Afdeling for Konservering og Naturvidenskab - Moesgaard Museum

What Afdeling for Konservering og Naturvidenskab - Moesgaard Museum does

Moesgaard is a Danish public research museum and cultural institution founded in 1861 and headquartered at Moesgård Allé 15, Højbjerg, near Aarhus. The entity in scope — the Department for Conservation and Natural Sciences (Afdeling for Konservering og Naturvidenskab) — is one of five internal divisions, alongside World Heritage, Local Cultural Heritage, Archaeological IT, and the central collections. The department operates specialized laboratories delivering wet and dry conservation, freeze-drying of waterlogged organic materials, field conservation, and storage solutions, alongside a portfolio of natural-science analytical services including archaeobotany, dendrochronology, geophysics (magnetometry), pollen analysis, tephrochronology, human osteology, zooarchaeology, archaeoentomology, core drilling, and digital X-ray photography. These capabilities support both internal research programs and external fee-for-service work for other museums, universities, and government bodies, with statutory supervision responsibility for approximately 3,300 protected heritage monuments across East Jutland municipalities.

The broader Moesgaard institution generates revenue through a diversified mix: ticketing and annual passes via direct-to-consumer channels (shop.moesgaardmuseum.dk and on-site box office), the Moesgaard Erhverv corporate membership program at 25,000 DKK annually, conference and meeting facility rentals priced at 295–1,175 DKK per person across five package tiers, on-site café/restaurant operations, museum shop retail, and a significant grant and foundation funding base. Major funding includes a 97 million DKK EU ERC Synergy Grant for the SUBNORDICA project (2024–2029), 24 million DKK from Augustinus Fonden and Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond for the 2025–2028 content program, 5.5 million DKK for the IDUN project (2026–2029), and 1.95 million DKK for the Viking leadership research alliance. Operational reach extends through co-located research with Aarhus University, international research in the Arabian Gulf, and archaeological work in Greenland, Jordan, Syria, Kuwait, and Qatar. The museum draws footfall through major temporary exhibitions, a six-year outdoor theatrical partnership with Det Kongelige Teater (2025–2030), and digital content via the Verdenshistorier platform and 'Leth møder Moesgaard' podcast.

The Department for Conservation and Natural Sciences is led by Afdelingsleder Jacob Kveiborg (PhD) and integrates tightly with Aarhus University's archaeology and anthropology departments. The department was formalized under its current branding in 2003 (per firmographic data), though the underlying scientific methods and conservation laboratory operations trace back to 1950 and the freeze-drying technique was established in 1972. Sustainability credentials include Green Attraction certification (78% criteria compliance in 2024 against a 40% minimum) and the 2024 Green Charter for Museums signed through Museernes Grønne Akademi.

Name

Afdeling for Konservering og Naturvidenskab - Moesgaard Museum

Legal name

Moesgaard Museum

Website

https://moesgaardmuseum.dk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1861

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Moesgaard's Department for Conservation and Natural Sciences is a Danish museum division providing specialist archaeological conservation, natural-science analysis (dendrochronology, archaeobotany, osteology, geophysics), and heritage supervision services to researchers, government bodies, and cultural institutions across Scandinavia and internationally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Museum Cultural Heritage and Conservation Services

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

akta.pro primary industry

Natural History Museums (THAJADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Historic Preservation & Conservation Planning (BPAHAKAH), Nature & Biodiversity Reporting (TNFD, natural capital) (EUAHAJAM)

Keywords

• Archaeological conservation services
• Natural science analyses
• Museum exhibitions
• Artifact preservation
• Archaeological IT services

Headquarters

HQ city

Højbjerg, Jylland

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Admission Tickets and Annual Passes: Revenue from individual and group admission tickets, as well as annual passes providing unlimited access to exhibitions.
2. Corporate Membership (Moesgaard Erhverv): Annual corporate membership program priced at 25,000 DKK excl. VAT, providing businesses with free exhibition access, discounted conference facilities, guided tours, and brand exposure in museum foyer and website.
3. Conference and Meeting Facilities: Rental income from meeting rooms and conference facilities with various packages ranging from short meetings (295 DKK/person) to full-day meetings (695 DKK/person) and long evening meetings (1,175 DKK/person).
4. Café and Restaurant: On-site food and beverage services including café meals, lunch offerings, and catering for events and conferences.
5. Museum Shop: Retail sales of museum merchandise including replica jewelry, publications, and gift items.
6. Foundation Funding: Major grants from Augustinus Fonden and Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond (24 million DKK combined for 2025-2028) supporting exhibition development and digital science communication.
7. Research Grants: EU research funding including ERC Synergy Grant of over 97 million DKK (13 million EUR) for SUBNORDICA project on submerged prehistoric landscapes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Afdeling for Konservering og Naturvidenskab is the conservation and natural-sciences laboratory of Moesgaard Museum, providing artifact conservation (wet/dry conservation, freeze-drying of waterlogged organics, field conservation, storage solutions), natural-science analyses (archaeobotany, dendrochronology, geophysics, osteology, pollen analysis, tephrochronology, zooarchaeology, insect analysis), archaeological IT services (GIS, 3D photogrammetry, databases, digitization), and consulting for building owners on Danish heritage-protection requirements.

Product overview

Moesgaard Museum is a research and exhibition institution offering archaeological and anthropological services through multiple divisions: Verdensarv (World Heritage), Lokal Kulturarv (Local Cultural Heritage), Konservering og Naturvidenskab (Conservation and Natural Sciences), and Arkæologisk IT. Core offerings include conservation services (wet/dry conservation, freeze-drying), natural science analyses (archaeobotany, dendrochronology, geophysics, osteology, pollen analysis, zooarchaeology), archaeological IT services (3D photogrammetry, GIS), and building owner consulting. Public-facing services include world-class exhibitions spanning human evolution to medieval periods, the Moesgaard Junior children's laboratory, Verdenshistorier digital content platform, meeting/conference facilities, and the Moesgaard Erhverv corporate membership program. The museum also conducts research in maritime archaeology, Arabian archaeology, anthropology, and ethnography.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Moesgaard Erhverv: Business membership program offering companies free access to exhibitions, discounts on conference facilities, guided tours, and exposure in the museum's foyer and website.
• Verdenshistorier
• Moesgaard Junior

Products and services

• Konservering (Conservation Services) Wet and dry conservation, freeze-drying of waterlogged organic materials (wood, leather, textiles), field conservation, in-situ preservation, reconstructions, exhibition techniques, storage solutions, and international lending support provided to museums, researchers, and archaeological projects.
• Naturvidenskab (Natural Science Analyses) Specialized scientific analyses including archaeobotany, dendrochronology, geophysics, human osteology, insect analysis, core drilling, material identification, pollen analysis, tephrochronology, wood anatomy, and zooarchaeology for museums, research institutions, and archaeological projects.
• Arkæologisk IT (Archaeological IT Services) IT services for archaeology including GIS and 3D software work, databases, digitization, data analysis, programming, 3D photogrammetry (orthophotos and 3D models), data conversion, illustration work, and 3D animation and documentation for museums, universities, and archaeological projects.
• Rådgivning for Bygherrer (Building Owner Consulting) Archaeological consulting for builders and developers covering heritage-protection law compliance, preliminary investigations, archaeological excavations, archival controls, and guidance on archaeological requirements for construction projects in East Jutland.
• Udstillinger (Museum Exhibitions) World-class exhibitions combining authentic artifacts with immersive, atmospheric worlds covering human evolution, Iron Age, Viking Age, Bronze Age, and medieval periods, alongside special temporary exhibitions such as the Terracotta Army, Pompeii, Neanderthals, and the film exhibition 'Menneske'.
• Foredrag og Guidede Ture (Lectures and Guided Tours) Expert talks, lectures, and guided tours extending the exhibition experience with conversations with museum researchers and scholars for visitors, school groups, and corporate clients.
• Møder og Konferencer (Meetings and Conferences) Meeting and conference facilities with modern equipment including projectors, screens, flip charts. Offers full-day meetings (695 DKK/person), half-day meetings (395 DKK/person), short meetings (295 DKK/person), long Wednesday meetings (1,175 DKK/person), and café meetings (495 DKK/person for 1-4 persons).
• Moesgaard Junior (Children's Laboratory Exhibition) Interactive laboratory exhibition for children aged 6-12 where kids can wear researcher coats, hunt for traces of past humans, explore marine archaeology with submarine simulation, and learn through interactive games about tree rings and pollen.
• Verdenshistorier (World Histories Digital Content) Digital storytelling platform featuring the 'Leth møder Moesgaard' podcast series, videos, and web documentaries exploring world history topics including Stonehenge, Grauballe Man, Danish dolmens, and Celtic history.
• Sommerbio (Summer Cinema) Outdoor film screenings on the museum roof during summer months, featuring classic films under the open sky, including 2025 showings of Frankenstein (2025) and Apocalypto (2006).
• Moesgaard Erhverv (Corporate Membership) Annual corporate membership offering free admission to exhibitions, discounts on meeting facilities, firm cards for two persons, 50 entrance tickets per year, 10% discount on catering and shop purchases, 20% discount on guided tours, invitations to special events, and brand exposure in museum foyer and website.

Quantifiable outcome

• Achieved 78% compliance with Green Attraction criteria (minimum 40% required) in 2024
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature12 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Museernes Grønne Akademi (Museums' Green Academy)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Moesgaard signed the Green Charter for Museums in 2024, committing to annual sustainability reporting, strategic organizational goals, competency development, communication, and ESG reporting. The academy facilitates a network of 40 participating museums and offers tools and courses.
• Det Kongelige Teater (The Royal Danish Theatre)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Six-year agreement (2025-2030) for large-scale outdoor theatrical performances at Moesgaard. Previous productions include Røde Orm (2017), Kong Arthur, Hobbitten, and Ragnarok (2024). Future productions: Snedronningen (2026). Over 200,000 audience members have attended since 2017.
• University of BradfordflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Part of SUBNORDICA project consortium for researching submerged prehistoric settlements. UK partner contributing to international marine archaeology research in Aarhus Bay and North Sea.
• NIHK (Niedersächsisches Institut für Historische Küstenforschung)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023German research institute partner in SUBNORDICA project, contributing to international marine archaeology research in North Sea and North German coastal areas.
• Aarhus Kommune (Aarhus Municipality)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Moesgaard collaborates closely with Aarhus Municipality on sustainability initiatives including Klimaalliancen (2022), KulturxKlima (2023), and Energisprint (2025). Municipality has ambitious CO2 reduction goals of 70% by 2030, and Moesgaard participates in municipal partnerships for sustainable development.
• Aarhus Universitet (Aarhus University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoesgaard shares buildings and offices with Aarhus University's archaeology and anthropology departments. Museum archaeologists collaborate daily with university researchers and students. The museum serves as a research and educational hub for the university.
• Via RitzauminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMoesgaard maintains a newsroom on Via Ritzau platform where journalists can access news releases, press photos, and contact information. Used for press release distribution and media relations.
• Dansk DanseteaterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for contemporary dance performances at Moesgaard, including world premieres like Bloody Moon and When We Break.
• Archaeologisches Landesamt / Schloss AnnettenhöhminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman archaeological institutions collaborating on Danevirke research excavations from 1970-1993.
• Archaeologisches Landesmuseum Schloss GottorfminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman museum collaborating on Danevirke archaeological research in Schleswig region.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet): Roskilde-based museum dedicated to Viking Age maritime archaeology and ship conservation, sharing both Viking Age research focus and freeze-drying / wooden artefact conservation expertise with Moesgaard.
• National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet): Denmark's principal cultural-history museum, covering Danish and international archaeology, ethnography, and history. Closest institutional peer with overlapping mandate, collections, and research profile in Danish archaeology.
• Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet): Stockholm-based maritime archaeology museum presenting a single iconic recovered ship; highly comparable in blockbuster-tourism model, maritime archaeology research, conservation depth, and Nordic cultural-tourism positioning.
• Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Major Danish art museum on the Copenhagen coast with a comparable attendance profile, scenic landscape setting, café/conference/retail mix, and Danish cultural-tourism draw comparable to Moesgaard's.
• Natural History Museum of Denmark (Statens Naturhistoriske Museum): Denmark's natural history research museum at the University of Copenhagen, with overlapping natural-science collections, public exhibitions, and university-affiliated research model similar to Moesgaard.

Regional players

• Historiska museet (Swedish History Museum): Stockholm-based national history and archaeology museum with comparable mandate on Viking Age and prehistoric archaeology, Nordic-region public programming, and conservation research.
• Aarhus City Museum (Den Gamle By): Open-air cultural-history museum in Aarhus, sharing the same Aarhus-region tourism catchment and competing for the same family, school, and corporate visitor base as Moesgaard.
• ARKEN Museum of Modern Art: Danish contemporary-art museum with a similar combination of iconic architecture, temporary blockbuster exhibitions, and integrated corporate/event offerings in the Danish cultural-attraction landscape.
• Museum of Cultural History (Universitetets Kulturhistoriske Museer, Oslo): Norwegian university-affiliated museum covering archaeology, cultural history, and numismatics with a similar research-plus-public-exhibition model, regional Nordic scope, and conservation mandate.

Broad incumbents

• British Museum: Global incumbent operating at vastly larger scale with comparable functions in archaeological research, conservation science, blockbuster temporary exhibitions, and international artifact loans referenced in Moesgaard's programmes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCHDIb824Fpp2OxXD-uVK9hw
• Facebookfacebook.com/MoesgaardMuseum
• Instagraminstagram.com/moesgaard_
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/momuscience

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Afdeling for Konservering og Naturvidenskab - Moesgaard Museum