Danish Museum of Decorative Art

DK-1260 Copenhagen K

From the very outset, the museum’s main task has been to communicate notions of quality within the sphere of decorative and industrial art, thereby promoting the development of better Danish decorative arts.

The objective was to improve the general quality of Danish industry products by displaying model objects. Thus, the museum collections were to act as a fount of inspiration for industry professionals.

In addition to this, the museum represents a desire to heighten awareness of and interest in decorative art among the general public.

As a natural consequence, the Danish Museum of Art & Design has always had a special obligation to collect and document contemporary trends within the decorative arts, crafts, and industrial design in Denmark as well as internationally.

The museum also collects model examples of works from older areas and periods closely related to contemporary production.

In addition to its collecting and documenting activities, the Danish Museum of Art & Design carries out research on its collections and makes information available to the general public, either in physical or virtual form.

The Danish Museum of Art & Design also communicates the results of its research in the form of exhibitions and publications as well as classes, lectures, and other activities.

Centering on key figures such as Poul Henningsen, Kaare Klint, and Arne Jacobsen, the display links design and architecture to present the museum’s take on the century’s dreams and realities.

The historical collections of European and Asian decorative arts contain major works within Chinese ceramics, 18th century French and German porcelain industries, and English and French furniture. The narrative presentations emphasise the impact the collections had on Danish developments within design.