On August 4th in Odense, Denmark, the island of Funen will come alive with “Andersen Forever,” a major event series celebrating the 150th anniversary of the death of renowned fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen. This collective initiative, involving over 20 leading cultural institutions including Kunstmuseum Brandts, Odense Boldklub, Odense Museum, Nordatlantisk Hus, Odense Teater, and the Odense International Film Festival (OFF), aims to honor Andersen’s legacy and global literary influence.
Visitors across the city will experience Andersen’s works brought to life through exhibitions, performances, interactive installations, readings, and debates. His birthplace museum, H.C. Andersen’s Hus, kicks off the celebrations with an enhanced exhibition designed to spark visitors’ imaginations. This immersive experience reveals new facets of the writer through readings and narratives about his life and works, allowing guests to step into his famous tales and view the world’s largest collection of his personal belongings.
The dedicated children’s area, Ville Vau, offers dress-up with fantastical costumes and creative activities. A new audio system enhances the visitor experience throughout the exhibition.
The festival opens on August 4th, the anniversary of Andersen’s death, with a poetry spectacle at H.C. Andersen’s Hus and its surrounding gardens. This performance, a collaboration between students from the Danish National Academy of Music, Koma Ballet, professional artists, and the H.C. Andersen Festivals, will guide visitors through the author’s spaces using music, dance, art, and storytelling.
A highlight includes a special tribute to the fairy tale “The Shadow” presented by OFF. Danish artists Nicolaj Kopernikus and Lydmor will each create a short film inspired by the story, premiering at a special event on August 29th to showcase Andersen’s darker, visionary side.
The celebrations serve as an invitation to explore the picturesque region of Funen and Andersen’s hometown, Odense. Visitors can wander its cobbled streets, gardens, and interactive museums, immersing themselves in the worlds of The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. A journey through time begins at the author’s birthplace, home to one of the world’s oldest literary museums centered on his works. Photo opportunities abound, such as a selfie beside Andersen’s statue in the Fairy Tale Garden or near the massive 12-meter mural portrait on Bangs Boder.
Munkemose Park features sculptures including The Little Mermaid and The Wild Swans. Odense also provides an ideal base for exploring Funen, known as Denmark’s “Garden.” Attractions include the reconstructed 19th-century village, The Funen Village, and a walk across the old Little Belt Bridge connecting the island to the mainland – one of only two walkable suspension bridges globally, alongside Sydney’s. Egeskov Castle is another spectacular site, also hosting the Heartland Festival.
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