THE TINDERBOX: HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN’S CULTURAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN

“Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale” – Hans Christian Andersen

Last summer during our holidays in Denmark (you can read here our experience at the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and Legoland Resort in Billund)  we visited the Tinderbox: Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale land, located in the beautiful city of Odense.

Hans Christian Andersen is Denmark’s greatest fairy tale writer, and in his birthplace, there is an amazing cultural center for kids where his famous fairy tales are brought to life.

The Tinderbox is based on the famous story of The Steadfast Tin Soldier and it has been designed to inspire play.

In the entrance, you will find a wishing tree, where you can write your wish on a green leaf and hang it on the tree!

My kids had the time of their lifes playing in the beautiful scenography,  preparing food in the old kitchen,  listening to the music that has been composed to interpret Andersen’s fairytales, selling bread and ice cream in the old shop and trying all the high-quality costumes available.

There is an extraordinary wardrobe on the first floor with wonderful costumes (both in children and adult sizes) and children can also get face paint.

The whole family enjoyed hours of activities with storytelling experiences, theater and art.

My favorite part of the Tinderbox was the beautiful Art Studio, inspired in HC Andersen’s creativity. In addition to his 156 fairy tales, Andersen also painted and made paper cuttings.

The Art Studio is a beautiful space where children have access to a wide range of materials and craft tools.

On weekdays the centre organizes theater improvisation and art workshops for children and in weekends and school holidays the house is open for families and guest.

Before ending your visit, I would suggest a stop at the bookshop of The Tinderbox.  We purchased this great book with 14 of the most famous fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen. The Classic Fairy Tales collection is also fantastic!

I would really recommend that you visit the Tinderbox on your next trip to Denmark!.