Thriges Kraftcentral

Listed factory power plant from 1916 in Odense with Denmark's oldest still-running B&W diesel engine, dating from 1923.

Opening hoursFree admission

About the museum

The electrical company of Thomas B. Thrige grew so much in the early 20th century that the factory's small steam plant was no longer sufficient. In 1916 it was therefore replaced by its own combined heat and power plant, designed by the architect Niels Jacobsen, with a boiler, turbine, and a diesel engine from Burmeister & Wain. It supplied electricity and heat for the extensive factory grounds and at times also supplied the surrounding Skibhus neighborhood.

As early as 1923 the first diesel engine was replaced by a larger B&W machine, and in 1926 a more powerful turbine and another boiler were added. During World War II the plant had to be partly switched to peat because of a shortage of oil. After the war Thrige increasingly obtained its electricity from the municipal utility; the plant then served mainly for heat generation, for peak loads, and for test runs of large machines until operations ended in the mid-1970s.

With funds from the Thomas B. Thriges Fond, the building and generator were restored in 2006 and an exhibition was installed. Since 2007 the Kraftcentral has been a visitor site of Museum Odense. The association Dieselgruppen, founded in 2008, maintains the machines on a volunteer basis and starts the 57-ton engine once a month in front of an audience. Gauges, switchboards, and wiring are preserved in their original condition.

Highlights

B&W diesel engine from 1923 – the oldest of its kind still running
Monthly engine start by the volunteers of the Dieselgruppen
Original switchboards, gauges, and wiring
Small exhibition on Thomas B. Thrige and his factory

Founded: 2007
Operated by: Museum Odense (mit dem Verein Dieselgruppen)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

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

Getting there & parking

By car

Parking available

According to the Dieselgruppen, ample parking right next to the building.

Access from Buchwaldsgade and Tolderlundsvej. About a 15-minute walk from Museum TID in the city center.

Get directions

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

Good to know	Volunteers of the Dieselgruppen explain the plant and start the engine; no registration is required. For group visits outside the opening days, contact Museum Odense.