About us

After Frederik III, it becomes an established tradition for successive kings to ensure that significant items of clothing are sent to Rosenborg Castle for safekeeping after their death. This forms the core of the museum’s large collection of royal clothing.

Rosenborg Castle has its latest use as a royal residence around 1720. During the early 19th century, the future function of the castle comes under consideration.

In 1834, the decision is made to turn Rosenborg Castle into a museum. The museum opens to the public in 1838. In preparation of the new role, the contents are rearranged to provide a chronological tour of the royal lineage – from Christian IV on.

In 1854, Frederik VII issues a royal decree determining that the many objects shall no longer be private royal property but are to be passed down from one monarch to the next. Thus, the Chronological Collection of the Danish Kings was established. Today, the same practice persists. The collection is the property of the reigning king, who is free to use some of the items but is not allowed to sell them or give them away as gifts.

In 1965, Frederik IX issues a royal decree which opens the possibility that the collection at Rosenborg Castle may be extended to rooms at Amalienborg Palace. This extension is initially established at Christian IX's Palace and later at Christian VIII's Palace, where the Amalienborg Museum opens in 1994.

In 2021, the Royal Danish Collection takes over the operation of Koldinghus. The collection at Koldinghus is transferred to Museum Kolding, while the Royal Danish Collection takes over communication and exhibition activities at Koldinghus.

On 1 January 2025, the Royal Danish Collection takes over the operation of and communication and exhibition activities for the Royal Reception Rooms, the Ruins, the Royal Kitchen and the Royal Stables at Christiansborg Palace as well as the Hermitage Palace and the summer-season guided tours of Fredensborg Palace.