VisitOdense

Visit the Hans Christian Andersen House

Would you like to experience Hans Christian Andersen where his story began? At H.C. Andersen's House in Odense, you'll discover the man, the writer and the fairytale world behind some of the world's most beloved stories, surrounded by award-winning architecture and immersive experiences.

Photo: Skytte Visuals
Really great experience! We really loved that it was such a big sound experience.Guest on Tripadvisor
Photo: Oliver Palmer

Step into the Fairytales

Nowhere in the world will you come closer to Hans Christian Andersen than in Odense. At the museum, you can explore original paper cuttings, drawings and objects from the author's life, while sound, light, art and architecture bring his stories to life around you.

The exhibition is designed as a journey through both Andersen's life and his literary universe. Rather than a traditional museum filled with information panels, visitors move through atmospheric spaces where fairytales, imagination and reality merge, offering new perspectives on stories many already know by heart.

Experience Award-Winning Architecture

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the museum opened in 2021. Much of the building is located below ground and surrounded by gardens inspired by Andersen's universe. Architecture, landscape and exhibitions are conceived as one unified experience, where the surroundings are just as important as the objects on display.

Photo: Daniel Jensen
Photo: Ard Jongsma

Fairytale Adventures for Children in Ville Vau

If you're visiting with children, Ville Vau is a must. Here, children and adults alike can step into a creative world of costumes, role play and activities inspired by Andersen's stories. It is a place where families can play, create and let their imagination run free together.

Visit Hans Christian Andersen's Birthplace

As part of your visit, you can also explore the small yellow house in Hans Jensens Stræde, where Hans Christian Andersen was born in 1805. The exhibition tells the story of Andersen's family and of Odense as it looked during the writer's earliest years.

H.C. Andersen's Garden

Between the museum buildings lies H.C. Andersen's Garden, inspired by Andersen's fairytales and his unique view of nature and imagination. The garden is a peaceful green retreat in the heart of the city and an attraction in its own right.

Photo: Daniel Jensen

Why Visit H.C. Andersen's House?

H.C. Andersen's House is much more than a literary museum. It is a place where you can experience the story of Odense's most famous citizen through architecture, art, sound, nature and play. Whether you're a devoted Andersen fan, a culture lover or travelling with children, it is one of Odense's must-see attractions.

Photo: Museum Odense
Photo: Museum Odense

Discover More of H.C. Andersen's Odense

H.C. Andersen's House is only the beginning. Visit the birthplace, childhood home and other sites across Odense that bring you closer to the writer's life, stories and the city that shaped him.

Frequently asked questions about Hans Christian Andersen

What is the address of the Hans Christian Andersen House?

H.C. Andersens Hus
H.C. Andersen Haven 1
5000 Odense C

Website

Remember to book in advance.

How many guests can visit the new Hans Christian Andersen House simultaneously?

The new museum has a maximum limit of 250 guests at a time.

How big is the Hans Christian Andersen House?

The museum proper covers 5600 m2 - two thirds of which is under ground. The garden covers 7000 m2 and the total museum area covers 9000 m2.

Is the Hans Christian Andersen House suitable for wheelchair users?

The museum is suitable for wheel chair users. You can enter the lower part of the museum via a 110 meter ramp or you can choose to use the elevator.

Do I HAVE to book tickets for the Hans Christian Andersen House in advance?

Yes, you definitely should. Click here Booking-link and book your ticket for the date and time slot you are interested in. Any unbooked tickets will be sold at the museum, but some days will be sold out in advance.

Can you bring your own food to H.C. Andersen's House?

You can bring your own food and eat in the garden. If you did not bring anything, you can buy something at the museum Restaurant DEILIG that offers a menu inspired by Andersen's writings.

Can I bring my dog when I visit the Hans Christian Andersen House?

No, you can't. Not even if it is tiny / is carried in a bag / is the cutest thing ever. Sorry.

Can you book a guided tour of the Hans Christian Andersen House?

The museum does not offer guided tours of the museum. You can book a 30 minute introduction to the museum - it costs DKK 650,00 - maximum group size 30 persons. After the introduction guests can visit the museum on their own with the included audio guide.

Can I visit the Hans Christian Andersen House with a push-chair/pram?

The museum owns a couple of push-chairs you can borrow. It is not possible to enter with your own stroller, push-chair, pram or the like.

What does it cost to visit H.C. Andersen's House?

The price for adults (18 and up) is 165 DKK.
Groups of at least 20 adults pay 155 DKK per person.
Children under 18 are free.

NOTE: it is necessary to book a ticket online BEFORE visiting, including for children, even if they don't pay admission.

Where is it most convenient to park when you visit the Hans Christian Andersen House?

P-15 in Odense P is the closest option. You can enter the museum area directly from the parking garage via exit P15.

Tourist bus parking

  • Short-term parking in the city center (eg in Sortebrødrestræde) is for unloading / loading of tourists.
  • Long-term parking must take place on the stretch between Havnegade 106 and Havnegade 110.