Designed by the renowned architectural group BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, known for their groundbreaking designs including the Tirpitz Museum, this new museum offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and culture.
What Can You Discover at the Museum?
The museum presents the universal story of being a refugee, focusing on the 100,000 refugees who lived in the Oksbøl camp between 1945 and 1949. Today, only two hospital buildings remain from the camp, and the museum has been established around these historic structures.
Visitors are invited to explore an engaging and educational experience, gaining insight into the lives of those who lived in the camp and learning about the broader narrative of displacement and flight.
The Architectural Marvel by BIG
The building connecting the two hospital wings at the museum is designed by one of the world's most influential architectural firms, BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group. This prestigious group is renowned for its groundbreaking designs, and their work on this project is no exception.
The two hospital buildings, positioned perpendicularly to each other, mark the entrance to what is now known as Aal Plantation. The new connecting structure seamlessly integrates with the historical context, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The new extension, constructed from steel, will appear closed off on the exterior. This design choice reflects the isolation associated with the refugee camp, which was enclosed with barbed wire and strictly prohibited interaction between the refugees and Danes.
Inside, however, the building features large glass panels. This design element aims to create an open and welcoming atmosphere, symbolizing the vibrant life within the camp and the dreams and hopes for the future held by the refugees.
What Can You Experience at the New Refugee History Museum?
Prepare for an engaging, moving, and educational experience that provides insight into the lives of thousands of refugees at the Oksbøl camp, as well as stories of flight throughout history. This museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts vacationing along the West Coast. Located in the picturesque area of Aal Plantage in Oksbøl, the museum offers the opportunity to explore both the indoor exhibits and the surrounding landscape, including the large German refugee cemetery. Here, you'll find many small white crosses, some marking the graves of young children who did not survive the harsh realities of flight.
The museum delves into the history of German refugees, shedding light on significant events like the sinking of the MS Wilhelm Gustloff. Most people are familiar with the Titanic disaster of 1912, where 1,600 lives were lost. However, fewer know about the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship used to evacuate wounded soldiers and civilians from the advancing Soviet Red Army. On January 30, 1945, the ship was hit by three torpedoes from a Russian submarine, resulting in the deaths of over 9,000 German refugees. This tragedy remains the deadliest maritime disaster in history. Understanding the Wilhelm Gustloff disaster is crucial to grasping the broader context of the German refugees flooding into Denmark during the final months of the war.
Oksbøllejren – A Brief Overview
After the end of World War II, Oksbøllejren became Denmark's largest refugee camp. In the spring of 1945, thousands of German civilians were displaced from their homes due to the war. Many of these refugees found shelter in the camp at Oksbøl. At its peak, the camp housed 35,000 residents—children, women, and men who had fled their homeland as the Red Army advanced. Despite the harsh conditions in the refugee camp, it was far better than the alternative. The stories of the many individuals who arrived at Oksbøllejren form the central narrative of the museum, alongside stories of flight and refugees throughout history.
While media reports often present refugee crises in terms of numbers and facts, each refugee stream represents people with unique stories to tell. These personal accounts and others are the focus of FLUGT – Refugee Museum of Denmark.
German Support for the Refugee Museum
The Oksbøl Refugee Museum has received significant funding from Germany, marking the first time the German state has supported a Danish museum. Each year, many German descendants visit the cemetery associated with the refugee camp. The museum also provides an important piece of German history, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark.
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An Exciting Experience – Also for Families with Children
FLUGT – Refugee Museum of Denmark is designed for both adults and families with children. While the museum addresses challenging and sensitive topics, these are issues that everyone encounters in daily life, including children. The goal is to create a safe space for reflection and dialogue across ages and generations.
