ARCHAEOLOGY
We will help you through the Museum Act so that your project runs smoothly – and our common cultural heritage is preserved.
Under fields, in forests, behind farms, along cliffs and under the streets of our oldest cities lie hundreds of traces of people who lived here before us. Some can be seen in the landscape as burial mounds, ramparts and churches. Others lie hidden as house sites, old roads, garbage pits, workshops or grave finds – invisible to the naked eye, but invaluable to our understanding of history.
At Museum Sydøstdanmark we work to find, protect and document these traces before they are lost. We have archaeological responsibility in the municipalities of Greve, Solrød, Køge, Faxe, Stevns, Næstved and Vordingborg, and we work closely with developers, citizens and authorities to ensure that cultural heritage is handled correctly and with respect for both the past and the future.
THE MUSEUM ACT - WHY THE MUSEUM MUST BE INVOLVED
When digging in the ground, you risk destroying traces that cannot be recreated. The Museum Act is intended to ensure that significant ancient monuments are registered and examined before they disappear forever.
The intention is not to prevent development – but to ensure that planning, construction and cultural heritage can go hand in hand. Therefore, we always recommend that the museum is contacted in the early planning of a construction or civil engineering project. The earlier the museum is involved, the easier it is to avoid surprises and adapt the project so that both the schedule and the finances can be maintained.
When a developer approaches, the museum first assesses the area based on archival records, previous finds and local knowledge. If we assess that there is a risk of ancient monuments, we recommend an archaeological survey. If the risk is assessed as low, the project can proceed without further involvement from the museum.
Client contact for construction work: sagsbehandling@museerne.dk
FAQ FOR BUILDER
When should I contact the museum?
As early as possible. Preferably already in the planning phase, before the project is finalized. This provides the best opportunity to assess the risk to ancient monuments, ensure a realistic schedule and avoid unforeseen costs.
How much does an archaeological survey cost?
It depends on the size of the area.
• Preliminary studies under 5,000 m² are paid for by the museum.
• Preliminary investigations over 5,000 m² are paid for by the developer.
Special rules apply to medieval urban areas and underwater cultural heritage.
What happens if the museum finds ancient monuments on my property?
If the finds are significant and cannot be preserved, they must be excavated by the museum's archaeologists before construction can continue. This excavation is generally paid for by the client. The museum then prepares a report with the results.
Can archaeological investigations delay my project?
Archaeology takes time, so it is crucial to factor this into the project schedule in advance. The earlier the museum is involved, the better the investigation can be planned, minimizing surprises and allowing the project to run smoothly.
Can the museum completely prevent my construction?
No. The museum cannot stop a project, but has a duty to ensure that significant ancient monuments are registered or investigated before destruction. This may mean changes in schedule or method, but not an actual stop order.
What do I get from an archaeological survey?
In addition to ensuring compliance with the Museum Act, the developer will:
• a cultural history report that provides an easily understandable overview of the results
• possibility for dissemination, events or collaboration, if desired
• positive local visibility – many projects experience great interest in the excavations.
Who do I contact if my project is located in one of the seven municipalities?
Museum Sydøstdanmark is responsible for: Greve, Solrød, Køge, Faxe, Stevns, Næstved and Vordingborg. Regardless of which municipality it is, you should always contact sagsbehandling@museerne.dk
What if discoveries are made during construction?
Stop the work temporarily and contact the museum immediately. If the museum has previously released the area, but finds still turn up, the Danish Agency for Culture will pay for the excavation. The museum will assess the situation and advise on the next steps.
FROM PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION TO EXCAVATION
A preliminary investigation is the best way to get an overview of what the ground holds. It can consist of test excavations or archaeological monitoring in connection with the construction work. The purpose is to find out whether there are significant ancient monuments on the site and whether they should be investigated further.
Preliminary surveys under 5,000 m² are paid for by the museum, while larger preliminary surveys are financed by the developer. Special rules apply in medieval cities and in connection with underwater ancient monuments.
If traces are found that cannot be preserved, an actual archaeological excavation is carried out. This is carried out by the museum's trained archaeologists and is generally financed by the client. Exceptions may occur, for example if the museum has previously released the area without expecting any finds.
When an excavation is completed, a scientific report with full documentation is prepared. We often also prepare a cultural history report – an easy-to-read and illustrated summary of the most important results that can be used by the client and the local area.
ARCHAEOLOGY AS A RESOURCE
Archaeology is not just about protecting the past – it is also about bringing it into play. Results from excavations can strengthen local identity, create new knowledge, inspire communication and contribute to the narrative of the places we live and work in.
Museum Sydøstdanmark is therefore happy to share knowledge through lectures, exhibitions, articles and open-house events at excavations when possible. Many developers choose to incorporate dissemination as part of their project, and this can provide great value for both local communities and the public.