Circus Museum (Cirkusmuseet)

The basics

The Circus Museum is home to one of northern Europe’s largest collections of circus props and costumes, vintage posters, and rare photos and film footage of magicians, acrobats, and other performers. Many of the exhibits are interactive, for an engaging introduction to the history and craft of the circus for visitors of all ages. On Sundays and school holidays, the museum’s Circus School offers Circus Fun workshops where kids can learn classic circus skills from professional instructors.

Things to know before you go

• Close to the city, the Circus Museum is an ideal family-friendly break from sightseeing in Copenhagen.

• Kids participating in the Circus School workshops should wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in.

• Purchase tickets online or at the museum entrance; Circus Fun workshops do not need to be booked in advance.

• The museum offers 1-hour guided tours in English for an extra charge.

• There is a museum gift shop that also sells snacks; visitors can bring food to the museum and eat in the dining room or have a picnic on the grounds.

• The Circus Museum is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; the building has accessible restrooms and infant changing stations.

How to get there

The Circus Museum is located in the town of Hvidovre, about a 20-minute drive southwest of Copenhagen, and offers free parking. You can also take bus 1A to the Avedørelejren stop, just steps from the museum entrance. Bus 133 and the S-train A both stop at Avedøre Station, a 15-minute walk from the museum.

When to get there

The best time to visit the Circus Museum is on Sunday mornings, when the museum’s Circus School often holds its popular Circus Fun workshops. Call ahead to confirm, since the workshops are not offered each week. The museum is open from Sunday to Thursday, and on Friday during school holidays.

Family fun in Copenhagen

Denmark’s capital city offers plenty to do for families, beginning with its historic Tivoli amusement park in the center of the city. Other popular kid-friendly attractions include the city’s Experimentarium science center, Copenhagen Zoo, and Den Blå Planet, the largest aquarium in northern Europe. You can also take a break from the city and head to the suburbs to spot the Forgotten Giants by artist Thomas Dambo, six massive wooden installations in the form of quirky giants.