Willumsens Museum

About the museum

Jens Ferdinand Willumsen (1863–1958) was already planning his own museum in København in the 1920s but found no support there for decades. In a deed of gift from 1943, Frederikssund appeared for the first time as a location; his father's family came from the area. In April 1957, the museum opened in a building specially designed by architect Tyge Hvass. The 93-year-old artist was living in the south of France at the time and could not travel because of illness; he never saw the building.

Willumsen bequeathed to the museum his own works, his private art collection, the "Gamle Samling," and an extensive archive of photographs, letters, diaries, and notes. Through further acquisitions, the holdings now comprise nearly 5,000 works by Willumsen and over 2,000 works from the Gamle Samling, ranging from antiquities to Byzantine icons and Mannerist drawings to French painting and Danish art of his time. His works from the 1890s, created under the influence of Gauguin, Redon, and Puvis de Chavannes in Paris, are considered key works of Danish modernism.

In 2005, the building was extended by a wing designed by architect Theo Bjerg, almost tripling its size: roughly 1,300 m² were added to the original building of about 700 m². The museum is run by Frederikssund Kommune with state support and, in addition to a presentation of the collection, shows two special exhibitions each year, often in dialogue between Willumsen and other artists.

Highlights

• Major works by J.F. Willumsen, including works of early Danish modernism from the 1890s
• Willumsen's private collection "Gamle Samling" from antiquity to modernity
• Extension by Theo Bjerg from 2005
• Art workshop with a Family Sunday every week
• Museum park near the coast in Frederikssund

Permanent exhibitions

• Samlingsudstilling – Udvalgte hovedværker fra samlingen – Selected major works from over 70 years of creative output, from early works to the experimental late works, with stories about Willumsen's life, travels, and companions.

Founded

1957

Operated by

Frederikssund Kommune

Director

Lisbeth Lund

Admission & discounts

Until November 20, 2026, reduced admission applies because of the exhibition changeover. The café and museum shop are accessible without an admission ticket.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Accessible parking spaces in front of the museum and step-free access, elevator between floors, and accessible restroom; the balcony is not reachable for wheelchair users. Loan wheelchair at the ticket desk (no reservation possible). Pets are not allowed; assistance dogs are welcome (please register in advance).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Every Sunday 10:30–14:30, Family Sunday in the art workshop; creative activities during the summer holidays, a baby meetup in the café on Fridays, and an art school (Bildskole) for children in grades 0 through 7. At the ticket desk there are children's activities, plus the audio story "Willumsens Farver" for children aged 6 and up. Because of narrow aisles, only small strollers and buggies are allowed in the exhibitions; a loan buggy for older children is available.

Getting there & parking

The museum recommends arriving by public transport or bicycle.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers

Café Ærligt (tel. +45 22 44 48 86) with the same opening hours as the museum, also accessible without a museum ticket; table reservations possible for groups. Free lockers in the basement – backpacks and bags larger than A4 must stay there. Your own food only in the park, where there are tables at the path down to the Bildskole.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit