Open-air museums are a feature of many countries. But, perhaps, Den Gamle By in the city of Aarhus in Denmark is unique.

When you visit Den Gamle By or The Old City, it seems that you magically get to the Middle Ages: you are surrounded by ancient houses of the 16th-17th centuries, there are carriages on the streets and citizens in old national costumes. There you will see old handicrafts and shops, and even a forge!

The museum was established by a local teacher and translator Peter Holm, it was he who came to the authorities with this idea. In 1908 he suggested not to demolish the old mansion of the Aarhus’s mayor, but move it out of town – we can say that this step was the first in the establishment and development of the beautiful and unique museum of Den Gamle By. 

And this idea had a success, after that, it was decided to open the museum called “The Old Mayor’s House” near Aarhus, and its manager became Peter Holm. And the Old City was established in 1909, as a city museum of history and culture in the open air. There were brought old unique houses. Just imagine there were transported ancient houses from all Denmark, and also souvenirs, books, furniture, tableware, instruments, clothes, toys. 

To its current location, in the Botanic Garden of Aarhus, the museum was moved in 1914. Peter Holm worked on its development for 31 years, and all these years of work led to success: Den Gamle By is one of the popular Denmark sights. Queen Margrethe II is the patron of the museum. 

Den Gamle By consists of 75 historic buildings, which were transported from 24 cities and renewed there.

The oldest part of Den Gamle By is a small Dutch market town with houses, gardens, shops, and workrooms. The oldest museum house was built in 1550.

Den Gamle By has its own life: from Easter to New Year it is a live museum with actors in historical costumes. 

If you want to explore Den Gamle By in a complete way, plan for the visit more than one day: you will not definitely get bored.