Frederiksborg Castle has housed The Museum of National History since 1878. The Museum of National History was founded by brewer J. C. Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg, and is run as an independent department of the Carlsberg Foundation.

The Museum of National History depicts 500 years of Danish history through a rich collection of portraits, history paintings, furniture and applied art, and the stories are underpinned by the Castle’s stunning historical setting. The Museum introduces visitors to people and events that helped shape the history of the country from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.

The Museum’s exquisite period interiors and the Castle’s splendid rooms provide a sensory impression of the changing styles and eras, and the social conventions of former ages. The Museum’s portrait collection is the largest in Denmark, and the collection of paintings, busts, drawings and photographs is constantly being supplemented with new works.

With its temporary exhibitions, guided tours and seasonal activities for children the Museum sustains the dialogue with the past and puts the history of Denmark and portrait art in perspective.

The Museum of National History welcomes visitors every day throughout the year!

The History of the Museum

In 1859 a terrible fire destroyed large parts of Frederiksborg Castle. The Royal Family then decided that they would no longer use the Castle as a residence, which led to a debate about what the buildings should be used for instead.

The founder of Carlsberg, the brewer J. C. Jacobsen proposed the establishment of a museum of national history at Frederiksborg Castle. He offered to pay for the reconstruction and for the Museum’s further expenses. The Museum of National History has been based in Frederiksborg Castle since 1878 and today is an independent department of the Carlsberg Foundation.

Frederiksborg Castle is beautifully situated on three small islets in the Castle Lake in Hillerød. Within the castle’s walls there are major cultural attractions for the whole family, while the highly picturesque setting is perfect for peaceful walks in the gardens and boat trips.

Frederiksborg Castle was built by King Christian IV in the early decades of the 17th century and is the largest Renaissance complex in the Nordic region. The aim of the building was to show off and enhance Christian IV’s status as a powerful European monarch. Accordingly the castle is richly adorned with symbolic and decorative elements: for example, the impressive Neptune Fountain and the Marble Gallery of the King’s Wing.

Since 1878 Frederiksborg Castle has housed The Museum of National History, which presents 500 years of Danish history with a collection of portraits, history paintings, furniture and applied art. The Museum was established by the founder of Carlsberg, brewer J. C. Jacobsen, and ever since has been an independent department of the Carlsberg Foundation.

The History of Frederiksborg Castle

1560 – 1620: The Building of Frederiksborg

In 1560 King Frederik II acquired Hillerødsholm Manor and constructed the first part of Frederiksborg Castle. But between 1600 and 1620, his son, Christian IV demolished the castle, before building the Renaissance castle we know today.

While the Castle was being built, Christian IV resided in a large, Italian-style pleasure palace by the name of Sparepenge (English: Savings), which he had built on the other side of the lake. Frederiksborg Castle was used as a royal residence for the following one hundred years.

1700 – 1859: A Time of Change

In 1720 Christian IV’s pleasure palace was demolished and then replaced by a stunning Baroque garden. The actual Castle was also renovated in the 1730s, but ceased to be used as a royal residence by the end of the 18th century. Instead, Frederiksborg was to house the royal collection of portraits.

In the mid-19th century Frederiksborg Castle gained a new lease of life when King Frederik VII moved in. He married Louise Rasmussen, who later became known as Countess Danner.

The royal couple renovated the Castle to make their home more contemporary. This included the installation of several fireplaces and stoves to heat the large rooms. But it was one of these new sources of heat that caused the major fire in the Castle in 1859. Large parts of the interior were burned to a cinder, and in many places the outer walls were all that remained. The Chapel and the Audience Chamber survived the fire.

1860 – Today: The Brewer’s Museum

Following the fire of 1859, the reconstruction of Frederiksborg Castle entailed both a nationwide collection and a lottery to raise funds for the Castle.

The Royal Family decided that they would no longer use the Castle as a residence, so the question of what the Castle should be used for was open. The founder of Carlsberg, brewer J. C. Jacobsen proposed the establishment of a museum of national history at the Castle and he offered to pay both for the reconstruction and for the Museum’s further expenses. Since its inauguration in 1878 the Museum of National History has been an independent department of the Carlsberg Foundation.