Guests can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of different eras.
The Den Gamle By museum in Aarhus (Denmark) has been awarded the title of "European Museum of the Year 2026" for its high level of innovation, relevance, and significant impact on the museum sector, reports EuroNews. The award ceremony took place on June 13 in Bilbao during the EMYA event. According to co-chair of the jury Daniel Keaten, the museum stands out for its skillful integration of the historical urban environment with contemporary themes, thereby raising important social issues such as migration, ecology, and social equality.
Den Gamle By is an open-air museum dedicated to urban life and created as a space "for ordinary people about the lives of ordinary people." It is located in Denmark's second-largest city and offers visitors an immersion into 400 years of history through interactive exhibitions. Today, the museum includes several exhibits that allow for a "time travel" experience – from the 17th century to the 2010s. Guests can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of different eras: from traditional lifestyles and ancient crafts to urban life in the 20th century, including details such as the office of the airline SAS.
Special attention in the museum's work is given to education and contemporary themes – sustainable development, equality, and social responsibility. Environmental initiatives include, for example, the cultivation of ancient plant varieties, gardening activities, workshops on repair and sewing, as well as educational programs for visitors.
The main idea of the museum is not a static exhibition, but a living, constantly changing space that engages the local community and makes its participants a part of museum life. Volunteers play an important role in this: they share their knowledge and experience, as well as help integrate the museum into the life of society through joint projects.
