Hauchs Physiske Cabinet
Collection of physical and chemical instruments by A. W. Hauch (1790–1827) on the grounds of Sorø Akademi – one of the most important of its kind.
About the museum
The courtier Adam Wilhelm Hauch (1755–1838), later Lord High Steward and president of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters, was enthusiastic about physics and chemistry alongside his career. On a study trip through Germany, the Netherlands, England, and France, he met leading natural scientists and bought instruments from well-known workshops. From 1789 he built up his own physical cabinet in the Staldmestergården in København, where he gave lectures, experimented, and received high-ranking guests.
Between 1790 and 1827, Hauch gathered almost every kind of physical and chemical apparatus of his time. Financial difficulties led to its sale to King Frederik VI in 1815, who gave the collection to the Sorø Akademi in 1827 on the occasion of the inauguration of its new main building. The instruments soon went out of fashion and ended up in the attic, before they were later rediscovered as valuable museum pieces.
Since 1976 the collection has been in the Vænget building on the academy grounds; the present display in specially designed showcases opened in 2005 with support from the ministry and foundations. The collection belongs to the Stiftelsen Sorø Akademi and is considered one of the best of its kind in Europe. An online catalog lists around 825 instruments – from electrostatic machines and air pumps to devices of "natural magic" with which audiences were once astonished.
Highlights
- Large electrostatic machine with a 90 cm glass disc
- First Danish kilogram weight from 1795
- Gasometer and eudiometer based on Hauch's own improvements
- Magic fountain, "clever swan" and other apparatus of natural magic
- Wirz pump to try out yourself
Permanent exhibitions
- Hauchs Physiske Cabinet – Physical and chemical instruments from around 1800 – from mechanics and hydraulics through electricity to heat and light – in showcases in the Vænget building.
- Operated by
- Stiftelsen Sorø Akademi
- Director
- Jørgen From Andersen
Admission & discounts
| Adults | DKK 30 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freeChildren free (no age specified). |
| Groups | DKK 50 per personGroup tour DKK 50 per person, minimum DKK 500. |
Tour or educational program for school classes DKK 500.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
- Hands-on stations
Some apparatus, such as the Wirz pump, may be tried out yourself. Children have free admission.
Getting there & parking
On the grounds of the Sorø Akademi in the Vænget building, Søgade 17; entrance on the left.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The book on A. W. Hauch and his cabinet is available on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours for groups by arrangement, adapted on request. For educational institutions, tours and teaching sessions; a tour normally lasts one hour. Researchers receive access to the book collection, archive, and library of the Sorø Akademi by arrangement. Selected apparatus can be seen in operation in videos on YouTube. |
