Shining armours and sharp weapons. Step inside the king's old arsenal from 1604.
In this historic building Christian IV kept all the kingdom's weapons as well as his own private splendid weapons and armor. This is where the Danish War Museum is housed today. See the unique building and also visit the beautiful library garden, which once constituted the king’s magnificent harbor.
Highlights
1.
The epicenter of warfare
Once, the Danish War Museum was surrounded by water. In the 17th century, the building was actually the epicenter of the king's Naval Arsenal. From here, Christian IV's great warships set sail, ready for battle for Denmark. The harbor was located where the The Royal Library Garden is today. There were also a provision house, a brewery, a bakery, and workshops.
3.
Painting by Karel van Mander. National Gallery of Denmark/SMK Open
From power to poverty
Christian IV is one of Denmark's most famous monarchs. During his 52-year reign, he was involved in expanding Denmark's borders through numerous wars. However, things did not always go well. During the naval battle of Kolberger Heide in 1644 against the Swedish arch-enemy, he lost the sight in his right eye. He died in abject poverty, leaving behind a Denmark on the brink of bankruptcy.
Painting by Karel van Mander. National Gallery of Denmark/SMK Open
4.
Size Does Make a Difference
When Christian IV's Naval Arsenal was completed in 1604, it impressed with its size - it was indeed the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. The lower floor of The Royal Danish Arsenal - The Artillery Hall - is still the longest vaulted Renaissance hall in Europe. In 1647, a fire broke out in the building, but it was successfully rebuilt.
From royal arsenal to museum
Everything becomes outdated over time - even a top-notch royal naval arsenal. The Royal Danish Arsenal lost its importance, but remained the Danish army's central armory until the 20th century. In 1928 the building became The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum, which in 2018 changed its name to the Danish War Museum.
