Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum

About the museum

In 1872, the town of Svendborg had a poorhouse and workhouse built to plans by the architect Jens Juel Ecker. The enclosed complex consisted of two main buildings separated by high walls, plus a church, a pigsty, and vegetable gardens. The poor deemed "deserving" – the old and the sick – were housed separately from able-bodied people classed as "undeserving", whose wing had barred windows.

From 1933, the house was called Arbejdsanstalt Viebæltegaard, and after the social legislation of 1961 it became a welfare home. In 1974, the last residents moved out; after 102 years, operations ended. Svendborg Museum took over the buildings, which were threatened with demolition and are now protected as historic monuments; they are considered the best-preserved poorhouse in the Nordic countries.

Since the late 1990s, the museum has researched and presented the history of Danish welfare and the welfare state at the national level. In 2009, the buildings were converted to reduce barriers. Since January 1, 2024, the house has belonged to Museum Sydfyn, together with Svendborg Museum and Museum Ærø. The exhibitions focus on the life stories of residents, children in care, and people placed in foster care; in 2026, the new permanent exhibition "De uværdige" opened.

Highlights

• Original rooms and courtyards of the poorhouse and workhouse from 1872
• Permanent exhibition "De uværdige" with 19 life stories and the game Taberludo
• Exhibition "ANBRAGT" about children in institutional and foster care, then and now
• "Syv fattige børn": 100 years of lower-class history told through seven siblings
• Museum garden with a memorial stone for victims of abuse in children's homes (1933–1980)

Permanent exhibitions

• De uværdige – Audio stories, short films, and objects tell of 19 people who lived in the poorhouse and workhouse; the game Taberludo shows how strongly background shapes life chances.
• ANBRAGT – Compares the lives of children placed in care in the early 20th century and today – with a section for teens and adults and one for 8- to 12-year-olds.
• Syv fattige børn – Seven siblings lead through a hundred years of Danish lower-class history, from Copenhagen slums through children's homes to prison; with objects, photos, and six films.

Operated by

Museum Sydfyn

Director

Sarah Smed (Museumsleiterin)

Admission & discounts

2026 prices. Free admission also for members of the museum association, registered visits by social institutions, and learners and teachers during lessons. Kulturpas accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Level entrances with automatic door openers to the ticket desk and both exhibition buildings. Elevators (door width 89 cm, 400 kg) to the second floor of both buildings; the third floor with the exhibition "Syv fattige børn" is not reachable by elevator for heritage-protection reasons. Three large accessible restrooms. Loaner wheelchair for visitors whose own wheelchair is too wide (reserve in advance at +45 62 21 02 61). One accessible parking space about 60 m from the entrance. Dogs on a leash welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 6+

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area: not available

Children should be accompanied by adults; recommended from about age 6–8, and for "Syv fattige børn" from age 10. The exhibition "ANBRAGT" has its own section for 8- to 12-year-olds with object tables and a cinema; in "De uværdige", the game Taberludo invites participation. During the fall break, there are guided tours and a mat-weaving workshop.

Getting there & parking

Also reachable by boat via the Svendborg marina or by the Ærø ferry.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers

Small café with hot and cold drinks, ice cream, and candy (about 15 seats indoors, outdoor tables from May to September); you may bring your own food. Museum shop with goods from social enterprises and coconut mats hand-woven by volunteers. Lockable compartments for jackets and bags at the ticket desk.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 30 guests.

Meeting room for about 30 people with tables and chairs, DKK 200 per hour, booking at least 14 days in advance.

Plan your visit