I like the most is the 70s-area. It’s really cool that you can enter the apartments and that they have made retro shops like the TV/radio-shop and an old bar – it feels like a real city that you (almost) can get lost in!”
“I also like the underground history museum about Aarhus – it’s informative and fun because of the interactive elements. I enjoy to visit Den Gamle By during Christmas – it’s actually a tradition for me and some friends to go there and have æbleskiver (Danish snacks made from fried batter)”
– Emma Kierstein Kjærside
“I also like the underground history museum about Aarhus – it’s informative and fun because of the interactive elements. I enjoy to visit Den Gamle By during Christmas – it’s actually a tradition for me and some friends to go there and have æbleskiver (Danish snacks made from fried batter),” she added.
Echoing the same, Sidsel Ditlev Christensen, a student at the Aarhus University living in the same dorm, said, “I have had a season pass the last year and have used it a lot! I like visiting there and just go around and find new things I haven’t discovered yet.”
A Gateway to History
The museum is not only about the historical buildings and establishments but also tells the stories and paints a picture of the people who used to live there and how. Dressed in period costumes, the museum staff engage in conversations with the visitors about life during respective eras.
This acts as a unique opportunity to gain insight into the joys, traditions and struggles of Danish society over the past centuries.
For example, one can visit a 1927 pharmacy with authentic medicines and tools, step into an 1800s schoolroom where lessons are taught as they were in the past, or even have a seat in a 1970s living room.
The experience is a blend of education and entertainment, providing an unparalleled opportunity to understand Denmark’s social, cultural, and technological evolution.
The Past for the Future
The commitment Den Gamle By has to preserve history is not limited to its artefacts and buildings. This unique initiative extends to sustainability and preservation techniques as skilled craftsmen and women practice traditional skills like thatching, blacksmithing, and carpentry, ensuring that these ancient crafts are passed down to the younger generations.
Besides, the museum continuously evolves, with new exhibits and features added regularly with a dedicated team of historians and archaeologists to enhance the authenticity of the experience.
A Timeless Treasure
Den Gamle By isn’t just a museum; it’s a journey through time that transcends generations, a place where grandparents can share stories of their youth with their grandchildren, where history comes alive.
For visitors to Aarhus, the museum is a must-visit attraction, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time, in a time machine, and explore Denmark’s fascinating history.
In this enchanting open-air museum, Denmark in its truest sense, feels frozen in time, offering a window into its rich heritage that will leave anyone with lasting memories of the bygone era.
To book tickets click here. And if you feel lost and are searching for the easiest way to reach the museum visit here.
