The Danish Welfare Museum - Svendborg Museum

Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum is housed in the former Fattiggård (poorhouse) in Svendborg, built in 1872 as “Svendborg Købstads Fattig- og Arbejdsanstalt”. Today it is known as the best-preserved poorhouse in the Nordic region, offering rare insight into the physical setting of historic welfare. It was intended for people unable to support themselves or deemed in need of discipline and control.

Life behind the walls

The Fattiggård was divided into a relief institution and a workhouse. Living conditions depended on whether residents were judged “deserving” or “undeserving” poor. Forced labour applied to all, and admission meant loss of civil rights. Until 1961 it was a closed institution, later becoming a welfare home with formally voluntary residence. Operations ended in 1974.

Exhibitions and museum setting

The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions telling the story of welfare through buildings, objects and personal accounts, with dedicated activities for children. Current exhibitions and events are listed on the Fattiggården website. The grounds also include a historic garden, once cultivated by residents and now cared for by volunteers.

Book a guided tour of the Poorhouse

Enjoy a truly special experience together with your association, on a family outing, with your company, or as part of a bus tour. Anyone can book a guided tour at the Danish Welfare Museum, regardless of group size. A tour lasts 1 hour and is led by one of the museum’s skilled guides.

During the tour, you will learn about life in the poorhouse during the active period of Svendborg Poorhouse from 1872 to 1974. You will explore the rooms and courtyard environments where the inmates lived and worked. You will also hear about the loss of their rights and how they were classified as “deserving” or “undeserving.” It was believed that work and strict routines could lead the poor towards self-sufficiency and back onto the “right path.” You will also gain insight into the development of the welfare state and get close to some of the people who were confined behind barbed wire and high walls at the poorhouse in Svendborg.

Book in advance

You can book a guided tour when the museum is open from February to December. Booking must be made at least 14 days prior to your visit. Please contact us well in advance, as we host many tours and school programs, especially in May, June, August, September, and October. See here how to book and what it costs.

Tours during holidays

During holiday periods, you can purchase a spot on a guided tour where you will see and hear about the rooms and courtyard environments where the inmates lived and worked. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, as the number of places per tour is limited. Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket office for tours on the same day. See here when the museum offers holiday tours.