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Museum · Odense, Dinamarca do Sul
H. C. Andersens Hus
The Hans Christian Andersen museum opened in 2021, designed by Kengo Kuma, largely underground and surrounded by gardens. It includes the house believed to be the writer's birthplace and, a few streets away, his childhood home.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About H. C. Andersens Hus
H. C. Andersens Hus is the museum dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen in the city where he was born in 1805, the son of a shoemaker and a washerwoman. The new building, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and opened in 2021, sits about two-thirds below ground, with wooden and glass pavilions opening onto 9,000 square metres of gardens designed like a fairy tale.
The exhibition does not follow a strict chronology: the rooms use light, sound, objects and scenography to immerse visitors in the world of the tales, such as The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Snow Queen, and tell Andersen’s life story, from his travels across Europe to the manuscripts, drawings and paper cutouts he made. The route ends at the small yellow corner house believed to be his birthplace, on Hans Jensens Stræde.
Nearby, Ludoland is an area for children with activities linked to the tales. The childhood home (H. C. Andersens Barndomshjem), on Munkemøllestræde near the cathedral, is a half-timbered house where he lived from age 2 to 14 with his parents; it displays his father's tools and objects mentioned in the writer’s memoirs.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours for the museum and gardens; an additional 30 minutes for the childhood home.
Best time
Go soon after opening — entry is by timed ticket on busy days. In August the H. C. Andersen festival usually brings performances around the city. Check times and book ahead.
How to get there
In Odense's old quarter, a 10-minute walk from the station. The tram (letbane) stops nearby at Odense Rådhus. The childhood home is a 10-minute walk, next to the cathedral.
Tip
Book your entry time online. Re-read one or two of the tales before your visit — the exhibition will make more sense. Afterwards, stroll the neighbourhood's cobbled streets, such as Overgade and Nedergade.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about H. C. Andersens Hus
Is the museum for children?
Suitable for all ages. The rooms use sets and sound to tell the stories, and Ludoland next door has activities for children.
Where was H. C. Andersen born?
He is believed to have been born in a small yellow house on Hans Jensens Stræde, now incorporated into the museum. The date is 2 April 1805.
Can you visit his childhood home?
Yes, it is on Munkemøllestræde, near the cathedral, and is usually included on the same museum ticket. Confirm before you go.
Do you need to reserve?
On busy days entry is timed. Book online before you go.