Nowhere else brings you closer to Hans Christian Andersen

By Heidi Kokborg

Experience the life and legacy of Hans Christian Andersen in a museum like no other, where fairy tales come alive through immersive architecture, original artefacts, and playful storytelling. Step into the poetic universe of Denmark’s most beloved writer and discover a world where imagination, creativity, and community are at the heart of the exhibition.

Few names are as closely woven into the fabric of Danish culture as Hans Christian Andersen. Known around the globe for his fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy lives on in a truly special place: H.C Andersens Hus in Odense.

Since 2021, the museum has welcomed over 200,000 visitors per year – with more than a third arriving from abroad. And now, just in time for the 150th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen’s death in August, the museum has reopened with a renewed and enriched exhibition that brings his life and stories even closer.

Photo: Ard Jongsma

More than a museum

What makes H.C Andersens Hus stand out is not just the quality of the collection, but the way it tells stories. Designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the building is an experience in itself. Winding above and below ground, it invites guests to not simply observe, but to discover, too.

“Our visitors are enthusiastic about Hans Christian Andersen. We have worked hard to create an even better experience via an inspiring and playful encounter with Andersen’s exceptional and far-reaching authorship,” says Henrik Harnow, director at Museum Odense.

The updated exhibition draws on experience and visitor insights gathered since the museum’s opening, blending knowledge with sensory experience. Whether walking alone or with a companion, you are invited to reflect and connect through sight, sound and space. Visitors can activate chapters in an audio guide – available in Danish, English, German and Chinese – which offers an unfolding narrative that adapts as you explore.

Photo: Museum Odense

From artefacts to imagination

At the heart of the museum lies a unique collection of original artefacts – from Hans Christian Andersen’s personal belongings to his paper cuttings, travel items, and handwritten notes. This direct, tangible connection to the author’s life is rare. As head of development Mads Thagård Runge explains; “It’s essential for a museum like Hans Christian Andersen’s House to continue to evolve and ensure that the content remains relevant to visitors. That is part of the strategy for H.C Andersens Hus.”

The new exhibition incorporates more interaction, expanded cultural-historical content, and the option to follow a literary audio narrative with Hans Christian Andersen at its centre. “Through the first seasons, we’ve gained insights into how people move through the museum and how they receive the exhibition. The new exhibition builds on our observations and audience research, and we hope it sparks even more imagination in both young and adult museum guests,” says Runge.

Photo: Ard Jongsma

Play, creativity, and community

A highlight for families is the enchanting Ville Vau children’s universe. Here, kids can dress up in costumes inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s tales and play in themed rooms that echo his beloved stories. The space is popular with children up to around age ten and offers hours of imaginative play for both children and their parents. For older children and teens, the main exhibition offers engaging, creative points of connection – from the very large dogs of The Tinderbox to interactive installations.

Community is key to the museum’s vision. From its architectural flow to the use of audio storytelling, the design encourages visitors to share the experience. “We have particularly focused on creating a sense of togetherness in the museum experience, for both children and adults. This includes a new audio system, so they can better experience and share the visit.” says Harnow.

The updated exhibition was made possible thanks to a DKK 21 million donation from A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller’s Foundation for General Purposes. The Dutch firm Opera, known for exhibitions at the British Museum and the Titanic Belfast, led the redesign.

A place for everyone

Whether you are a local, a curious traveller, or a lifelong fan of Hans Christian Andersen, the museum invites you into a shared space of learning and creativity. No other place in the world brings you closer to the author’s life and work.

Once you’ve enjoyed what the museum has to offer, you can indulge in a visit to Café Deilig, to enjoy a quiet moment amid the poetic surroundings. Just like Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, the museum is both timeless and deeply human – a place where imagination, memory, and community meet.