Design Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen

The Scandinavians have a reputation for fine design (ridiculous good looks AND ridiculous talent is so unfair!) so it would come as no surprise that the Design Museum of Denmark is full of amazing pieces of design history, and is always my first stop on a trip to Copenhagen.

Changing exhibits in one wing of the building - my last trip coincided with the very last day of a great Bauhaus show, I was lucky to catch it before it closed! - and permanent displays through the other, the museum is arranged in a big horseshoe shaped building, moving your way through the rooms and different collections. Some of the highlights are the history of the chair exhibit; a long tunnel room with chairs set into lit boxes on the walls. The boxes light up as you approach them, and there are information panels that pull out from the sides to read about the design of each chair. The layout of the room is a little vertigo inducing, but a really unique display nonetheless!

The wall of Danish posters is a graphic designers dream come true, as is the collection of Toulouse-Lautrec paintings and prints. A dedicated collection of pieces from Denmark’s own Arne Jacobsen, a few pieces from the Memphis design period (which I find quite tricky to see pieces of in person, so it’s a rare treat!) and lots of mid-century marvels from around the world. Cap off your trip with a browse in the gift store, one of the best curated collection of Danish design focussed trinkets and books.

The Design Museum of Denmark
Bredgade 68, 1260
København, Denmark
DKK 80 (about $25AUD)
Free admission for under 26