The National Museum of History’s permanent collection is wide-ranging. It is probably best known for its outstanding collection of portraits – the largest of its kind in Denmark, but it also houses an important collection of history painting. In addition, the museum holds a significant collection of furniture and decorative art as well as a collection of prints and drawings.
The castle’s historical atmosphere reflects the collections origins as a royal collection. The building and its interior give a unique opportunity to explore Danish history from the end of the fifteenth century right up to the present day. With the foundation of the museum in 1878 the aim was indeed to illustrate the history of Denmark. The principal task was to collect portraits of prominent Danes and history paintings as well as acquiring furniture and objects of decorative arts to furnish the castle. In 1993 the third floor of The King’s Wing and the Princess’s Wing was added to the gallery to make room for the modern collection showing portraits and history paintings from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Room 37, originally called "Fru Mutters Gemak" (Mother’s Chamber)
Room 48 presents a Rococo interior
The Modern Collection is presented in a contemporary exhibition-architecture
Through our archives and online catalogue (Danish only) it is possible to search the full collection. For collection highlights see the shortguide.
