Things to do in Kolding, Jutland: The Best Museums

Museum of Modern Art And Design Trapholt is located in Southern Denmark on the mainland of Jutland and is one of the largest and most popular museums in Denmark, outside of Copenhagen. Trapholt opened in 1988 and added additional exhibition space and collection storage in 1996. The international architecture competition held in 1982, was won by the project team of architects Boje Lundgaard and Bente Aude, lighting designer Sophus Frandsen and landscape architect Svend Kirkegaard, for its exceptional museum design and its extraordinary and sensitive placement in nature. The Museum is set in a beautiful sculpture park overlooking the water of Kolding Fjord and visitors come from far and near, not only to see the amazing array of exhibitions, performances and programs but also to experience the museum’s architecture, the one-of-a-kind summerhouse designed by Arne Jacobsen, to find unique design treasures in the museum shop and to become culinarily tempted in the restaurant with its breathtaking view. At Trapholt visitors will be welcomed by TRAPguides that are trained to help assist and offer the visitors guided tours of the museum, tours of Arne Jacobsen’s summerhouse, and introductions to current exhibitions. Also at Trapholt, we make sure to always have a varied range of options and activities for children and their accompanying adults. Trapholt Exhibitions Trapholt displays a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Trapholt’s goal is, at any given time, to display exhibitions of three different categories within its expertise; namely aesthetically enticing displays, current, debate creating exhibits and compelling insights into design and art history. Trapholt has a total of 2500 square meters of exhibition space divided into 8 galleries. Unique for the architectural design of the museum, is that not only does some galleries have breathtaking views, but each and every gallery has its own specific character and is unique in regards to the layout, daylight/artificial light and orientation. All galleries are accessible from the main museum walkway that winds it way down the sloped terrains and gives access to all the exhibitions. The whole museum, and all the facilities, are designed to be wheelchair accessible . The Trapholt Collections Trapholt collections consists of: A large collection of Danish furniture design Modern Danish visual art and sculpture A permanent Richard Mortensen exhibition Ceramics, textiles and product designs The sculpture park, with works by Danish contemporary artists The Arne Jacobsen’s Cube flex summerhouse The collection of Danish visual arts and sculpture, is mainly from the 19th century up until today. The bulk of the collection however, dates from after 1900 and in addition to art, the collection also includes crafts, and product designs from this period. The furniture collection at Trapholt charts the development of Danish furniture design from the beginning of the twentieth century up until the present. The collection is continually being added to- in the form of new acquisitions, donations and gifts- and are regularly being featured in temporary and permanent museum exhibitions.

Koldinghus was built in the middle of the 13th century, and in the centuries that followed it was one of Denmark's most important royal castles. In 1808 there was a fire that left the castle in ruins – a romantic relic. Today the castle has been restored and houses a museum which is a centre for cultural activities and special exhibitions of international standing.

HARTEVÆRKET Three km from central Kolding lies Denmark’s first major hydroelectric plant, built 1918–1920. The plant is still in use, generating one per cent of Kolding’s power supply. The historical setting is now home to a modern experience centre, where children and adults can have a fun time together and learn about water, energy and movement. You can also rent canoes at Hartevaerket. In 2019 we opened a brand new trampoline park.

The Museum of Nursing History in Kolding is the only professional museum on nursing in Denmark. The museum conveys the history of nursing and health care from the Middle Ages until today. The museum is housed in an old tuberculosis sanatorium with a beautiful view over Kolding Fjord. Here you can see how a hospital ward was arranged and how nursing was done.