In June 2021, an enchanting new museum centered on Hans Christian Andersen opened in his hometown of Odense, Denmark. The museum—called H. C. Andersens Hus—replaces the earlier HCA Museum and illuminates the writer’s magical worldview. Through creative, interactive exhibitions and an imaginative use of space, the museum transports visitors into Andersen’s life and writings and provides insight into the writer’s unique mindset. According to Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla, Chairman of the A.P. Møller Foundation whose financial support made the museum possible:
“H.C. Andersen has to be our [Denmark’s] greatest poet. He captivates children and adults alike with his magical stories, which people all over the world can see themselves in – to this day. It is our hope that we, with the new museum, are approaching the core of H.C. Andersen’s universe.”
The unique museum is designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kumai and includes 60,000 square feet of building space plus 75,000 square feet of gardens. Kumai’s approach imaginatively brings nature and architecture together.
“It’s kind of like a universe where nothing is quite as it seems,” says Henrik Lübker the museum’s creative director. “Everything you thought you knew can be experienced anew.”
We had the fortune of visiting the previous museum in the fall of 2019 (see our earlier blog), and we were completely charmed by it. This enchanting new museum looks to be even more extraordinary, and with travel to Europe opening in the post-Covid era, a return trip to Denmark is at the top of our wish list.