Danish Music Museum, Copenhagen

The Danish Music Museum in Copenhagen offers a rich exploration of musical history housed within the shared premises of the Royal Danish Academy of Music. Founded in 1898, the museum is a branch of the National Museum of Denmark and boasts a diverse collection of musical instruments from across the globe, spanning from the 16th century to contemporary times.

Visitors to the museum can delve into a wide array of exhibits featuring instruments from Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. The collection includes ancient artifacts like bronze lures and innovatively designed instruments such as the 'amoeba-shaped violin', 'giraffe piano', and 'sausage bassoon'. Highlight exhibits include the Violina Arpa and the futuristic Omni, which allows guests to experience music-making in novel ways, even becoming a DJ for a day.

In addition to physical instruments, the museum's extensive library and archives provide valuable resources on Danish musical life. It contains works by prominent Danish composers like Niels Gade and materials on famed musicians such as Aksel Schiøtz. The library's focus spans significant Danish music institutions and personalities, including Angul Hammerich and Johan Svendsen, and offers specialist literature on various musical instruments and periods.

Since its relocation on 12 September 2014 to the iconic Radio House at Frederiksberg, designed by architect Vilhelm Lauritzen, the museum has expanded its exhibition space and educational facilities. The newly introduced "Sound Room" is a dynamic interactive area where children and adults alike can engage with a variety of musical instruments, from classical harps to electric guitars.