The Funen Village is an open air museum portraying village life in 19th century Funen. Funen is the island in the middle of Denmark. I grew up in Odense, as well did Hans Christian Andersen, something that the city has used to promote itself internationally for decades. I remember visiting The Funen Village with my drawing class, exploring the place with pencil on sketch paper. Today I brought my smartphone.
Some 10-15 historical buildings were moved to the site a little south of the city centre in the 1940s. A wind mill, a water mill, a vicarage, a smithy, poor house. All but one are open to visitors. Fields and gardens are cultivated using historical plants and tools. There is an open air stage with performances during the season. In my childhood it was Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales, I don't know about this year.
School holiday in Denmark has ended. The weather is hot and sunny. It is cool under the thatched roofs. The place is not crowded, we see school classes guided by staff and a few groups of international visitors. One open activity this day is at the brick makers workshop. My oldest who is 14 tries his hand at making bricks from clay with the assistance from a helpful staff who knowingly and willingly explains the history and significance of brick making and how it was used in the stock work houses we see around us.
As I recently visited Skansen in Stockholm, I couldn't help but compare the two. While Skansen is larger and has staff dressed out in historical costumes, The Funen Village tells its story better. An exhibition about circular economy makes me reflect on how life was different then from now.
My favourite moment of the visit was to enter a room with historical artefacts and two stools with a sign inviting me to sit and reflect on what makes me happy. Another visitor enters and bumps his head on the low ceiling beams so I offer in jest: a high ceiling. True, modern life has advantages, but it's good to be reminded that also back then, people lived lives with happy moments while lacking much of what we think we cannot live without today.
A modern building at the museum entrance offers a shop and a cinema. Bring your own food or lunch at the historical inn Sortebro Kro like we did. Rye bread and oat porridge are delicious when served fresh.
