Best art museums in Copenhagen: discovering the city's artistic wonders

Copenhagen is a city with a strong foundation in art and design. It is known for its blend of historic charm and modern flair, with its unique architecture, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. It is also home to some of the best art museums in Copenhagen, attracting art lovers from all over the world to explore and experience its diverse offerings.

The art scene in Copenhagen is as diverse as it is impressive. With a wide array of museums and art galleries in Copenhagen catering to all tastes and interests, it is an art lover's dream. From contemporary art spaces to traditional galleries, art in Copenhagen is a palpable part of the city's identity. This guide will take you through a curated list of Copenhagen's best museums and galleries, offering insight into the city's cultural heart and soul.

Best art museums in Copenhagen

1. The National Gallery of Denmark

The National Gallery of Denmark is a museum that houses a vast collection of Danish and international art dating back 700 years. It is the country's main museum for visual arts and a must-see for art lovers.

Highlights:

Head out to the museum on the City Card with 40+ Attractions and Sightseeing Bus and enjoy many other attractions along the way.

Address and opening hours:

Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København K, Denmark. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Open until 8:00 PM on Tuesdays.

2. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

At the heart of Copenhagen, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek displays an eclectic mix of ancient and modern art. Founded by the Carlsberg brewing family, the museum offers an intimate art experience. The museum is also a perfect location to discover Copenhagen food and other unmissable landmarks in Copenhagen.

Highlights:

Take the Danish Folk Legends Self-Guided Walking Tour for a full taste of authentic Danish culture along with your visit to the Glyptotek.

Address and opening hours:

Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København, Denmark. Open daily — except Monday — 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays.

3. The Kunsthal Charlottenborg

Kunsthal Charlottenborg is one of the largest and most beautiful exhibition spaces for contemporary art in Northern Europe. It presents an ambitious program of exhibitions that reflects the latest trends in the art world.

Highlights:

Entry to Kunsthal Charlottenborg is free after 5:00 PM on Wednesdays.

Address and opening hours:
Kongens Nytorv 1, 1050 København, Denmark. Open 12:00 PM-8:00 PM, Tuesday-Friday. Open 11:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday.

4. The Arken Museum of Modern Art

The Arken Museum of Modern Art, located in Ishøj, south of Copenhagen, houses an impressive collection of contemporary art by Danish, Nordic, and international artists. The museum's architecture, which is designed to resemble a ship, is as captivating as the art inside.

Highlights:

Get the Copenhagen Card-Discover: 80+ Attractions & Public Transport and make a day of it.

Address and opening hours:

Skovvej 100, 2635 Ishøj, Denmark. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays.

5. The Royal Cast Collection

The Royal Cast Collection is a part of the National Gallery of Denmark. It contains over 2,000 plaster casts of statues and reliefs from collections, museums, temples, churches, and public spaces throughout history and the world.

Highlights:

Get up close to casts of famous works like Michelangelo’s David and see a replica of the entire frieze from the Parthenon in Athens.

Address:

Vestindisk Pakhus, Toldbodgade 40, 1253 København, Denmark.

6. The David Collection

The David Collection is a small museum in the center of Copenhagen. It houses a wide range of Islamic art, European art, and early modern Danish art, all of which were collected by C. L. David, a well-known Danish lawyer. Entrance to collections and exhibitions is always free.

Highlights:

Explore the comprehensive collection of Islamic art, which is one of the largest in Northern Europe, spanning a period from the 8th to the 19th century.

Address and opening hours:

Kronprinsessegade 30, 1306 København, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, except Mondays. Stays open until 9:00 PM on Wednesdays.

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7. The Danish Architecture Center

A Danish Architecture Center Entrance Ticket gets you into the primary gathering spot for all who have an interest in new architecture, urban development, and innovation. The museum offers an immersive exploration of Danish architecture through exhibitions, tours, and events.

Highlights:

Take part in one of their interactive architecture tours to get a unique perspective of Copenhagen's architectural landmarks.

Address and opening hours:

Bryghusgade 10, 1473 København, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays.

Alternative museums in Copenhagen

8. Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle, a 17th-century construction by one of Scandinavia's best-known kings, Christian IV, is now a museum housing royal artifacts and the Danish Crown Jewels. The castle itself is a stunning example of Dutch Renaissance architecture.

Highlights:

Take part in the 3-Hour City Tour with Rosenborg Castle Ticket and enjoy the castle with your own private tour.

Address and opening hours:

Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

9. The Danish Resistance Museum

The Museum of Danish Resistance Entrance Ticket provides you with a great deal of history to enjoy. The museum recounts the story of Danish resistance during World War II. Through immersive exhibits, the museum vividly depicts the hardships endured and the courage shown by the Danes during this difficult time.

Highlights:

Be sure to check out the authentic printing press that was used to print underground newspapers during World War II.

Address and opening hours:

Esplanaden 13, 1263 København, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

10. The Danish Jewish Museum

The Danish Jewish Museum, housed in the former Royal Boathouse, chronicles the history of Danish Jews from the seventeenth century onwards. Witness the history of the Jewish community in Denmark, from its early days as a small group of merchants.

Highlights:

Absorb the history of the Jewish community at your own pace with a Self-Guided Audio Tour.

Address and opening hours:

Proviantpassagen 6, 1218 København, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, except Mondays.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Copenhagen?

The National Gallery of Denmark offers free admission on Wednesdays, and the David Collection is always free. It is always best to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Copenhagen?

The Cisterns, a former water reservoir converted into an art venue, and The Round Tower, with its art exhibitions and panoramic views, are worth seeing. The Medical Museum offers a different perspective, with a focus on the history of medicine. The Post & Tele Museum also provides an interesting look at the evolution of communication. This Art and Culture revealed by a Local guided tour will give you insight into the art scene of Copenhagen.

Which art museums in Copenhagen have works by famous artists?

The National Gallery of Denmark showcases paintings by Picasso, Matisse, and Rembrandt. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek has a vast collection of Rodin sculptures. Arken Museum of Modern Art is known for its collection of works by contemporary artists like Damien Hirst and Anselm Reyle.

Are the art museums in Copenhagen wheelchair accessible?

The majority of art museums in Copenhagen are accessible to wheelchair users. These include the National Gallery of Denmark, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, and the Design Museum of Denmark. However, it is recommended to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for specific information on accessibility.

Are there any art museums in Copenhagen that are suitable for children and families?

The National Gallery of Denmark has a great children's workshop. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art has a children's wing with workshops and exhibitions for younger audiences. The Workers Museum also has interactive exhibits that are suitable for children.