MIND in Middelfart

MIND in Middelfart – a museum about mental illness and the things we don't talk about

In Teglgaardsparken in Middelfart you will find a place that holds on to many stories. From 1888 to 1999, the mental asylum in Middelfart was located here. People with mental illness lived at the treatment center for shorter and longer periods of time. Some got better, others didn't. Today the historical buildings are open again – but this time as the museum MIND. A museum about mental illness and the conversations we still find it difficult to have.

Voices from within

MIND is not a museum that explains mental illness from the outside. It is built from the voices of the people who lived at the asylums or have experienced the system. Patients, relatives and employees, that side by side, room after room, tells the stories about the heavy parts of life.

Through historical artefacts, audio talks, art and personal stories they share their experience that so often doesn't find its way to the public conversation.

The purpose with this experience is not to tell one truth but find new perspectives and start the conversation.

The museum narrative about mental illness and psychiatry is distributed over two floors: the past on ground level and the present on the 1st floor.
You will walk through themes such as dialogue, coercion, treatment and the relatives experiences. The history is not behind glass but is used as a tool to understand the questions we still struggle to find the answers to today. What is mental illness? When will the system help? And how are we able to talk about what is difficult to put in words?

As Denmark's first state-recognized museum for psychiatry MIND does its part of asking these questions from personal experience to a part of our common history.

Architecture with room for reflection

The transformation of the building is managed by ERIK architects. They have been working with preserving the character of the place and at the same time transform the rooms to a modern museum. Oak, custom-designed furniture and stained surfaces gives warmth to the historical settings. These tools are simple and they work. MIND is not only a place where you will learn about mental illness. It is a place where you will feel welcome while you are learning.

"We hope that you will exit and feel that here is a story that is also about yourself. Not necessarily because you have a diagnosis but because psychological vulnerability and discomfort periodically is a part of being a human being" says Maiken Rude Nørup – museum director.

The area with weighted pillows and headphones offers a rest between the impressions in the museum. The break is a part of the experience and a reminder of how calm and recovery are necessary for both body and mind.

Sensory garden and Lillebælt

Teglgaardsparken has views of Lillebælt. The nature is not a just a backdrop, it's a part of the narrative. And this is also the case when it comes to the sensory garden at MIND. It is inspired by the theories that were already practiced in the 19th century, where you replaced coercion and isolation with access to gardens, movement and fresh air. It was groundbreaking at that time, today, research once again points to the connection between nature and mental well-being.

The sensory garden is a reminder that perhaps we, more than ever, need to rediscover that the mind needs stillness, connection with nature and movement. With Lillebælt on the horizon and the garden under your feet, you will feel connected.

Practical information

MIND museum is located in Tegngårdsparken 17, 5500 Middelfart. There is parking behind the museum and a short walk to Middelfart pedestrian street. The museum is accessible for wheelchair users.

Here you will find information about parking, opening hours, ticket prices etc. 

Tip: Combine your stay with a walk to Teglgårdsparken and Lillebælt. The park and coastline are open for the public all year.