Magasin du Nord Museum

About the museum

The Magasin du Nord Museum tells the history of the well-known Copenhagen department store, whose beginnings go back to 1868. It is run by the Wessel & Vetts Fond, a foundation established in 1991 whose board consists of descendants of the company founder Emil Vett. The foundation's aim is to give the public insight into the history of the house. The museum opened in 2013.

It is located on Vingårdstræde, directly behind the department store on Kongens Nytorv, in one of the oldest buildings in the city: the ground floor and basement date back to around 1200. Around 1500 the property belonged to King Christian I; later Countess Danner and Hans Christian Andersen frequented it. Magasin acquired the house in 1917; after a fire in 1964 it was restored.

The collection comprises clothes, shoes, hats, toys, uniforms, porcelain, silver, paintings, advertising and thousands of photographs from the department store's history. The exhibitions change and each highlights individual eras or departments. Ten museum guides, all of whom previously worked at Magasin themselves, lead visitors through the museum.

The museum also includes H.C. Andersen's Chamber on the fourth floor of the department store: the young poet lived here as a tenant for a good year in 1827/28 and wrote several works during this time. The attic room is furnished with period furniture.

Highlights

• Medieval house whose oldest parts date from around 1200
• Fashion, toys, uniforms and advertising from over 150 years of department store history
• H.C. Andersen's Chamber, where the poet lived in 1827/28
• Tours led by former Magasin employees
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• H.C. Andersens kammer – The restored attic room where Hans Christian Andersen lived in 1827/28, with period furnishings and information on the works from that time.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Wessel & Vetts Fond

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission; the puzzle trail for children is also free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• 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

The entrance has a staircase with six steps, so the museum is not wheelchair-accessible. Walkers can be taken along or left outside. Few seating options.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Free puzzle trail for families with children from about 5 years (about 15–20 minutes) that leads from the museum to the department store. Coloring pages to download on the website.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located directly behind the Magasin department store at Kongens Nytorv.

Amenities & 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