During Denmark’s autumn school break, the Natural History Museum of Denmark invites families to a Danish event and explore powerful female figures in the animal kingdom and meet ‘teddy bear zoologists’ to scientifically classify children’s stuffed animals.
Autumn Break at the Museum Celebrates Female Power in Nature and Science
The Natural History Museum of Denmark, part of the University of Copenhagen and located near the Botanical Garden, is gearing up for a unique and educational autumn break from October 14–20, 2025. In honor of the 150th anniversary of women gaining access to Danish universities, the museum is hosting a special program focused on female dominance in the natural world and the groundbreaking women in science who have changed the course of history. The Danish event is meant to inspire both children and adults.
Throughout the week, families can delve into fascinating animal behaviors through quizzes, storytelling sessions, and interactive exhibits. These activities spotlight species where females rule—like certain insect colonies led by a queen, or seahorses, where females make males pregnant. It’s a journey into nature’s surprising gender roles, designed to educate children and adults alike. Visitors can explore nature while enjoying the Danish event.
Get Your Stuffed Animal Scientifically Classified
On Friday, October 17th, a popular feature returns: the ‘teddy bear zoologists’. Dr. Gjerløff and Dr. Trolle, experts in the fictional taxonomy of plush species, will once again welcome children and their favorite stuffed animals to the museum’s special workshop. Here, each plush toy is given an “official” scientific name and classification, mirroring the taxonomic methods used for real-life animals.
During previous events, observant children and the teddy bear zoologists together have identified imaginary but highly creative new plush species. Discoveries have included the purple three-toed disco sloth (Bradypus disco), the rainbow owl (Bubo polychroma), the sushi seal (Phoca nigiri), and the rare pink wolf-unicorn (Canis unicornilupus purpurata).
This playful Danish event resonates with the museum’s mission to inspire curiosity and respect for living organisms—imaginary or not—and fosters keen observation skills in young visitors. The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 17 and encourages all children to bring their unique, perhaps even undiscovered, plush creatures.
Highlighting Women in Arctic Exploration
The autumn holiday program doesn’t only focus on fictional animals and female-led species—it also shines a light on real women in science. One of the program’s centerpieces is a special presentation about Arnarulunnguaq, the lone female participant in the legendary Fifth Thule Expedition (1921–1924). Traveling across Greenland, Canada, and Alaska all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Arnarulunnguaq played a critical role in the expedition’s success through her deep knowledge of Arctic survival—referred to as “snowhow.”
Despite her central role, her story remained relatively unknown in Denmark until recent years. Greenland has long honored her contribution to scientific exploration, and Denmark will officially recognize her impact by including her image on a new series of national banknotes set to be released in 2028.
This event, led by National Museum researcher Ivalo K.B.F. Olsvig, delves into Arnarulunnguaq’s life, showing how her Arctic expertise ensured the safety of the expedition team and how she contributed actively to scientific work in harsh polar conditions. Her experience exemplifies the resilience and importance of indigenous and female knowledge in shaping natural history research.
Interactive Science Made Fun for All Ages
The Natural History Museum of Denmark aims to bring science to life for visitors of all ages. Through a blend of education and play, the museum’s Danish event provides a space to celebrate female roles in both biology and scientific exploration. Children can immerse themselves in creative learning activities, parents can discover untold stories of overlooked scientific figures, and everyone can walk away with a renewed respect for nature’s diversity and the contributions of women throughout history.
Home to more than 14 million scientific specimens gathered over 400 years, the museum’s rich collections include preserved animals, insects, fossils, and even living plants in the Botanical Garden, making it the national center for natural history research and education in Denmark. With over 8,000 species of plants in its living collections, the museum also connects biological heritage with ongoing scientific discovery.
Whether it’s classifying a cuddly toy, learning about unusual mating habits in nature, or honoring forgotten heroines of science, the autumn holiday week at the Natural History Museum of Denmark promises fun, inspiration, and knowledge for every curious mind.
