If you’re into art, design, architecture, and food, Copenhagen is the place for you. The city hosts numerous world-class museums ranging from prestigious institutes with large art collections to new, niche museums for installation art. In addition to the art they house, the galleries are destinations in and of themselves, complete with gorgeous architecture and top-notch cafes.
Get ready to explore the art, design, and food of Copenhagen through the city’s best museums.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Best for Modern Art and a Must-Do Experience
Often referred to as one of the best art museums in the world, the Louisiana should definitely be on your list when in Copenhagen. Louisiana offers a unique (and photo-worthy!) experience in various ways. Its location just half an hour north of the city along the coastline boasts gorgeous ocean views, alongside its stunning architecture. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions, a mesmerizing sculpture park, a museum shop with handpicked Danish design items, and a delicious restaurant.
The art collection boasts more than 4,500 pieces from great impressionists and expressionists, including Monet, Sezane, Giacometti, Kusama, and Miró. Additionally, it features thought-provoking temporary collections by artists such as Arthur Jafa and Lauren Greenfield.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Best for an Oasis in the Middle of the City
The art, the palm tree garden, the sculptures, the rooftop, the museum shop, and cafe – the Glyptotek has it all. Originally established by Carl Jacobsen, brewing magnate of Carlsberg, as a place to showcase his private collection for the public, Glyptotek has become the destination for experiencing a world-class collection of art in beautiful surroundings.
The collection holds ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures set in grand rooms with columns, tiled floors, and ornamented ceilings, as well as painting collections that date back to the Danish Golden Age and French Impressionism. The center of the museum features the Winter Garden, a sprawling space with palm trees and a glass dome – a perfect Instagram backdrop.
A great insider tip: if you visit Glyptotek on Tuesdays, entry is free.
Danish Architecture Center (DAC): Best for Architecture
In 2018, the Danish Architecture Center opened its doors to a new museum in the stunning building, Blox, an architectural gem. The museum explores how architecture and design influence our lives.
The museum is designed for both kids and adults, and for those seeking a thrill, you can slide through the museum or try some virtual reality experiences. Don’t miss the rooftop, which provides spectacular views of the city and its harbor.
Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK): Best for Kids, Art, Architecture, and Pancakes
The Statens Museum for Kunst is the National Gallery of Denmark and the largest museum in the country. It boasts a vast collection of Danish and European art pieces ranging from the 14th century to modern day. The architecture is striking; the original building is over 100 years old and is connected by a glass-covered street to a more modern building, creating a tangible transition from old to new.
This museum is particularly great for kids, as there is a dedicated area for playing and creating art. Additionally, you should visit SMK for its cafe, Kafeteria, run by the renowned chef Frederik Bille Brahe, offering fluffy pancakes, fresh seasonal dishes, baked goods, and excellent coffee.
Nationalmuseet: Best for Danish History
If you’re interested in Denmark’s history from prehistoric times to the present day, the National Museum of Denmark is the place to go. The museum showcases several engaging exhibitions, including one on Inuit history and one on Viking culture, alongside remarkable artifacts like the Sun Chariot from the Bronze Age. Don’t miss the chance to view the Egtved Girl’s grave, the bog-preserved body of a woman buried almost 3,500 years ago, unearthed in 1921.
This museum is also a fantastic place for children, offering fun and interactive ways to learn about and explore Danish history. Youngsters can prepare medieval food or even participate in a Viking raid.
Design Museum: Best for Interior and Design Lovers
At Design Museum, visitors can explore an impressive collection inside a beautiful 18th-century Rococo building situated in the city center. The permanent collection provides insight into Danish design through influential pieces, featuring exhibitions by renowned artists and architects such as Arne Jacobsen, Kaare Klint, and Hans Wegner. The museum also offers a delightful cafe with Danish lunch bites (like traditional smørrebrød!), fresh coffee, and tasty cakes, along with a charming garden ideal for a restful break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Copenhagen Contemporary: Best for Installation Art
Copenhagen’s most innovative museum is undoubtedly Copenhagen Contemporary, an international art center located in the trendy neighborhood of Refshaleøen in a former B&W welding hall. This museum showcases installation art by both world-renowned and emerging artists set within the stunning, high-ceiling industrial space.
Since its opening in 2016, the museum has hosted exhibitions showcasing notable artists such as Yoko Ono, Pierre Huyghe, and Superflex, among others. Be sure to visit the museum’s cafe, Connie-Connie, featuring its award-winning interior, where furniture designed by 25 different artists creates a unique seating experience. The cafe menu includes natural wines, line-caught fish, and baked goods. After enjoying the art at Copenhagen Contemporary, take time to explore the vibrant surrounding neighborhood.
