Danish Jewish Museum

Overview

The Danish Jewish Museum is a striking architectural space nestled inside the 17th-century Royal Boat House. It tells the nuanced 400-year history of the Jewish community in Denmark, centering heavily on the remarkable rescue of Danish Jews in 1943.

Highlights

• The Architecture: Designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the dramatic, angular wooden interior spells the Hebrew word "Mitzvah" (good deed).
• The Rescue (1943): Powerful exhibits detailing how the Danish population spontaneously mobilized to smuggle 7,000 Jews to safety in Sweden.
• Cultural Artifacts: A broad look at everyday Jewish life, art, and integration into Danish society.

History

Opened in 2004, the museum is built around the fundamental uniqueness of the Danish Holocaust experience: the vast majority of the community was saved through immediate, collective civil resistance when the deportation orders were leaked.

Visitor Tips

• Location: It is tucked away behind the Royal Library (The Black Diamond); look for the entrance in the cobblestone courtyard.
• Scale: It is a relatively small, intimate museum requiring you to navigate slanted floors and narrow corridors.
• Security: Expect a brief bag check at the entrance.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.