Museum Østjylland Randers

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1872 by a local museum association as Randers Museum. In 1962 Randers Municipality took over its sponsorship; under the name Kulturhistorisk Museum it received state recognition in the same year. In 1969 it moved into the newly built Kulturhuset on Stemannsgade, which it has since shared with the city library and the Randers Kunstmuseum.

In 1996 the local history archive returned to the museum, and a crafts department opened in the Kejsergaarden. With the municipal reform, the museum merged on January 1, 2011 with the Djurslands Museum in Grenaa and the Museet for Syddjurs in Ebeltoft to form Museum Østjylland, one of the largest local history museums in Denmark, based in Randers. The museum is also responsible for archaeology in the municipalities of Randers, Syddjurs, and Norddjurs.

The collections come mainly from the region around Randers and are particularly rich in finds from prehistory and objects from the modern era. The permanent exhibitions lead from the first hunters after the Ice Age through the Vikings and the medieval town to the industrial and working-class town of the 20th century. A fully preserved middle-class home from the early 20th century and digital offerings complement the tour.

Highlights

• Prehistory exhibition "Livet ved Fjorden" with finds from the Stone Age to the Vikings
• Medieval exhibition with knight, monastery, and hands-on area for children
• Urban history from the Reformation to the industrial town
• De Buhlske Stuer – furnished Randers home from the early 20th century
• Free admission to all exhibitions

Permanent exhibitions

• Livet ved Fjorden – Prehistory around the Randers Fjord from the first hunters after the Ice Age to the Vikings, with a storytelling trail, a materials trail, and a children's trail.
• Middelalderens Mennesker – The medieval town of Randers with knights, craftsmen, and monastery people, staged with sounds, light, and smells.
• Fra købstad til industriby – Randers over the past 500 years – from merchants and glovemakers through the factory founders to the welfare state.

Founded

1872

Operated by

Museum Østjylland (staatlich anerkanntes Museum)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to all exhibitions of Museum Østjylland is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Elevator in the building for wheelchairs and strollers. Restrooms near the exhibitions, an accessible restroom on the first floor of the Kulturhuset.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

In the prehistory exhibition, a children's trail with the "Lillefolket" (little folk) leads through small miniature worlds. In the medieval exhibition, children can dress up as a monk or noble lady, try out knights' weapons, and play games. Family events and children's activities are free; registration is required for some.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Kulturcaféen on the second floor with lunch dishes, coffee, and cake (Mon–Fri 10:30–15:30). Food brought from outside can be eaten at tables in the basement of the Kulturhuset, provided seats are available. Museum shop with books, jewelry, textiles, toys, and delicacies.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit