Visiting museums is a great way of discovering a new city – especially when there’s something for every taste. Off to the Danish capital? We’ve put together a list of our favourite museums in Copenhagen, taken from our updated Copenhagen guide for iPhones, momondo places. Download it today – for free!
National Gallery of Denmark
New meets old on Sculpture Street at the National Gallery of Denmark @ Karen Søndergaard
Explore more than 700 years of Danish and international art at the National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) – the largest art museum in the country. From Rubens to Abramović – the old masters and contemporary artists are under the same roof. The museum is especially famous for its Danish Golden Age paintings and its ‘French Art 1900-1930’ collection which has several Matisse paintings. X-rummet is the museum’s experimental venue and, twice a year, young Danish and international artists are invited to exhibit here.
The exhibition spaces are spread across two different buildings which date back to 1896 and 1998, and are linked by the glass-roofed Sculpture Street and various footbridges.
Old world meets new world at the National Gallery of Denmark!
Where: Sølvgade 48-50
Tel: +45 33 74 84 94
Getting there: Nørreport Station
Nikolaj Kunsthal
TVs on display at Nikolaj Kunsthal
Located in the former Nikolaj Church just off Strøget – the main artery running through the city centre – Nikolaj Kunsthal is not your typical exhibition space. The art being displayed here is predominantly contemporary and more often than not, the featured works reflect and address current political, social and cultural issues.
If you want to get an idea of what is trending on the experimental art scene internationally, Nikolaj Kunsthal is the place to go. And if you happen to visit during springtime, don’t miss out on their festival FOCUS – a mecca for video art.
Where: Nikolaj Plads 10
Tel: +45 33 18 17 80
Getting there: Kongens Nytorv Station
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is one of the finest Copenhagen attractions
A visit to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a marvellous way to gain new perspectives on art, cultural history and beauty par excellence. The beautiful, old Glyptotek contains a unique collection of paintings, sculptures, archaeological treasures and significant historical symbols, ranging from ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire to Danish and French art from the 19th century.
Through meticulously set up exhibitions, you are guided through centuries of evolving human expression. The beauty on display is underlined by the stylish historical building and the spacious galleries.
Round up with a cup of coffee in their delightful winter garden.
Where: Dantes Plads 7
Tel: +45 33 41 81 41
Getting there: København H Station
Kunstforeningen GL STRAND
Discover the contemporary Danish art scene at Kunstforeningen GL STRAND
Dating back to 1865, Kunstforeningen GL STRAND blends in so well with its quaint surroundings that most Danes pass it daily without taking notice of it and remaining oblivious to the treasures it holds.
GL STRAND is an exhibition hall and modern art institution focusing primarily on contemporary Danish and international art, and providing a much-needed platform for talented newcomers to share their experimental work. GL Strand also hosts events such as debates, literature readings, concerts and visual-arts workshops.
When you’re done wandering through the majestic white halls, make sure you take some time to explore the well-assorted bookshop-cum-café on the first floor. Or, for a moment of tranquility, take your coffee to the cosy courtyard facing one of Strøget’s bustling side streets.
Where: Gl. Strand 48
Tel: + 45 33 36 02 60
Getting there: Kongens Nytorv Station
The David Collection
Scandinavia’s largest Islamic art collection © Pernille Klemp
This is perhaps one of Copenhagen’s best kept secrets. It might not look like much from the outside, but the David Collection (Davids Samling) hosts Scandinavia’s largest collections of Islamic art.
On display are textiles, calligraphy, ceramics, jewellery and miniature paintings from the 7th to the 19th century spanning vast geographical areas, from Spain to China.
Though the art collection from the Islamic world is the most significant here, the museum also offers collections of decorative European 18th century art and early Danish modern art.
Where: Kronprinsessegade 30-32
Tel: +45 33 73 49 49
Getting there: Kongens Nytorv Station
The Cisterns
Go underground at the Cisterns when you visit Copenhagen
At first glance, the two triangular glass constructions protruding from the grounds of Søndermarken resemble more a landing spot for UFOs than a cutting-edge exhibition space.
The Cisterns (Cisternerne) are, quite literally, the go-to spot for underground art. From the left glass pyramid you descend into an eerie subterranean structure that once held millions of litres of drinking water, but has since been repurposed as an alternative exhibition space. Precluding natural light, this ghostly cave was recently illuminated by a series of hanging candelabras dripping with wax (an installation by German artist Christian Lemmerz) that mirrored the organic stalactites and stalagmites growing out of the damp, concrete surroundings.
The Cisterns aren’t open all year round, so make sure to check their website for opening hours prior to the visit.
Where: Søndermarken
Tel: + 45 30 73 80 32
Getting there: Bus 6A at Zoologisk Have bus stop
The National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum is one of the best museums in Copenhagen for kids © Nynne Bojsen Faartoft / Nationalmuseet
Behind the façades of an 18th century palace, you will find a world of cultural treasures and tales of evolution. The National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) holds various collections that span across history: from Ice Age to the 21st century. The clever narration and interesting exhibition forms a solid foundation on which you can discover the ever-changing ways of life throughout history.
The Sun Chariot, the well-preserved remains of the Egtved Girl and the Gundestrup Cauldron are among some of the many highlights not to miss when you visit the museum.
If you are travelling with children, a visit to this museum is a must. Through play and interaction, the children learn how people lived, worked, played and dressed hundreds of years ago. Add to this a small copy of a Viking ship, and you have a guaranteed success.
Where: Ny Vestergade 10
Tel: +45 33 13 44 11
Getting there: København H Station
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Art and serene surroundings blend well at Louisiana
40 km north of Copenhagen is Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, one of Denmark’s finest museums of contemporary art. Its collection includes almost every genre and covers the period from 1945 to present day, featuring works of Giacometti, Warhol, Baselitz and Hockney, just to name a few. In addition to the permanent exhibition, Louisiana has several high-profile exhibitions every year with prominent Danish and international artists.
The museum’s building is a beautiful example of 1950s Danish modernist architecture with discreet, clean lines, set in tranquil surroundings overlooking the Øresund Strait. Take a walk through the adjacent garden, where you’ll stumble upon 60 sculptures, some easier to spot than others.
Where: Gl Strandvej 13
Tel: +45 49 19 07 19
Getting there: Humlebæk Station
