Den Gamle By - The Old Town Museum in Aarhus

Den Gamle By in Aarhus is an open-air town museum where you step directly into recreated Danish streets and homes from different eras. The museum presents everyday life in Danish towns across four distinct time periods: 2014, 1974, 1927 and 1864. As you move between the quarters, you see how housing, shops and urban spaces have changed over time. It is a place that works well for families, friends and anyone curious about how people in Denmark have lived, worked and spent their free time in the last 150 years.

Visit Den Gamle By to get a clear sense of how Danish town life has changed from the mid‑19th century to the present day. Walking through streets set in 1864, 1927, 1974 and 2014 makes it easy to compare architecture, interiors and everyday objects. It is an engaging stop if you like social history and tangible, walk-through exhibitions.

One of Denmark’s most substantial open-air town museums, with four walkable eras of Danish urban life in a compact area.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

3–4 hours if you want to explore all four time periods at a relaxed pace; 1.5–2 hours for a quicker overview of the streets and main interiors.

Best time to visit

Weekdays outside local school holidays are usually calmer, giving you more space in the streets and interiors. Mornings often feel quieter than mid-afternoon. In poor weather, more visitors may gather indoors, while dry, bright days make it more pleasant to explore the outdoor areas between the different time periods.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• The Exhibition Aarhus Fortæller - Aarhus Stories

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• Tropical Houses at the Botanical Garden in Aarhus

  Park · 194 m

• The Jewellery Box

  Museum · 200 m

• Jazz bar Bent J

  Museum · 207 m

• The Danish Poster Museum

  Museum · 207 m

• The Toy Museum

  Museum · 207 m

Frequently asked

What is Den Gamle By in Aarhus?

Den Gamle By is an open-air town museum in Aarhus that recreates Danish urban environments from four different years: 1864, 1927, 1974 and 2014. You walk through streets and courtyards, stepping into houses and other buildings that reflect everyday life in those periods. It focuses on ordinary town life rather than grand palaces, so you get a practical sense of how people lived, worked and socialised.

How long should I plan to spend at Den Gamle By?

The time you need depends on how closely you want to look at each period. Many visitors allow around three hours to see streets and interiors from 1864, 1927, 1974 and 2014 without rushing. If you only want a general impression, about two hours can be enough for a walk-through. Those who like to read information in detail or travel with children may prefer to set aside half a day.

Is Den Gamle By suitable for children and families?

Den Gamle By works well for families, as children can move through real streets and rooms instead of only looking at objects in glass cases. The clear division into 1864, 1927, 1974 and 2014 makes it easy to talk about how everyday life has changed. Families often focus on differences in homes, shops and leisure spaces, which can keep younger visitors engaged while adults explore the historical context.

Do I need to book tickets to Den Gamle By in advance?

Booking practices and ticket options can change over time. Some visitors prefer to check current information in advance, especially in busy holiday periods, to see if there are any advantages to pre-booking or time slots. Before you go, look up the latest details on admission, ticket types and any capacity limits so you can plan your visit with up-to-date information.

Can I visit Den Gamle By if I have limited mobility?

Den Gamle By is laid out as historic streets and buildings from 1864, 1927, 1974 and 2014, which may mean uneven surfaces, steps and narrow entrances in some areas. Accessibility can differ between buildings and outdoor spaces. If you have limited mobility, it is sensible to consult current accessibility information in advance, so you know which parts of the museum you can comfortably reach and which support services are available.

Is Den Gamle By worth visiting if I have already seen other museums in Aarhus?

Den Gamle By offers a different type of museum experience compared with many conventional galleries or exhibition spaces. Instead of moving from case to case, you walk through full-scale streets and interiors from 1864, 1927, 1974 and 2014. This makes it easier to imagine daily life in Danish towns and to compare periods side by side, so it can still feel fresh even if you have visited several other museums in Aarhus.

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