In celebration of the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month 2021 (MANA Mo), the Maritime Museum of Denmark hosted an exclusive tour for the Philippine Embassy in Denmark on September 17 to view the rich maritime collection and interactive exhibitions on Denmark’s role as a leading seafaring nation.

Shaped like an enormous ship, the museum was designed by world renowned BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group. It is built below the ground around an old dry dock situated before the Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO heritage site.

The private tour, conducted by Dr. Benjamin Asmussen, Head Curator and Research Coordinator, explored the nine (9) permanent and temporary exhibitions of the museum. The tour started with exhibition: ‘Our Sailors’ which presents the myths surrounding sailors that have become part of popular culture. The other exhibits featured Denmark’s international trade networks in the 1700s, modern shipping and its significance to the global consumer and an installation about the creative process behind the architecture of the museum building. A special exhibit called ‘Fashion and the Sea’ featured garments, works of art and fashion inspired by the maritime style and culture.

According to Dr. Asmussen, ‘’Existing records of Philippine-Danish maritime relations go back as early as the 1800s.’’ He mentioned that letters of Severin Kierulf, an employee of the Asiatic company who visited Manila in the early 19th century, recounted how Danish sailors frequented the Philippines on board European trade ships.

To mark the visit, Ambassador Leo Herrera-Lim handed Dr. Asmussen a banner of the 75th year anniversary logo of PH-DK relations to commemorate the rich maritime heritage shared by both countries.