Step into Cirkeline’s enchanting world at the Nivaagaard Collection

See the original Cirkeline drawings

With her red, black-spotted dress and distinctive black hair, Cirkeline has been part of Danish children’s culture for generations. At Nivaagaards Malerisamling, visitors can see a large selection of Hanne Hastrup’s original drawings and explore Cirkeline’s poetic, nature-filled and imaginative world.

The exhibition extends beyond the drawings. An integrated creative workshop invites visitors to get creative themselves, while a nature school in the museum park brings some of the stories’ encounters with nature into the surrounding landscape.

From a small circle to Cirkeline

Cirkeline’s story began at the drawing table. At the age of 17, Hanne Hastrup made a series of small doodles during a lesson at art school. The character was initially called Oline, but when the letter O became a circle, the name Cirkeline was born.

Later, the little character reappeared on the artist’s drawing table – this time in a matchbox. From there grew the universe that would become familiar through both books and animated films.

Cirkeline’s world was created near Nivå

There is a special local connection between Cirkeline and Nivaagaards Malerisamling. In 1962, Hanne Hastrup and Jannik Hastrup moved to a smallholding on Hesselrødvej near Karlebo, not far from the museum.

The lush countryside surrounding their home became part of Cirkeline’s world. In the stories, she leaves the drawing table and ventures through the window, where adventures await. Along the way, she is joined by her mouse friends Frederik and Ingolf. Together, they explore their surroundings, tackle everyday challenges and encounter the wider world.

Discover a much-loved Danish children’s character

The first animated films featuring Cirkeline were created by Jannik Hastrup, based on Hanne Hastrup’s drawings and scripts. Books and feature films followed, and Cirkeline became a character encountered by generations of children and adults.

With Cirkeline’s Birthday, Nivaagaards Malerisamling invites visitors to discover the original artwork behind the familiar character and immerse themselves in Cirkeline’s world at the museum.