What whispers do dried leaves hold within the walls of the Botanical Museum? This haven, nestled within Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, houses nearly three million plant specimens. The Botanical Museum, part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, is more than just a collection of dried plants. It’s a time capsule, preserving botanical history. The museum’s origins trace back to the 17th century, with roots in the herbarium of Professor O. Worm. His collection, along with others, eventually found a home at the Botanical Garden at Amalienborg. The Botanical Museum itself opened in 1883 at Gothersgade 130, a dedicated space within the garden. It holds several significant collections, including the Danish Herbarium, the Greenland Herbarium, and the General Herbarium, spanning the globe. The museum has also taken charge of the Agricultural University Herbarium and Queen Ingrid’s Herbarium from Gråsten Castle Gardens. The Botanical Museum faced challenges from the start. Funding issues and rejected building designs plagued the project before finally settling on the structure we see today. Even then, the building was too small, requiring additional storage throughout Copenhagen. Imagine the logistical challenges of managing collections scattered across the city! A donation allowed for the digitization of nearly 30,000 Danish grasses, making them accessible to researchers worldwide through GBIF.org. The Botanical Museum is a testament to the dedication of botanists and researchers, preserving plant life for future generations. Their tireless efforts in acquiring, cataloging, and preserving these specimens have created an invaluable resource. So, next time you admire a blooming flower, remember the quiet guardians of botanical history at the Botanical Museum.
Galleri KANT
Founded in 2009 by Kerry Harm Nielsen and Anna Gram Sørensen Galleri KANT is more than just a gallery. It’s