In Odense, there are two important gardens associated with Hans Christian Andersen, which are often confused with each other or perceived as one and the same.
1. H.C. Andersen Garden:
This garden is the newer of the two and was created in 2021 for the opening
of the new, large H.C. Andersen Museum.
It was designed by the architectural firm Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration
with MASU Planning.
The garden is an integral part of the museum concept. It is designed as a labyrinthine and magical landscape intended to stimulate the imagination.
The architecture of the museum and the garden landscape merge together.
Rather than directly illustrating fairy tales, the garden is intended to convey the atmosphere and moods of Andersen's fairy tales – sometimes dark and mysterious, sometimes light and rich in blossom.
The garden is open to the public and forms a green oasis in the middle of the city,
where a busy road once ran.
2. Eventyrhaven (Fairytale Garden):
This is the older park and is located directly behind Odense Cathedral, on the Odense Å River.
It was established in 1876 but only opened to the public in 1942.
This garden features the famous bronze Hans Christian Andersen statue,
created by the artist Louis Hasselriis in 1888. It was relocated several times over the years until it found its final home in Eventyrhaven in 1949.
The park also features other sculptures related to Andersen's fairytales, such as "The Paper Boat" (Papirbåden) in the river.
Although Eventyrhaven is not directly part of the museum, it is closely linked historically
to the commemoration of Hans Christian Andersen.