The oldest building dates back to 1550, while the newest district represents the contemporary year 2014.
Buildings were dismantled piece by piece at their original locations and reconstructed at the museum site.
The museum contains a fully functional 1920s post office, bakery, and pharmacy that are often staffed by actors.
The Aarhus Story exhibition utilizes large-scale projections to depict the city's evolution through the centuries.
Museum staff frequently use original tools and techniques, such as traditional printing presses or blacksmithing equipment.
The site features a specialized garden museum showcasing the development of Danish garden design from the 17th century to the present.
Den Gamle By acts as a genetic bank for antique Danish plant varieties and heritage animal breeds.
The 1974 district features a fully furnished retro apartment representing the era's interior design trends.
Den Gamle By is the world's first open-air museum of urban history and culture, featuring 75 historical buildings relocated from across Denmark. The site reconstructs three distinct eras: the mid-18th century, the year 1927, and the year 2014. Visitors can walk through period-accurate shops, workshops, and homes staffed by historical interpreters. The museum includes the Aarhus Story underground exhibition detailing the city's urban development. Collections span from the Viking Age to the present, focusing on daily life rather than architectural monuments alone. The site maintains living history elements, including heritage breeds of livestock and functional historic gardens. It functions as a research institution dedicated to the preservation of Danish urban heritage.
The central town square area with the original 18th-century timber-framed architecture.
Focus on one of the three historical eras during your first visit to ensure a deep dive rather than a rushed overview.
Check the daily program for live demonstrations, as these change regularly and provide the best context for the exhibits.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the cobblestone streets are uneven and authentic to their historical designs.
Don't rush through the 2014 district; many visitors overlook it, but it provides essential context for how modern history is archived.
Open daily year-round, though some historical demonstrations may be limited during winter months.
Respect the authenticity of the historical interiors; do not touch period artifacts unless explicitly marked as interactive.
