A maritime underground museum? What sounds inappropriate at first has long been an attraction in Helsingør, 40 kilometres north of Copenhagen. The submarine-shaped museum was built in the harbour town back in 1915. And it is located right next to the World Heritage Site Kronborg Castle. The museum is located there because it was not intended to block the view of Hamlet Castle.
In addition to its shape, another special feature is that the Maritime Museum (M/S for short) is located around a dry deck. These can be closed and the water pumped out after a ship has sailed in. That way these ships can be checked for damage, among other things. It would be hard to find a more suitable location for a shipping museum. The location is also symbolic. Going underground symbolises the mysterious nature of seafaring. Also ist gives visitors the feeling that they are immersing themselves in an underwater world.
So it’s not just seafaring enthusiasts who get their money’s worth at the M/S, but also architecture fans. The building, which was designed by award-winning architect Bjarke Ingels, has won several architectural awards. Ingels wanted the unconventional building to reflect the Danes’ courage to innovate.
The history of seafaring and the culture of Denmark are deeply intertwined. And the M/S is the perfect place to experience this up close. For example, through interactive maps or simulations, where visitors can become captains themselves. Particularly popular for the younger generation: the 400 square metre play motor ship. This acts as both an exploration and learning centre. Here they can solve puzzles, look at technology and take photos.
Several permanent exhibitions provide an insight into navigation on the open sea or myths about sailors. For example, the exhibition explains how the legend of the mermaids came about. These stories are intended to show how many of these myths are still woven into our idea of the unknown of the sea today. There are also changing special exhibitions on offer.
Admission is free for children under the age of 18. Adults pay 135 DKK (approx. 18 euros). Students receive a discount of just under five euros on presentation of a student ID. The museum is open all year round.
Further information on opening hours: https://mfs.dk
Photo: Stairs of the Maritime Museum. Credits: wikipedia/ News Øresund – Johan Wessman
