The Old Town

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of The Old Town (Den Gamle By) in Aarhus, Denmark. This open-air museum, nestled within the Aarhus Botanical Gardens, offers a unique glimpse into Danish urban life from the 16th to the 19th century. With its cobblestone streets, charming half-timbered houses, and lively atmosphere, The Old Town is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

A Living Museum

The Old Town, which opened in 1914, is celebrated as the world's first open-air museum of its kind, focusing on urban rather than rural culture. It remains one of the top-rated museums in Denmark, attracting over 400,000 visitors annually. The museum comprises 75 historical buildings meticulously relocated from 20 different townships across Denmark. These structures, dating from 1550 to the late 19th century, create an authentic small-town ambiance where history comes alive.

Exploring The Old Town

As you wander through The Old Town, you'll encounter a variety of well-preserved buildings, each offering a unique story. The town features 27 rooms, chambers, or kitchens, 34 workshops, 10 groceries or shops, 5 historical gardens, a post office, a customs office, a school, and a theater. The museum staff, dressed in period costumes, bring the town to life, playing roles such as merchants, blacksmiths, and other town figures. This interactive experience allows visitors to step into the past and witness daily life as it was centuries ago.

The Mayor's House

One of the most significant buildings in The Old Town is the Mayor's House, originally built in Aarhus around 1597. This half-timbered Renaissance masterpiece was the first structure to be relocated to the museum and remains a central attraction. The Mayor's House now showcases a cavalcade of urban culture from 1600 to 1850, offering a fascinating insight into the evolution of Danish city life.

The Aalborg Estate

The Aalborg Estate is another highlight of The Old Town. This complex consists of five buildings dating from 1570 to 1807, originally part of a merchant's estate in Aalborg. The estate includes a brewery, adding to the authenticity of the town's historical representation. Visitors can explore the various rooms and imagine the bustling activity that once took place within these walls.

The Coin Master's Mansion

The most recent addition to The Old Town is the Coin Master's Mansion, a grand residence originally built in Copenhagen around 1683. This impressive building was reconstructed in the museum to reflect its appearance in 1750. The interior is furnished using period-appropriate methods and materials, providing a vivid portrayal of life in the 18th century.

Regular Exhibits

The Old Town is home to several regular exhibits that offer deeper insights into Danish history and culture. The Danish Clock Museum, the Toy Museum, a silverware exhibit, a pottery exhibit, and the Textile Museum are among the key attractions. Each exhibit is housed within one of the historical buildings, seamlessly blending with the town's overall theme.

The Danish Clock Museum

The Danish Clock Museum features a fully equipped watchmaker's shop, complete with workshops for both tower and ordinary watchmakers. The museum's extensive collection of clocks and watches traces the evolution of timekeeping from sundials and hourglasses to intricate mechanical clocks. Visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into creating these timepieces, some of which date back to the 16th century.

The Toy Museum

The Toy Museum, located in a large warehouse from Næstved, boasts a collection of approximately 6,000 toys from the 19th century to the 1960s. The ground floor displays boys' toys, including German Märklin cars, Bing trains, and Danish Tekno toys. The first floor focuses on the pedagogical use of toys, highlighting how childhood was increasingly recognized as a special period in human life during the 18th century. The exhibit showcases how toys were used to influence children's development and future roles in society.

The Textile Museum

The Textile Museum's exhibits are spread throughout The Old Town, illustrating the evolution of textile use in Danish homes. From embroidered linen hiding towels to ornate textile screens covering stoves, the museum showcases the changing trends in interior decoration from the 19th century to the functionalism of the 1920s. The Mayor's House, in particular, highlights 250 years of interior decoration, offering a comprehensive view of the period's aesthetic preferences.

The Silverware Exhibit

The silverware exhibit delves into the design and fabrication of silver items from the 17th century to the modern era. The collection includes works from 310 smiths across 44 different cities and towns, showcasing the diversity and craftsmanship of Danish silverware. This exhibit provides a fascinating look at the evolution of silver design, from baroque opulence to sleek functionalism.

In conclusion, The Old Town (Den Gamle By) in Aarhus is not just a museum; it's a vibrant, living testament to Denmark's rich urban heritage. Whether you're a history aficionado or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, The Old Town offers a captivating journey through time. Its meticulously preserved buildings, interactive exhibits, and engaging atmosphere make it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Aarhus.