Visiting STORM – Museum for Humor and Satire in Copenhagen: Hours, Tickets & Cultural Insights
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
Located in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, the STORM – Museum for Humor og Satire stands as Denmark’s premier institution dedicated to celebrating and exploring the nation’s rich comedic and satirical heritage. Successor to the now-closed Alhambra Museum, STORM not only preserves but also expands on its predecessor’s mission—offering an immersive experience that traces Danish humor from the 19th century to today. Through exhibitions, interactive displays, and public events, STORM highlights how humor acts as both cultural commentary and a key element of Danish identity (Frederiksbergmuseerne; VisitCopenhagen; The Copenhagen Book).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Evolution: From Alhambra to STORM
- Thematic Focus and Significance
- Exhibitions: Permanent and Temporary
- Notable Figures and Cultural Heritage
- Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Location
- Facilities, Accessibility, and Visitor Tips
- Special Events and Programming
- Integration with Frederiksbergmuseerne
- The Role of Humor in Danish Society
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
- References and Further Reading
Historical Evolution: From Alhambra to STORM
The original Alhambra Museum, inspired by the iconic 19th-century Alhambra entertainment venue in Frederiksberg, was established to honor Denmark’s long-standing tradition of satire and comedy. The venue itself was a vibrant hub for cabaret, vaudeville, and comics, and the museum collected artifacts tied to the evolution of Danish humor, from early revue theater to modern multimedia satire.
As public interest in both historical and contemporary forms of satire grew, the museum underwent a transformation. This culminated in the opening of STORM – Museum for Humor og Satire, now part of Frederiksbergmuseerne, a consortium that also includes Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, and Møstings. The new name acknowledges Storm P. (Robert Storm Petersen), Denmark’s most beloved cartoonist and humorist, whose works are central to the museum’s mission (Frederiksbergmuseerne).
Thematic Focus and Significance
STORM’s mission is to provide an engaging, thought-provoking exploration of Danish humor and satire, tracing its evolution from the introduction of the Constitution Act of 1849 to the present day. Exhibitions use original cartoons, costumes, photographs, and audiovisual materials to illustrate the ways humor has shaped Danish public discourse and national identity.
The museum encourages visitors to consider how jokes, irony, and satire have challenged authority, fostered community, and navigated social change. Both historic and contemporary figures are featured, demonstrating the continuity and diversity of Danish humor (The Copenhagen Book).
Exhibitions: Permanent and Temporary
Permanent Exhibitions
- “Storm P.’s World – A Journey Through Humor and Satire”
Offers a window into Storm P.’s creative universe, featuring original cartoons, paintings, inventions, and personal artifacts. A reconstructed studio provides an intimate look at his artistic process. - “What We Laughed At – From 1849 to Today”
Traces the development of Danish comedic arts through major historical events, showcasing the role of satire in shaping public attitudes and offering social critique.
Temporary and Upcoming Exhibitions
- “It Was a Different Time” (May 16, 2025 – August 30, 2026)
Explores the portrayal of women in Danish humor over the last century, examining shifts in societal attitudes. - Contemporary Satire
Rotating exhibitions highlight the work of modern satirists and comedians, reflecting current cultural and political themes.
Events and Activities
STORM regularly hosts guided walks, cartoon workshops, debates, and live performances, inviting visitors of all ages to engage with Denmark’s comedic heritage.
Notable Figures and Cultural Heritage
STORM honors the contributions of key personalities who have shaped Denmark’s comedic landscape:
- Storm P. (Robert Storm Petersen):
Renowned for his cartoons and inventive humor, he remains the cornerstone of Danish satire. - Liva Weel, Dirch Passer:
Iconic performers celebrated for their wit and stage presence. - Roald Als, Casper Christensen, Lisbeth Dahl:
Contemporary humorists whose works continue the tradition of sharp social commentary.
The museum’s extensive collections include over 33,000 Storm P. drawings, original costumes, props, and an archive of shellac records, much of which is digitized and available via Kulturarv.dk and Mussam.
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Location
Location: Frederiksberg Runddel, 2000 Frederiksberg, Copenhagen
Centrally placed near the entrance to Frederiksberg Gardens and easily accessible by metro (Frederiksberg Station), bus, bike, or on foot.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday–Friday: 11:00–18:00
- Saturday–Sunday: 11:00–17:00
- Closed on Mondays and public holidays
(Always check the official website for updates.)
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: DKK 75–95 (check for seasonal rates)
- Students/Seniors: DKK 60–70
- Children under 18: Free
- Museum Pass (all Frederiksbergmuseerne): DKK 180
- Family/group discounts available
Tickets can be bought online or at the entrance (Frederiksbergmuseerne).
Facilities, Accessibility, and Visitor Tips
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with elevators, accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices.
- Facilities: Cloakroom, lockers, gift shop with books and souvenirs.
- Guided Tours: Available on weekends and by prior arrangement. Themed tours, such as “In Storm P.’s Footsteps,” are popular.
- Workshops/Education: Programs for families and schools.
- Photography: Allowed in most areas without flash. Check signage for restrictions.
- Best Times to Visit: Weekday afternoons are quieter. Public transport is recommended due to limited parking.
Special Events and Programming
STORM organizes a variety of events throughout the year, including:
- Live comedy performances
- Artist talks and debates
- Cartoon and satire workshops
- Community and educational programs
Refer to the museum’s events calendar for current offerings.
Integration with Frederiksbergmuseerne
STORM is part of Frederiksbergmuseerne, offering combined tickets and collaborative exhibitions with Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, and Møstings. This integration enriches the visitor experience and fosters cross-museum programming (Frederiksbergmuseerne).
The Role of Humor in Danish Society
Humor—marked by self-deprecation, irony, and subtlety—is deeply woven into Denmark’s social fabric. Satire not only entertains but also challenges norms, questions authority, and strengthens social cohesion. Through exhibitions and public programming, STORM demonstrates how humor continues to shape Danish identity and facilitate social change (Role of Humor in Challenging Social Norms).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the original Alhambra Museum still open?
A: No, it has permanently closed. Its mission and collections continue at STORM.
Q: What are STORM’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday–Friday: 11:00–18:00; Saturday–Sunday: 11:00–17:00; closed Mondays.
Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Adults: DKK 75–95; students/seniors: DKK 60–70; children under 18: free.
Q: Is STORM wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, fully accessible.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, on weekends and by booking.
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, in most areas without flash.
Q: What nearby attractions can I explore?
A: Frederiksberg Gardens, Frederiksberg Palace, Copenhagen Zoo, and Vesterbro.
Conclusion
STORM – Museum for Humor og Satire is a vibrant, engaging destination for anyone interested in Danish culture, comedy, or history. With its rich collections, dynamic exhibitions, and inclusive public programming, STORM offers a unique perspective on the enduring power of humor in society. To make the most of your visit, consult the official website for up-to-date hours and ticketing, and consider exploring Frederiksberg’s other cultural attractions. Download the Audiala app for audio guides and exclusive content, and follow both the museum and Audiala on social media for the latest news and events.
External Links:
- Alhambra Museum Official Website
- Copenhagen Comedy Festival
- Copenhagen Travel Guide
- Jyllands-Posten Muhammad Cartoons Controversy - Britannica
- Role of Humor in Challenging Social Norms
- Frederiksbergmuseerne
- VisitCopenhagen
- The Copenhagen Book
Suggested visuals: Images of STORM’s exterior, Storm P. exhibits, interactive displays, and a map of Frederiksberg. Alt text examples: “STORM Museum entrance Copenhagen,” “Storm P. cartoon exhibit,” “Frederiksberg Runddel map.”