The Sound Duty was collected on and off between 1429 and 1857 and was one of Denmark's most important sources of income as well as a major cause of local prosperity in Helsingør.

The ground floor of the building contains a Ship-chandler with Denmark's oldest surviving shop interior.

In 2000, the property was acquired by Bjarne Rasmussen who renovated the upper floors and made them available to the museum.

[1] The ship's chandler feature much of its original furniture and fittings as well as artifacts from similar establishments in Helsingør.

The upper floor contained lodging for captains that waited for their papers to be ready and favourable winds for onwards voyage.