Danish Jewish Museum
Daniel Libeskind

Photo: Jens Lindhe

The intertwining of the old vaulted brick space, and the unexpected connection to the unique exhibition space, creates a dynamic dialogue between architecture of the past and of the future - the newness of the old and the agelessness of the new.

The Danish Jewish Museum is located in the former Royal Boathouse built by King Christian IV in 1598, the oldest section of the Royal Library. Two white marks, on the pebbled pathway in the Royal Library Garden, lead to the marble paved plaza by the museum entrance.

Marble slabs function as outdoor seating areas.

Photo: arcspace

Photo: arcspace

The massive front door is inscribed with the Hebrew word mitzvah "a good deed". Narrow skylights in the paving, also a reference to mitzvah, connects the exterior to the interior in a symbolic way.

Photo: arcspace

Inside the museum there are no straight lines. Libeskind deliberately slanted the walls and sloped the wood-plank floor, to make visitors feel they are standing on a boat; a reminder of the rocking seas thousands of Jews crossed as they fled Nazi-occupied Denmark for neutral Sweden. The walls are covered in Scandinavian light-colored birch plywood because of Denmark's Jewish history being more uplifting than most. The glass windows, cut into the walls, are another reference to mitzvah.

Photo: Jens Lindhe

Photo: Jens Lindhe

The museum features exhibits on the history, culture, and art of Danish Jews since the 17th century.


Model photo arcspace at DAC exhibition

Model photo arcspace at DAC exhibition

Model photo arcspace at DAC exhibition

Model photo arcspace at DAC exhibition