Danish War Museum | Military museum in Copenhagen

The Historic Arsenal Hall of Christian IV

The Danish War Museum, known in Danish as Krigsmuseet, serves as an immersive cultural history institution dedicated specifically to military artifacts. It features five permanent exhibitions that facilitate a journey through the extensive timeline of Denmark’s military past, dating back to the 1500s and extending to contemporary conflicts. Situated within the historical arsenal established by King Christian IV, the museum is conveniently located alongside the royal stables at Christiansborg Palace, which is a notable cultural landmark in Copenhagen.

As you enter the ground floor, the first thing that captures your attention is the magnificent 156-meter-long Arsenal Hall. This hall showcases an impressive array of military equipment, ranging from an enormous cannon that belonged to Christian IV, made in 1614, to state-of-the-art modern weaponry including DEHAWK missiles, howitzers, and drones utilized in operations in Iraq. Among the remarkable displays, you can also find the Anholt cannons, renowned as the oldest surviving cannons in Denmark, providing a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s military heritage.

The Arsenal Hall is intriguing not just for its artifacts, but also for the eight compelling narratives woven throughout. Visitors are invited to investigate various military themes, such as Denmark’s strategic responses during the Cold War and the implications of the catastrophic loss at the Battle of Dybbøl. Each story serves to enhance your understanding of Denmark’s military endeavors and the complexities of wartime experiences.

Exploring Additional Exhibitions at the Danish War Museum

On the ground floor, another captivating presentation is titled A Distant War, which immerses visitors in a simulated Danish military encampment set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s landscape. Spanning 600m², this exhibition meticulously recreates the atmosphere of a military camp, prompting visitors to stay vigilant in the watchtower, experience being inside a PMV struck by an IED, and listen to the distant sound of helicopters overhead, making the experience as realistic as possible.

Ascending to the first floor, you’ll encounter the Danish Navy exhibition, where you can explore maritime life during both warfare and peacetime. The exhibition showcases a variety of ship models, miniatures reflecting Denmark’s naval history, and vibrant displays of significant naval battles, chronicling the evolution of Denmark’s naval capabilities from the early 16^th century to the present day.

Also located on the first floor is the “Denmark at War” exhibition, which narrates the stories of 21 significant wars that Denmark has participated in from the year 1500 to modern times. This exhibition poignantly illustrates how warfare has affected countless generations of Danes, featuring a rich display of hundreds of artifacts from both historical and recent conflicts, thus providing visitors with a unique overview of the nation’s enduring military legacy.

The museum’s final exhibition, titled Treasures of the War Museum, presents a remarkable collection of rare artifacts from around the globe. Here, you will discover an extraordinary assortment that includes hunting weapons, model aircraft, samurai armor, along with medals, medical supplies, and Cold War-era posters. Many items showcased are of international significance, such as a distinctive collection of American uniforms pre-dating the American Civil War and a rare selection of uniforms that belonged to General Paul Goudime-Levkovitch from the era of Tsarist Russia.

Secure Your Admission to the Danish War Museum

Whether your interest lies in military history or in understanding the profound impact of war on society, a visit to the Danish War Museum in Copenhagen promises to deliver valuable insights and knowledge. Purchase your Copenhagen museum tickets online, and prepare yourself for an enlightening journey through the annals of history.