MASTERWORKS FROM THE COLLECTION ON LOAN

Several woven works from Designmuseum Danmark’s collection are currently on loan to two Danish museums, where related yet distinct exhibitions focus on tapestry and weaving. Here, visitors can encounter the works, their histories and their continued relevance.

Each year, key parts of the collection contribute to research and publications in Denmark and internationally, while selected works are lent to exhibitions at recognised museums. At present, a number of the museum’s most significant woven pieces can be seen at Frederiksborg Castle and Koldinghus.

A NEW DIRECTION IN WEAVING

At Frederiksborg Castle, Gobelins – The Frederiksborg Tapestries centres on the monumental tapestries of the Great Hall. Following the castle fire of 1859, they were recreated by some of Denmark’s most forward-looking female artists, including Kristiane Konstantin-Hansen and Johanne Bindesbøll.

Among the loans is Rabbits Among Cabbage Stalks, first shown at the Paris World Exhibition in 1900. Based on a design by Elise Konstantin-Hansen and woven by Konstantin-Hansen and Bindesbøll, the work helped establish tapestry as an art form in Denmark.

A LATE MEDIEVAL MASTERWORK

At Koldinghus, Woven Masterpieces presents works ranging from the monumental textiles of the late Middle Ages to contemporary tapestry, exploring their capacity to convey stories of power, faith, identity and everyday life.

On display is the Judgement Tapestry (c. 1460–1475), one of Denmark’s oldest and best-preserved pictorial weavings, likely produced in the Southern Netherlands, then a leading centre for the craft. The exhibition also includes Polynesia, The Sky (1950–1951) by Henri Matisse.

Gobelins – The Frederiksborg Tapestries is on view at Frederiksborg Castle until 6 September. Woven Masterpieces can be seen at Koldinghus until 25 October 2026.