The Danish Welfare Museum - Svendborg Museum

In the center of Svendborg lies the Poorhouse. In the authentic buildings, you can experience an important part of the history of Denmark's welfare system. Step inside the walls and see where the residents slept, ate, worked, were washed, and punished.

In operation 1872-1974

The Poorhouse in Svendborg was built in 1872 under the name "Svendborg Kiøbstads Fattig- og Arbejdsanstalt." It was a modern institution for its time, designed for those who could not support themselves or were considered in need of rehabilitation. Upon arrival at the Poorhouse, one was 'admitted' and deprived of their civil rights: the right to vote, property rights, guardianship over their children, and the right to marriage.

The Poor Inspector interrogated the newcomers and determined whether they were "deserving or undeserving needy." The "deserving" were placed in the Support Institution, where they could enjoy wooden beds and duvets. The "undeserving" were sent to the Workhouse, where iron beds and blankets were standard. Forced labor applied to all residents. Until 1961, the Poorhouse functioned as an institution where residents lost their freedom. From 1961 to 1974, it was converted into a welfare home, where staying behind the walls was theoretically voluntary. The place was operational until 1974 when it was closed down as a "blight on the city."

The Faces of the Poorhouse

This year marks 50 years since Denmark's last Poorhouse closed. Many different destinies have had their lives behind the walls of the place during the 102 years it existed. Men, women, and children have been admitted to the Poorhouse's work and support departments. Employees have worked and created a life with their families in the institution's administration building. It is important that these destinies are not forgotten but remembered. Explore the exhibition and confront the destinies of the past.

Visit the Museum Garden

Do not deprive yourself of a walk in the garden when visiting the Poorhouse. The garden has always been there and was tended to by the residents. They cultivated, among other things, potatoes, cabbage, and carrots. The vegetables were an important part of the meals. Now the garden is maintained by volunteers from the Friends of the Museum Garden.

Thought-provoking Exhibitions

At the museum, you can experience various special exhibitions that highlight, specify, and individualize the history of welfare. See the museum's new, large exhibition "PLACED" about placed children across time - from the 19th century to today - told in the words of the placed themselves.

Or experience the exhibition "Seven Poor Children." Here you follow a sibling group of seven, born between 1863-1878, through childhood, youth, adulthood, and for some, old age.

A look back

The Danish Museum of Social Welfare opens the season with a powerful and personal art exhibition. ‘A Look Back’ shows 11 works, all drawn and painted by AnneMarie Regitze Petersen. AnneMarie was placed outside the home from her birth in January 1956 to November 1975. At Mødrehjælpen's infant home, children's home, boarding school and in a foster family. A total of 19 years and 10 months in a row. Her longest placement was at Nr. Åby Children's Home ‘Brohuset’. She was there from January 1959 to August 1970. The exhibition is based on memories and life experiences from this stay. For each piece, AnneMarie has written and recorded texts describing the damage that can be inflicted on children. Both in the past and the present, and perhaps unfortunately also in the future.

‘A Look Back’ can be seen 4 February - 27 April.

The ostracising city

Exclusionary design such as sloping heating grates, armrests on benches and loud music plus criminalising legislation are increasingly permeating urban spaces - with serious consequences for people experiencing homelessness. In the mini-exhibition ‘The Excluding City’ you can see examples of stories and photographs from judgements and police reports where people have been punished for begging and sleeping in public spaces.

‘The Outcast City’ is on display 4 February - 27 April.

You can also see the mini-exhibition "From the Poorhouse to Sprogø. From Sprogø to the Poorhouse."

Accessibility

The museum has been awarded the Green Attraction label. The museum is part of Good Access and is wheelchair accessible. It is easy to get around, even with a wheelchair. Unfortunately, there is no elevator to the 2nd floor, where the exhibition "Seven Poor Children" is displayed. This prevented the preservation of the buildings.