Hørsholm Egns Museum

About the museum

The museum is housed in an 18th-century building that originally served as the residence of the tenant of the royal Hirschholm crown estate. It lies at the edge of the palace park in the center of Hørsholm, where Hirschholm Slot once stood. The magnificent palace, with gilded walls, indoor fountains and over 300 rooms, was considered the "Versailles of the North" but fell into decline after the affair between Queen Caroline Mathilde and the royal physician Johann Friedrich Struensee and was demolished between 1810 and 1812. The clock of Hørsholm Kirke still comes from the palace.

With models, plans and finds, the permanent exhibition traces the development from fortress to royal palace. One focus is Struensee, who abolished censorship in 1770 and thereby made Denmark the first country with complete freedom of the press. The following three years brought a flood of writings, including many pamphlets attacking Struensee himself. After his fall and execution in 1772, the freedom was restricted again, and the period ended in autumn 1773.

Today the house is part of Museum Nordsjælland, which operates six museums in North Zealand. In addition to the palace history, it shows exhibitions on the regional history of Hørsholm and Usserød, most recently on Poul Henningsen, who lived in Usserød from 1948 to 1967. Behind the museum lies a garden that formerly served as the palace's kitchen garden.

Highlights

• Models, plans and finds on the demolished Hirschholm Slot
• Exhibition on the Struensee era and press freedom 1770–1773
• 18th-century building at the palace park
• Museum garden in the palace's former kitchen garden
• Creative museum days for children during school holidays

Permanent exhibitions

• Hirschholm Slot og Trykkefrihedstiden – Models, plans and objects tell of the rise and demolition of Hirschholm Palace as well as of Struensee, Caroline Mathilde and the brief period of unrestricted press freedom 1770–1773.

Operated by

Museum Nordsjælland

Admission & discounts

The annual pass is available at the museums.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the museum, not suitable for wheelchair users: one step leads into the house, and there is no accessible restroom in the old building. Dogs are not allowed, but guide and assistance dogs (with a vest or proof) are.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

During the "Hørsholm Museumsdage" and in the school holidays there are creative hands-on activities for children and their adults, such as writing with quill and ink or dressing up in historical costumes. Baby changing facilities available; for strollers, one step into the ground floor must be overcome.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located at the palace park in the center of Hørsholm, a few minutes' walk from the palace garden.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books on Hirschholm Slot and Poul Henningsen as well as comics by Karoline Stjernfeldt about the royal family. Food and drinks brought from outside are not allowed in the museum; the palace park and museum garden are good for a picnic.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit