M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark

Some facts to set the scene: Denmark is surrounded by three different seas. It’s coastline stretches a total of 5,440 miles. And wherever you are in Denmark, you are never more than 52km from the sea. 

Now you know why seafaring is such a big part of Danish culture, and why this museum is important. The Maritime Museum of Denmark presents an interactive experience exploring the country’s maritime history. Here, you find award-winning architecture, sensory exhibitions and a fascinating insight into Denmark's role as a leading seafaring nation over time. The focus is both on the great historical lines and the personal stories.

At the museum, you will hear about the mythology of shipping and the technology that has made it possible to navigate the oceans. You will also learn more about how shipping has tied the world together – from the flourishing trading period of the 18th century to the present global society where more than 90% of all commodities are transported by sea before ending in our shopping basket.

An award-winning museum

Since the opening of the museum on 5 October 2013, it has received several architectural and design awards, both for the exhibitions and the architecture which are positioned around the former dry dock. It was designed by Danish architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), who won the competition to build a maritime museum within the walls of the dry dock with absolute nothing showing above ground to block the view of Kronborg Castle. BIG’s solution was to build a museum using the dry dock as the key attraction, functioning below sea level.

Games for the whole family

While visiting the museum, interactive exhibits allow you to feel first hand what it is like to control the world of trade, or try your luck as a merchant in the 18th century.

You can learn to navigate by way of the traditional tools of shipping or get a genuine sailor’s tattoo (it’s washable!), while children can play around in DRØMMESKIBET (the Dream Ship).

M/S Café and M/S Shop

Take a break in the museum’s M/S Café where you can get delicious lunch dishes, hot and cold drinks and light refreshments.

The museum shop M/S Shop is an experience itself, offering interior design products, books, jewellery, clothes and toys. Everything is a good quality modern design, and relates to the exhibitions at the museum. 

Opening hours

See opening hours below. The museum is closed every year on the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 31st of December and the 1st of January.

This attraction is free with Copenhagen Card - read more here.

Experience Elsinore

After a visit to M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, check out some of its neighbours like Kronborg castle, Værftets Foodcourt or Kulturværftet. Or you can try out the Elsinore Walk and explore the old and colourful streets of Elsinore.

More information about what to see and do in Elsinore.