Cover of the pamphlet 'Kun Folkets Vel er Landets Vel!' showing three speakers at a meeting in Forum on January 26, 1941

Workers Museum

Workers Museum Copenhagen: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of Copenhagen, the Workers Museum (Arbejdermuseet) is Denmark’s premier institution dedicated to the history, culture, and everyday life of the working class. Housed in the historic Workers’ Assembly Hall—the oldest in Europe—the museum offers a unique blend of immersive exhibits, reconstructed environments, and interactive experiences that chronicle over 150 years of social change, labor movements, and the evolution of Danish society. This guide provides detailed information on the museum’s history, visiting hours, ticket options, exhibitions, accessibility, and key visitor tips to ensure an enriching and memorable experience.

Portrait of Sophus Theodor Pihl from 1840-1888

The Museum’s Origins and Foundation
The Historic Workers’ Assembly Hall
Museum Evolution and Collections
Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Location
Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Visitor Experience: Dining, Shop, and Interactive Activities
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
International Collaboration and Recognition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Call to Action
References

The Museum’s Origins and Foundation

The Workers Museum was established in the early 1980s by a coalition of local residents, trade union educators, and museum professionals who sought to document and celebrate the lived experiences of Denmark’s working class. The museum officially opened its doors in 1982 in the Workers’ Assembly Hall at Rømersgade, Copenhagen. Its governing board comprised representatives from major cultural and labor institutions, ensuring both authenticity and scholarly rigor in its approach (WorkLab).

The Historic Workers’ Assembly Hall

The museum’s setting is the Workers’ Assembly Hall, which opened in 1879 and stands as Europe’s oldest surviving workers’ assembly hall (Everybody Hates a Tourist). This building, recognized as a scheduled monument in 1983, has long served as a site for trade union gatherings, political meetings, and community events. The Banquet Hall, adorned with union flags and trade carvings, is a centerpiece, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and collective action that shaped Denmark’s labor movement.

Museum Evolution and Collections

Since its inauguration, the Workers Museum has evolved from a local endeavor into a nationally and internationally renowned institution, welcoming upwards of 120,000 visitors annually—including a notable proportion of international guests. A significant milestone occurred in 2004 when the museum merged with the Archive and Library of the Labour Movement, creating a comprehensive foundation that combines extensive archival materials with engaging public exhibitions (WorkLab).

Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions

Permanent Exhibitions

The museum’s permanent exhibitions offer a chronological journey through Danish working-class life. Notable highlights include:

The Sørensen Family Apartments: Authentic reconstructions of working-class homes from the 1880s and 1915, illustrating changing living conditions.
Industry and Labor Movement Displays: Artifacts, tools, and multimedia installations showcasing the evolution of trades, labor politics, and workplace discipline.
The Banquet Hall: Featuring original union flags, trade carvings, and documents related to the Assembly Hall’s construction and history.

Children’s Museum

A dedicated children’s area presents hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, making history accessible and engaging for young visitors.

Temporary Exhibitions

Rotating exhibitions address contemporary social issues, activism, and political art. The museum’s close collaboration with the Workers’ Art Association has contributed a significant art collection, including over 600 oil paintings and 3,000 prints, predominantly by Danish and Nordic artists (WorkLab).

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Location

Visiting Hours

Standard Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Extended Hours: Thursdays open until 8:00 PM
Closed: Mondays, and December 24, 25, 26, 31, and January 1
Please refer to the official website for up-to-date hours.

Ticket Prices (as of June 2025)

Adults: 130 DKK
Students/18–25: 105 DKK
Children under 18: Free
Group Discount: 20% off for groups of 10+ (advance booking required)
Online Booking: 10% discount when purchased online
Free Entry: For certain union members (with valid documentation), plus one guest and children under 18
Parkmuseerne Ticket: Access to six museums for 345 DKK (valid for one year)

Location and Getting There

Address: Rømersgade 22, 1362 Copenhagen K
Nearest Metro: Nørreport Station
By Bike: Rentals available at Rosenborg Cykler; bike parking onsite
By Public Transport: Close to major bus routes and S-train lines; direct metro from Copenhagen Airport (approx. 20 minutes)
Parking: Limited nearby; public transport is recommended

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Wheelchair Access: Most areas step-free; elevators and accessible restrooms available
Facilities: Free cloakroom lockers, coat racks, baby-changing facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi
Guidance: Exhibits in Danish and English; audio guides and materials in additional languages upon request
Shop: Books, souvenirs, and Danish-made items themed around labor history

Visitor Experience: Dining, Shop, and Interactive Activities

Café & Øl-halle “1892”: Enjoy traditional Danish smørrebrød, pastries, and the exclusive Stjernepils beer. The historic beer hall setting offers a unique culinary experience.
1950s Coffee Bar: Savor chicory coffee and cakes in a period-accurate ambiance.
Interactive Exhibits: Oral histories, multimedia displays, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Guided Tours: Available in English and Danish (advance booking via email/phone recommended)
Special Events: Regular workshops, lectures, and temporary exhibitions—check the museum calendar for current offerings.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Nearby Sites: National Museum of Denmark, Botanical Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Torvehallerne food market
Travel Tip: Use the Copenhagen Card for bundled admission and public transport (Copenhagen Card info)
Ideal Visit: Weekdays or early hours to avoid crowds; combine with local cafes and district exploration

International Collaboration and Recognition

The Workers Museum is a founding member of WORKLAB—The International Organisation of Labour Museums—demonstrating its leadership in fostering global dialogue and collaboration on labor history (WorkLab). In 2023, the museum was awarded the Council of Europe Museum Prize and is nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, underlining its national and international significance (Everybody Hates a Tourist).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Workers Museum’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00 (extended to 20:00 on Thursdays); closed Mondays and select holidays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Adults 130 DKK; students/18–25, 105 DKK; children under 18 free; 10% discount online; group and family discounts available.

Q: Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, most areas are accessible; contact ahead for specific needs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in English and Danish—book in advance by email or phone.

Q: Can I take photos in the museum?
A: Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas; please check signage for temporary exhibitions.

Q: Is there a place to eat at the museum?
A: Yes, Café & Øl-halle “1892” and a 1950s coffee bar offer food and drinks.

Summary and Call to Action

The Workers Museum Copenhagen is a vibrant hub of history, art, and social memory, offering an immersive exploration of Danish working-class life from the 19th century to today. Its central location, accessible facilities, thoughtfully curated exhibitions, and engaging events make it a standout destination for history enthusiasts, families, and cultural travelers alike. Visit the official website for the latest information, book tickets online for discounts, and consider downloading the Audiala app for audio guides and curated tours. Follow the museum on social media for updates on events and exhibitions, and enrich your Copenhagen journey by discovering the authentic stories at the heart of Danish society.

References

Visuals: For enhanced engagement, consult the official website for high-quality images of the museum exterior, Banquet Hall, reconstructed apartments, and interactive children’s exhibits. Virtual tours and maps are available online to help plan your visit.