Ringsted Radiomuseum

About the museum

The roots of the museum lie at the Technical School in Ringsted, which took over the vocational training for radio mechanics in 1963. Two teachers began at that time, together with apprentices, journeymen, and masters, to gather devices for a collection on the history of the radio trade. From 1970, radio dealers from all over the country were also trained in Ringsted, and many textbooks for the trade were written here.

In 1993 the Radiohistorisk Forening Ringsted was founded, which has since looked after, restored, and exhibited the collection. Its holdings now comprise about 5,000 devices as well as components, circuit diagrams, technical literature, magazines, photos, signs, and posters; devices are now accepted only by arrangement.

The museum building is the former Sct. Hans Kapel of 1901 near the old water tower, which Ringsted Kommune made available to the association. Foundations, companies, the association, and its circle of friends contributed further funds for the conversion. Operation rests entirely on volunteers.

In the exhibition hall of about 200 square meters, some 50 thematic stations show the development of consumer electronics, supplemented by special shows that change every year. Over 25 seasons, according to the association, more than 50,000 guests from 30 countries have visited.

Highlights

• About 1,000 devices on display from a collection of about 5,000
• Reconstructed Radio Mercur studio (1958) that broadcasts on FM 88.5 MHz during opening hours
• Working Beocord 84 U of 1948, according to the museum Europe's first wire recorder
• Several working black-and-white televisions from the 1950s
• "Korsbækstuen" with ten devices to try out yourself
• Listening station with historical loudspeakers from different decades

Permanent exhibitions

• Radio- und Fernsehgeschichte 1885–2010 – About 50 smaller thematic stations lead from the phonograph and crystal radio to televisions and hi-fi systems of the late 20th century, with a focus on Danish production.
• Radio Mercur-Senderaum – Reconstructed Radio Mercur broadcasting studio from around 1958; during opening hours, old tapes play over its own FM transmitter.

Operated by

Radiohistorisk Forening Ringsted

Visitors per year

approx. 1,500 (2018)

Admission & discounts

Admission includes a cup of coffee or tea and cake from the circle of friends.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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

According to the museum, accessible for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

About 20 working devices and stations to try out, such as the "Korsbækstuen" and a loudspeaker listening station.

Getting there & parking

The museum is centrally located in Ringsted near the old water tower.

Amenities & dining

Coffee/tea and cake are included in admission. Books on Danish radio and television history are sold on site.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit