Plizio Visual Lab
The Old Town Open Air Museum
Den Gamle By (The Old Town) in Aarhus is the world's first open-air museum dedicated to urban history, established in 1909 and opened to the public in 1914. The museum features more than 75 historic buildings that were meticulously dismantled and relocated from various towns across Denmark to create an authentic representation of urban life through the centuries. Visitors can walk through different historical periods, ranging from the 16th century to the modern era of the 1970s, with entire streetscapes reconstructed in their original form. A major highlight is the 1970s district, which provides a detailed look into the daily life, shops, and living standards of that decade. Within the historic workshops, such as the forge, bakery, and printing house, staff in period costumes demonstrate traditional crafts to the public. The museum also houses specialized world-class exhibitions of Danish toys, clocks, and silverware. The architectural diversity spans from simple artisan dwellings to grand merchant estates, with the 1597 Mayor's House serving as the cornerstone of the original collection. Den Gamle By is not only a major tourist destination but also an important research center for architectural history and Danish culture. Seasonal events, particularly the traditional Christmas market, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, bringing history to life in an immersive way.
- Location: Denmark
- Top sights: Cereshaven · Den Gamle By G.M. Holsts Købmandsgård · Vandmøllen
- Nearby: Egå Bro (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 9 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 52 | 47 | 44 | 55 | 73 | 82 | 86 | 69 | 85 | 73 | 67 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Den Gamle By was established in 1909 as the world's first open-air museum for urban history.
- The museum features more than 75 historic timber-framed buildings from across Denmark.
- The oldest building in the collection, the Mayor's House, was built in 1597.
- The site is divided into specific time periods, including 1864, 1927, and 1974.
- Approximately 500,000 people visit the museum in Aarhus every year.
- The museum employs about 150 permanent staff along with many costumed performers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Den Gamle By?
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Can you eat at the museum?
Is the museum suitable for children?
Are there student discounts?
The Old Town Open Air Museum: where is it located?
The Old Town Open Air Museum: what is there to see?
The Old Town Open Air Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The Old Town Open Air Museum: why is it worth visiting?
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