Besættelsesmuseet
Museum in the preserved basement cells of the former Gestapo headquarters in Aarhus on everyday life, resistance, and the dilemmas of the occupation 1940–45.
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1982 as "Museet for Besættelsen i Aarhus 1940–45" and initially showed its collection in borrowed rooms of the Langelandsgades Kaserne. As early as 1983 it moved into the basement of the former Aarhus police station; in 1984 the friends' association Besættelsesmuseets Venner was founded.
The building was originally the city's town hall and later served as police headquarters. From autumn 1944 until liberation in May 1945, the German Security Police (Gestapo) had its headquarters here. The preserved cells and basement rooms are now part of the exhibition.
In 1994 the building was renovated and refitted. In 2008 the museum was incorporated into Bymuseet i Aarhus and received state recognition; in 2011 it became part of Den Gamle By. From 2018 to 2020 it remained closed for renovation and a new permanent exhibition. Using personal life stories, the exhibition tells of everyday life under the occupation and focuses on the moral choices people faced at the time; visitors follow individual people via identity cards. In 2022 the museum was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award.
Highlights
- Preserved cells and basement rooms of the Gestapo headquarters 1944–45
- Personal stories via identity cards
- Moral dilemmas between adaptation, collaboration, and resistance
- Nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award 2022
- Free admission under 18
- Founded
- 1982
- Operated by
- Den Gamle By
Admission & discounts
| Adults | DKK 75 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | DKK 60Students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people under 18 free |
| Students & apprentices | DKK 60 |
Annual pass holders and members have free admission. With an adult ticket there is a 50% discount on admission to Den Gamle By within 7 days. School classes visit the museum free of charge during opening hours by registration.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair-accessible; the elevator carries wheelchairs up to 200 kg. There is seating throughout the exhibition.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
Children and young people under 18 have free admission. The guided introductions for schools are aimed at classes from 6th grade; the museum is located in a listed building with little space.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available · 50 m to the entrance
Domkirkepladsen parking lot about 50 m away; Dokk1 Parkering parking garage about 600 m (9-minute walk). Charging station (Clever) about 70 m from the museum.
The museum is located in the center of Aarhus near the cathedral (Aarhus Domkirke).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Bookable guided introduction ("En levende introduktion til museet", 1.5 hours) for up to 30 people: DKK 975 plus admission per participant, only outside regular opening hours; in Danish, English, or German. Also city and cemetery walks in Aarhus C as well as at Nordre and Vestre Kirkegård, and lectures. For schools from 6th grade, introductions, city walks, and the role-playing game "Opgørets time"; book via information@dengamleby.dk or +45 86 18 42 77. |
