Here Comes Denmark's Museum of the Sea
The Fisheries and Maritime Museum is about to undergo its most extensive renovation since it opened in 1968.
In the coming years, the museum will be developed into Denmark’s museum of the sea. Now, for the first time, we can show how the new museum will take shape.
Cubo Architects has won the competition for the transformation of the Fisheries and Maritime Museum with a project that builds on the museum’s distinctive architecture and creates a new setting for experiences, education, and encounters with the sea.
But the transformation is about more than just buildings. Alongside the physical renovation, we are developing the museum’s content with a broader narrative about the ocean and new exhibits for both children and adults.
The goal is to create a more open and cohesive museum with a stronger connection to the sea just outside—and with clear roots in the museum that generations of visitors already know.
A new museum is taking shape
The existing buildings and their architectural qualities form the foundation of Denmark’s Museum of the Sea.
But the museum also needs to undergo significant changes. The various sections need to be better integrated, and it should become easier and more natural for visitors to move around.
Among other things, an entire wing will be converted into the Children’s Museum of the Sea, while the courtyard by the sealarium will be covered and transformed into a new exhibition space. The large exhibition hall will be upgraded to serve as a venue for new and rotating exhibitions. And we’ll expand the café and open up the museum even more toward the sea.
The Ocean at the Center
Since 1968, the Fisheries and Maritime Museum has been telling the story of fishing, seafaring, marine life, and life by the sea. With the opening of Denmark’s Museum of the Sea, that story is expanding.
The new exhibits are designed to bring visitors closer to the sea’s animals, nature, and history—and closer to the people who, throughout history, have lived off and with the sea.
The goal is for both children and adults to leave here with a greater understanding of the ocean and of how closely our own lives are connected to it. That’s what we call ocean literacy.
Ocean literacy isn’t just about knowledge. It’s also about experiencing the ocean, understanding its significance, and becoming more curious about the role it plays in our daily lives and in Denmark.
Read the press release announcing the project.
When will construction begin?
When will the museum be finished?
The plan is for the Danish Maritime Museum to be fully completed by the end of 2029.
Will the museum remain open during construction?
Yes, you can visit the Fisheries and Maritime Museum while we’re renovating. However, there may be times when certain areas of the museum are closed or affected by the construction work. We’ll keep you updated on any changes.
What's going to happen inside the museum?
Denmark’s Museum of the Sea is getting brand-new exhibits and experiences. Work on the content is proceeding in parallel with the development of the buildings, and we’ll share much more about the new exhibits as the plans become more concrete.
What will the museum look like?
The renderings you can see on this page show Cubo Architects’ winning entry from the architectural competition. The project will be further developed and designed throughout 2026 in preparation for the actual construction, so changes may occur along the way.
Where are changes taking place at the museum?
The large exhibition hall will be upgraded to accommodate more contemporary exhibitions; the seal courtyard will be covered and transformed into a new exhibition space; and the wing that currently houses the lunchroom, a coat room, and laboratory facilities will be converted into the Children’s Museum of the Sea, spanning two floors. In addition, the café will be expanded and changes will be made to the foyer—both measures aimed at creating a better visitor experience.
What will happen to my annual pass?
Your annual pass continues to grant you free admission to the museum during the construction period. Along the way, some areas will be affected by the work, but as an annual passholder, you can follow the changes closely and experience the museum as the Danish Museum of the Sea takes shape.
Why are you renovating?
The Fisheries and Maritime Museum opened in 1968, and since then, our use of the sea, our knowledge of it, and our expectations for a museum experience have all changed. Denmark’s museum of the sea aims to create a contemporary setting and provide a broader perspective on the sea’s significance for people and society.
Why not build something completely new?
The original buildings of the Fisheries and Maritime Museum possess significant architectural qualities that we would like to preserve and build upon. At the same time, it is more resource-efficient to develop and repurpose the existing buildings rather than start from scratch.
As part of the renovation, the museum will also be energy-optimized, and technical systems and building components will be updated. The goal is both to preserve the best of the existing museum and to create a more modern and climate-friendly museum.
What will the museum be called?
The Fisheries and Maritime Museum will be renamed as part of the renovation. The new name will be announced later in the process.
Who is behind the project?
Denmark’s Museum of the Sea is being developed by Museum Vest, with the City of Esbjerg serving as the project owner. The project has been made possible with support from the A.P. Møller Foundation, Realdania, and the City of Esbjerg. In addition, a number of local foundations, led by the Claus Sørensen Foundation, are supporting the project.
Cubo Arkitekter has been selected as the architect and general consultant. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the architectural firm Arcgency, the engineering firm Thranekær, the landscape architects DETBLÅ, and Ultraaqua, which is responsible for water engineering.
How much will the project cost?
The budget for the building renovation project is 160 million Danish kroner.
The A.P. Møller Foundation, Realdania, and the City of Esbjerg are each contributing 50 million Danish kroner. The Claus Sørensen Foundation and other donors have contributed 10 million Danish kroner to the project.
In addition, DKK 61 million has been budgeted for new exhibition experiences.
What will the availability be like?
We are focusing on accessibility in the planning of Denmark’s Museum of the Sea. The museum will be designed in accordance with current legislation in this area, and the work is also being carried out in consultation with the Disability Council of Esbjerg Municipality.
Questions and Answers
Here you can find answers to some of your questions about Denmark’s Museum of the Sea.