The Hirschsprung Collection: A true art gem nestled in idyllic surroundings

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: PR

The Hirschsprung Collection is an intimate museum located in the beautiful Østre Anlæg park in Copenhagen. Inside this little gem, you will find an impressive collection of Danish art from the 19th century. Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast or fascinated by architecture, The Hirschsprung Collection is a must-visit.

Tucked away in the charming Østre Anlæg on Stockholmsgade in Copenhagen, you will find the Hirschsprung Collection. The museum houses the art collection of Pauline (1845-1912) and Heinrich Hirschsprung (1836-1908), who made their fortune from tobacco manufacturing. The impressive collection consists of major masterpieces by prominent artists such as C. W. Eckersberg, Christen Købke, J. Th. Lundbye, Anna Ancher, P. S. Krøyer, Bertha Wegmann, and Vilhelm Hammershøi; from the Danish Golden Age to the Skagen Painters and the Symbolists.

The Hirschsprung Collection: A true art gem nestled in idyllic surroundings

Soldiers. Art and The Danes at War 1848-1864

“It’s a small museum which gives you the opportunity to take in all the impressions and immerse yourself in the art, without being overwhelmed. Typically, visitors spend an hour to an hour and a half at the museum,” says Camilla Klitgaard Laursen, museum director at The Hirschsprung Collection.

The Hirschsprung Collection.

A small temple to the arts

The Hirschsprung Collection first opened its doors to the public in 1911 and was specifically designed to house Heinrich and Pauline Hirschsprung’s art collection as the couple donated their extraordinary collection of Danish art to the nation. When wandering the museum, it feels like you are transported back in time. With mosaic floors, a stunning foyer with a colourful ceiling, and skylights, you can easily understand why this grand building, designed by H. B. Storck, is heritage listed.

“The museum has a cosy, home-like atmosphere, but while it is intimate, the architecture is still grand and impressive. It’s built in a classicist style inspired by the Italian Renaissance – the building itself is a piece of art,” says Laursen.

Inside the halls of the museum, you can also browse the museum shop. Here you will find ceramics, jewellery and textiles from local artists. You can also treat yourself to a new art book or perhaps a print with your favourite piece of art. While the Hirschsprung Collection doesn’t have its own café, there are coffee shops and eateries aplenty nearby, some of which will give you a discount when you show your museum ticket.

The Hirschsprung Collection.

Soldiers. Art and the Danes at War 1848-1864

This spring and up until 28 July 2024, you can experience the special exhibition Soldiers. Art and the Danes at War 1848-164. The exhibition focuses on the Schleswig Wars (1848-51 and 1864). During these two wars, which shaped Modern Denmark, thousands were killed or wounded and families and communities were torn apart. Soldiers. Art and The Danes at War 1848-1864 focuses on the ordinary Danish soldier and his family and community.

“Until these wars, the ordinary soldier was not portrayed in the arts, and now there was an explosion in paintings of soldiers. It was easy for Danish people to relate to. Everyone knew someone who had been sent to war, whether it was a son, a brother or a neighbour. The soldier became a symbol of nationalism,” explains Laursen.

Soldiers. Art and The Danes at War 1848-1864

The exhibition makes you reflect and ponder questions such as: How did we perceive and understand the soldiers and their struggles? What happened to the scars of those who returned from war? You will be confronted with the brutal realities of war, grief and loss, but you will also see the friendships that were born between soldiers during the wars.

“War affects all of us, whether we like it or not. In the exhibition, we show three films made in collaboration with the Danish Veteran Association. Here you will meet three war veterans that draw a connection from the past to the present as the themes explored during the Schleswig Wars are just as relevant today as they were 150 years ago,” says Laursen.

If you are unable to make it to Copenhagen before the end of Soldiers. Art and The Danes at War 1848-1864, you can look forward to the museum’s autumn exhibition. From 28 August 2024 until 12 January 2025, you can experience an exhibition about female artists in the Danish Modern Breakthrough movement (1870-1900). While women have been creating artwork for just as long as men, they have been overlooked in art history for centuries – this exhibition is a tribute to these women.