An attraction celebrating the life of Danish writer, Hans Christian Andersen, has opened to public in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The 260sq m Hans Christian Andersen’s Wonderful World was built by UK-based attractions designer, Rex Studios.

The museum will have 12 themed galleries, combining facts and figures of the author’s life with visual exhibits and characters from his most famous fairy tales.

A visit to the museum begins by entering the poet’s life in 1800’s Denmark, as visitors are met with the sounds of town life and depictions of street scenes of the period.

Visitors will then be guided into Andersen’s world of imagination, where his most popular fairy tales come to life with the use of 3D animatronic figures, audio-visual presentations and special effects.

The tour ends in the Legacy gallery, where a selection of Andersen’s personal items are on display – including an original handwritten manuscript of the fairytale, De Vises Steen (The Philosopher’s Stone).

The construction of the site took around nine months to complete and followed a two years’ of planning.

Bruce Carter, managing director of REX studios, said: “The launch of the experience museum will coincide with Andersen’s 200th birthday in 2005.

“To be awarded the contract to design and build an attraction on the life of a great storyteller is one thing, but to be asked to build it in his hometown to celebrate his bicentenary was an honour.”