Den Gamle By in Aarhus named European Museum of the Year

The open-air museum Den Gamle By in Aarhus has been named European Museum of the Year by the European Museum Forum, an organisation under the Council of Europe.

The award was presented in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao on Saturday evening.

Den Gamle By’s director, Julie Rokkjær Birch, called the honour “completely overwhelming.”

“This is enormous recognition from the rest of Europe. The award is a tribute to over 100 years of development driven by a unique spirit at Den Gamle By, with a team of dedicated staff who live and breathe to give visitors the best possible experience,” she said in a press release.

“The award shows that Den Gamle By’s approach—using nostalgia, traditions, and emotions to open up history for our guests—also resonates beyond Denmark, where international visitors see themselves reflected in the stories of Danish cultural history.”

Den Gamle By showcases elements of Danish history with a focus on the period after 1500.

According to the museum, a delegation recently visited Den Gamle By, examining its new main entrance and how its historical narrative extends into modern times, exemplified by its 2014-themed street. The delegation also explored how the museum engages with the surrounding community, such as the suburban neighbourhood of Skjoldhøjparken, where residents receive support and inspiration to understand their own history.

A total of 34 museums competed for the title, including Kaj Munk’s Rectory in Ulfborg, part of the Ringkøbing Fjord Museums.