Museum – Martin Andersen Nexø
The Martin Andersen Nexø Museum is located in a small, characteristic house in the southern part of Nexø – the largest town on Bornholm’s eastern coast. It was here, between 1882 and 1884, that Martin Andersen Nexø spent his early childhood before becoming an internationally renowned author whose works – filled with empathy, social realism and deep sensitivity to the human condition – left a lasting mark on Danish literature.
The house has preserved much of its original character, allowing visitors to sense the atmosphere of the modest surroundings in which the future writer grew up. This intimate museum reveals how childhood and early life on Bornholm shaped one of Denmark’s most important prose authors.
Good to know
- The museum house has preserved the layout and atmosphere of the late 19th century, allowing visitors to sense the writer’s childhood environment
- It is one of Bornholm’s smallest yet most authentic literary attractions – the visit is brief, but wonderfully intimate and full of history
Visiting and atmosphere
The museum is not an extensive exhibition but rather an authentic testimony to the place that shaped the artist’s sensitivity. It focuses on daily life of the period, early inspirations and the personal development of the writer, who later adopted the name of his hometown – Nexø – as his literary pseudonym. A visit here offers a deeper understanding of the roots of his authorship, including the famous novel Pelle Erobreren, which brought him worldwide literary recognition.
The interior of the museum retains the domestic appearance of the late 19th century – visitors can see the original room layout, furnishings and the atmosphere of that era, helping to illustrate the writer’s modest beginnings.
This place is not only for literature enthusiasts – it is equally interesting for those fascinated by the island’s history, everyday life in old Denmark and the influence of surroundings on artistic creativity.
History and collections
The house was built in 1882 by the writer’s father, who had moved to Bornholm, and it was here that Martin Andersen Nexø lived during his childhood. The museum collection includes documents, photographs, first editions and educational materials dedicated to the writer and his work.
Due to Nexø’s personal bond with the island – as an author who adopted its name as his own – the house holds special cultural and literary significance for Bornholm.
Did you know?
Although Martin Andersen Nexø lived in this house for only three years, it has become a key symbol of his literary heritage.
His novel Pelle Erobreren has been translated into many languages, and its 1988 film adaptation won an Oscar – a testament to how influential his work became, rooted in childhood memories from Bornholm.
How to get there
The Martin Andersen Nexø Museum is located in a quiet part of town, at Ferskesøstræde 36, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Nexø. The easiest way to reach it is on foot, heading through the southern streets of the town. Access by car is also convenient, and parking spaces are available in the area. BAT buses from larger Bornholm towns – including Rønne, Svaneke and Dueodde – stop in central Nexø, from where it is only a short walk to the museum.
Location
| Martin Andersen Nexø | |
| Ferskesøstræde 36, 3730 Nexø, DK | |
| martinandersennexoe.dk | |
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