The building was originally constructed as a royal residence for Crown Prince Frederik and his wife Louise in the mid-1700s.
The museum houses the Trundholm Sun Chariot, a bronze-age artifact depicting a horse pulling a gold-leafed sun disk.
The collection includes a permanent display of the remains of the Egtved Girl, dating back to 1370 BC.
The museum serves as the center for the Danefæ process, where all archeological finds of historical interest in Denmark must legally be reported.
The Prince's Palace extension, designed by C.F. Møller, integrates modern architecture with the historic 18th-century structure.
The National Museum of Denmark is the country's primary cultural history institution, housed within the 18th-century Prince's Palace. It spans Danish history from the Ice Age through the Viking Age to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and modern times. The collection includes significant archeological artifacts such as the Egtved Girl's grave findings and the Gundestrup Cauldron. It maintains extensive international collections, including ethnographic displays from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The museum manages the Danish Children's Museum, a dedicated interactive space located within the main building. It is the repository for the Danish state's official collection of coins and medals. The facility utilizes the Prince's Palace courtyard as a central architectural feature and gathering space. Ongoing research and preservation of national heritage are core functions of the institution.
The main internal courtyard which features a blend of original rococo architecture and modern glass roof elements.
Download the museum app for digital guides and floor maps before arriving.
Focus on one specific era, such as the Viking collection, as the vast scale makes seeing everything in one visit difficult.
Visit the museum's courtyard cafe to experience the historic setting of the Prince's Palace.
Attempting to view the entire museum in a single session, as the expansive nature of the collection leads to fatigue.
Generally closed on Mondays during the winter season.
Large bags and backpacks must be stored in provided lockers; photography is allowed for personal use without flash or tripods.