Krigsmuseet

About the museum

The Krigsmuseet is located in the old arsenal (Tøjhuset), which Christian IV had built as part of his naval harbor and which was completed in 1604. The harbor complex also included a provisions house, a brewhouse and workshops; the former harbor basin is now the Library Garden. After a fire in 1647, the building was rebuilt. The ground floor, the Cannon Halls, is considered the longest vaulted Renaissance hall in Europe.

Even after the fleet moved to Holmen, the arsenal remained the central weapons depot of the Danish army until the 20th century. In 1928 it became the Tøjhusmuseet, which was renamed Krigsmuseet in 2018. Today, together with the Frihedsmuseet, it forms one unit of the Nationalmuseet.

The exhibitions span about 500 years: "Danmarks Krige" presents Denmark's most important wars since the 16th century, "Danmarks Flåde" the history of the navy with a large collection of ship models, "Skatkammeret" weapons and armor from around the world, and "Kriger" the question of what makes people warriors. In the Cannon Hall stand guns from the Renaissance to Cold War missile technology, and in the courtyard a Leopard 1 battle tank. The museum also includes the neighboring Christian IV's Brewhouse with more than 350 royal sculptures.

Highlights

• Cannon Halls, the longest vaulted Renaissance hall in Europe
• Leopard 1 battle tank in the arsenal courtyard
• Armor of Christian II and samurai armor
• Ship models from the 1660s onward and Tordenskiold's sword
• Cold War 203 mm howitzer with a practice atomic shell
• Hands-on area "Kampklar" with an armored vehicle and a Lynx helicopter

Permanent exhibitions

• Danmarks Krige – The 21 most important wars of Denmark since the 16th century, from the armor of Christian II to the occupation of 1940 and present-day operations.
• Danmarks Flåde – History of the Danish navy from Christian IV's naval harbor to today's frigates, with ship models, Tordenskiold's belongings and a hammock cabin.
• Skatkammeret – Weapons, armor and uniforms from many cultures and eras, including samurai armor, sabers from the Russian Empire, and objects from the occupation period.

Founded

1928

Operated by

Nationalmuseet

Director

David Høyer

Admission & discounts

Online DKK 117, at the ticket desk DKK 130; the ticket is valid for one year from purchase. Free admission with all Copenhagen Cards. 20% discount with a veteran's card or armed forces ID (for the cardholder and one companion) and with an annual pass from Frihedsmuseet, Frøslevlejren, Nationalmuseet, Frilandsmuseet or Kronborg; discounts cannot be combined.

Accessibility

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

No elevator to the second floor: accessible on the ground floor are the Cannon Halls, "Kriger" and "Kampklar"; "Danmarks Flåde", "Danmarks Krige" and "Skatkammeret" on the second floor are not. You may bring your own wheelchair. Service dogs allowed, other dogs not.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

In "Kampklar", children may climb into an armored personnel carrier, stand behind a machine gun and sit at the wheel of a reconnaissance vehicle; in "Skatkammeret" you can practice with role-play katanas, and after "Danmarks Krige" there is a painting workshop. In the fall break there is a family program. Strollers may be brought along, and a baby changing area is available.

Getting there & parking

Visitor entrance Tøjhusgade 3; postal address Frederiksholms Kanal 12.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The museum shop sells books, toys, drinks and sweets. Food you bring along can be eaten on benches in the arsenal courtyard.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The neighboring Christian IV's Brewhouse (Frederiksholms Kanal 29) with more than 350 sculptures can be rented; price by arrangement, and activities must be approved because of heritage protection.

Plan your visit