Glimpse into the past. What if these walls could talk within the Ballerup Museum? The Ballerup Museum is more than just a building. It’s a portal. It connects us to the charming village community of Pederstrup.
Ballerup Museum is not one building. It comprises several historical farms. These include Pederstrupgaard. There is also Lindbjerggaard. Do not forget Lynsmedenshus or the House of the Lightning Blacksmith. Finally, there is Skomagerhuset, also known as the Shoemaker’s House. Each building offers a unique glimpse into the past.
Let’s start at Pederstrupgaard. Here you will find two permanent exhibitions. One unveils the history of Ballerup. It shows the town’s development over time. Imagine a classroom from 1900. See old-fashioned toys.
The second exhibition tells a remarkable story. It is titled “Destined for Ballerup”. It tells of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna. She escaped the Russian Revolution in 1917. She sought refuge in Ballerup. The exhibition also shares stories. These are about Russian immigrants in Copenhagen during the inter-war period. They also show the lives of those who moved to Ballerup. These people came from other countries and parts of Denmark. Olga was Tsar Alexander III’s daughter. Her mother was Empress Dagmar. She lived in Ballerup with her family. This was from 1930 to 1948.
Next, step into Lindbjerggaard. Here, experience a farmer’s living quarters. See how they looked in the 18th and 19th centuries. Outside, admire the well-preserved farmer’s garden. It dates back to around 1900.
Do you smell that? That’s the forge at Lynsmedens Hus. This is an old grocer’s shop and forge. Sometimes, the smiths still light the fire. Skomagerhuset is different. It hosts changing exhibitions. It also holds different activities.
Ballerup Museum started small. In 1936, Ernfred Michelsen proposed an exhibition. It would showcase the area’s history. It would also show its inhabitants. It was part of the Handcraftsmen and Civic Association’s summer festival. Locals actively collected items from farms. The exhibition took place at the Technical School. Admission cost 25 øre.
The first exhibition succeeded. The Ballerup and Vicinity Museum Association formed. Ernfred Michelsen became the first chairman. The Parish Council allowed the use of the old poorhouse for exhibitions. The museum opened on January 3, 1937.
The old poorhouse was later demolished. The museum’s collection was packed away. It was stored in Skovlunde School’s basement. In 1969, the municipality provided Lindbjerggaard in Pederstrup. After two years of renovation, the Regional Museum in Pederstrup opened in 1971. Pederstrupgård later became part of the museum.
In the 1970s and 80s, several associations used Pederstrupgård. These included the Ballerup Archaeological Association. There was also the KLIMA Theater Group. The Friborg Collection was vast. It included hand tools and agricultural implements. It was displayed with the archaeological association’s collection. The collections merged into one regional museum. The Ballerup Historical Association ran it on a voluntary basis. Lindbjerggård became a traditional regional museum. It displayed items from Ballerup farms and villages. In 1985, a school consultant became the site’s first museum inspector.
In 1997, the north wing of Pederstrupgård burned down. This sparked debate. What would the museum’s purpose be? A new permanent exhibition opened in 2004. It focused on Ballerup’s history. Ballerup Regional Museum became an independent foundation. It had its own board. A few years later, the name changed to Ballerup Museum.
Today, Ballerup Museum stands as a testament to the past. It shows the importance of preserving local history. The museum is free. You can reach it by S-train to Ballerup Station. Take Pederstrupstien. It’s a 15-minute walk. Buses 143 and 216 also stop nearby.
Before you leave, consider the journey of this museum. Reflect on the lives of those who shaped Ballerup. From Grand Duchess Olga to local farmers, their stories live on.