Dezeen · Creativity & design

Psychiatric Hospital in Denmark Transformed into Mind Museum by CF Møller

Danish studio CF Møller has converted a former psychiatric hospital on the island of Funen into the Mind Museum, preserving the building's original architecture while adapting it for modern use. The museum, located in Middelfart, explores the history of Danish psychiatry and the 19th-century hospital itself.

The design aimed to retain the bulk of the 1888 building, integrating its existing structure as a central part of the museum's narrative. The institution operated until 1999, making the building itself a key element of the history being interpreted.

The museum occupies one of six remaining hospital buildings of its kind in Denmark. The original main entrance has been reinstated, guiding visitors through the building's history.

The ground floor is dedicated to the hospital's history, featuring exhibition areas, a cafe, and meeting spaces. Its design and material palette connect strongly to the original hospital.

The first floor contrasts with the ground floor, featuring contemporary finishes and exploring present-day issues in psychiatry and mental wellbeing. New openings link exhibition areas within former patient rooms.

A basement level provides spaces for group activities, with light finishes and warm furnishings. This level connects to underground tunnels planned for a future visitor route called MindWalk.

A sculpture garden has been added outside the building. Throughout the museum, a restrained material palette unifies the interiors, with new elements like staircases finished in oiled oak.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.