Editor’s note: I am lucky to be able to meet TRT writer Mandy Meehan roughly once a year somewhere in Europe. While we were in Copenhagen, she wanted to head back out to visit a museum while I had a quiet evening in to write. This is that museum, and one that definitely seems like something I missed out on. For more of Mandy’s writing – sometimes spent with me – click here to visit her index page.

Last autumn, I had the absolute pleasure of joining this blog’s creator for a few days in Copenhagen (check out his excellent article about Danish monarchy here) but there was one adventure I tackled solo. We were strolling back to the hotel for the late-afternoon cookie hour when something unusual caught my eye: a giant slide, the kind you’d expect to see on a playground, except this one was housed inside the Danish Architecture Center (DAC). As a Chicago native with a deep appreciation for architecture, I couldn’t resist checking out this playful twist on museum culture. But with our schedule packed, I could only justify a visit if I actually got to ride the slide.

A quick search on my phone confirmed the slide was indeed functional, and with a ticket price of 50 DKK (around $7/€7/£6), it was an easy decision. Even better, it was Thursday, meaning the DAC would be open late. Before I even made it inside, though, the adventure began; right outside the DAC’s entrance stood a curious wooden dome, part of an outdoor installation. Intrigued, I stepped in and found a cozy, earthy haven designed by the Danish company NJORD, merging functionality
with a sustainable approach. Inside, the furniture – crafted by Timbernest, another Danish company – was simple yet thoughtfully designed for comfort and connection. I enjoyed the juxtoposition of this warm little retreat and the chilly Copenhagen air outside.

The DAC’s blend of modern architecture and immersive exhibits transported me into the heart of Danish design values. Unlike traditional architecture museums that might feel a touch aloof, DAC invites you to actively explore. One of the first exhibits that caught my eye was about Freetown Christiania, a famously independent neighborhood in Copenhagen known for its artsy, free-spirited vibe. I had visited this neighborhood earlier on in the trip without knowing too much about it. The exhibit gave an excellent overview of the history along with displays that explored how this community embraces creativity over convention and symbolizes Denmark’s open-mindedness and cultural diversity.

Then there was LUNARK – a prototype for a lunar home that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie. Designed by SAGA Space Architects, this ambitious project aims to create a sustainable habitat for future lunar residents. Walking through LUNARK, I explored its compact yet futuristic interiors and could try out tactile displays illustrating how inhabitants might adapt to the constraints of a lunar environment. Learning about the thoughtful design for life on the moon, from energy conservation to food storage, was a reminder of the Danish commitment to sustainable innovation, even beyond Earth.

After absorbing all that information, I decided to take a break at the DAC’s rooftop café before it got too dark. The café’s view alone is worth the visit, offering sweeping panoramas of Copenhagen’s skyline, where sleek modern architecture mingles with historic spires. A steaming cup of coffee allowed me to rest and recoup some enery. As I watched the sun set and the city lights come on, I felt as if I were in the perfect vantage point to absorb the city’s unique aesthetic.

Then it was finally time for the moment I’d been waiting for: the slide. This wasn’t just any slide – it’s part of an iconic series designed by German artist Carsten Höller, known for turning museum spaces around the world into playful installations. Höller’s slides have graced institutions like the Tate Modern in London, offering visitors a taste of pure, childlike joy within places typically reserved for quiet observation. The DAC slide is well-designed and unmistakably Danish in its understated elegance (as much as a slide can be). When I finally pushed off and zipped down, I knew that it had all been worth it.

For a place focused on innovation and design, the DAC has truly mastered the art of making culture feel fresh, immersive, and just plain fun. If you’re planning to visit, the DAC is located along the harbor and is easily accessible by bike or metro. Thursdays are a great choice if you prefer a quieter evening visit, and the extended hours offer the perfect excuse to linger over the exhibits or enjoy a drink on the rooftop. If you’re in Copenhagen, it’s an experience not to be missed.

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