Copenhagen is home to a number of world-renowned museums, making it the perfect destination for art and history lovers. From the extensive collection of Danish and Nordic art National Museum, to seeing the crown jewels in the Rosenborg Castle, to exploring the Cisterns in Søndermarken, there are plenty of options for people with all different interests.
With so many incredible museums to choose from, Copenhagen is the perfect place to indulge your passion for art and culture. To help decide which would be the best fit for you, here’s our list of the 13 best museums in Copenhagen.
1) National Museum
The National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen is a must-see for anyone interested in the country’s rich history and culture. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts that span the prehistoric to modern eras, including some of the world’s oldest Nordic artifacts.
Visitors can also see the famous Sun Chariot, a Bronze Age statue of a horse and warrior that is one of Denmark’s most treasured national symbols. In addition to its vast collections, the National Museum of Denmark is also home to a number of interactive exhibits that bring Danish history to life.
From Viking ships and royal thrones to traditional clothing and ancient tools, the National Museum of Denmark offers something for everyone.
2) National Art Gallery
The National Gallery of Denmark, located in Copenhagen, is one of the largest art museums in Scandinavia. The museum houses a collection of Danish and international art from the 14th century to the present day.
Highlights of the collection include paintings by Danish Golden Age artists such as Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg and Jens Juel, as well as works by 19th-century French painters such as Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet. The museum also has a comprehensive selection of modern and contemporary art, with works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko.
In addition to the permanent collection, the National Gallery of Denmark also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can tour the museum on their own or take part in guided tours led by knowledgeable docents. With its wide-ranging collection and variety of programming, the National Gallery of Denmark is a must-see for any art lover visiting Copenhagen.
3) Rungstedlund
Rungstedlund is a beautiful estate located in Copenhagen, Denmark. The estate was once the home of famed Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, and today it houses a museum dedicated to his life and work.
Visitors can explore the rooms where Andersen lived and worked, and see original manuscripts and personal belongings. The museum also features interactive exhibits that bring Andersen’s stories to life. Outside, visitors can stroll through the gardens where Andersen often walked, and admire the view of the nearby lake. Rungstedlund is a must-see for any fan of Hans Christian Andersen’s work.
4) The David Collection
The David Collection is a museum in Copenhagen dedicated to the history of art. The museum is part of the University of Copenhagen and was founded by businessman Carl J. David in 1948.
The museum’s collection includes works from the Islamic world, as well as a wide range of European art from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. The museum is named after its founder, Carl J. David, and is home to a wide range of art from different periods and cultures.
The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, furniture, and ceramics from around the world. The museum also has a library with over 60,000 books and manuscripts. The David Collection is open to the public Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Admission is free for students and children under 18 years old.
5) Cisterns in Søndermarken
Søndermarken, one of Copenhagen’s largest and most popular parks, is home to a hidden gem: a series of six cisterns that were once used to collect rainwater for the city’s baths and toilets.
Today, the cisterns are open to the public, and visitors can descend into the dimly lit chambers to learn about their history. The cisterns were built in the early 1800s as part of a major infrastructure project that also included a new aqueduct and a reservoir.
They remained in use until the mid-20th century, when they were decommissioned and partially filled in. In the 1990s, the city decided to reopen the cisterns as a tourist attraction, and they have been popular with both locals and visitors ever since. The cisterns are now a home to many works of contemporary art in an amazing location. From history to artistry, the cisterns are worth a visit.
6) The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Located on a beautiful stretch of coastline just outside Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of Denmark’s most popular tourist attractions.
The museum is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as a wonderful café and restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the Øresund Strait from the museum’s terraces. Founded in 1958, the Louisiana has been housed in several different buildings over the years, all of which have been designed to showcase the collection in the best possible light.
The current building is particularly striking, with its sweeping lines and glass façade, so whether you’re a fan of art or simply looking for a beautiful place to relax, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is well worth a visit and is definitely one of the best museums in Copenhagen.
7) The Designmuseum Danmark
The Designmuseum Danmark is one of the country’s leading museums for design and architecture. Founded in 1890, it houses an extensive collection of furniture, fashion, ceramics, glassware, metalwork, and textiles from around the world.
The museum also has a library and archives with over 250,000 items, making it a valuable resource for researchers. In addition to its collections, the Designmuseum Danmark regularly organizes exhibitions on various topics related to design and architecture.
These exhibitions often feature works from the museum’s own collection, as well as loans from other institutions. The Designmuseum Danmark is an important institution for those interested in the history and theory of design.
8) Ny Carlsberg Glypotek
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a world-renowned museum located in Copenhagen, Denmark. The museum was founded in 1897 by Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Brewery.
Jacobsen was an avid art collector, and he used his wealth to amassed an impressive collection of works by both Danish and international artists. Today, the Glyptotek houses over 10,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian statues to paintings by Renoir and Degas.
The museum is also home to a beautiful indoor garden, which features a stunning collection of plants and flowers. Visitors to the Glyptotek can explore the museum’s many galleries, or take a relaxing stroll through the gardens. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time at the Glyptotek, it will definitely be one of the best things to do in Copenhagen.
9) The Hirschsprung Collection
The Hirschsprung Collection, located in central Copenhagen, is home to the impressive art collection of Heinrich and Pauline Hirschsprung . The museum is home to an extensive collection of Danish and Nordic art, dating from the 17th century to the present day.
The Hirschsprung Collection is particularly well-known for its paintings by Danish artists such as Anna Ancher, P.S. Krøyer, Vilhelm Hammershøi and Christen Købke. More information about the history of the museum can be found here.
10) Thorvaldsens Museum
Thorvaldsens Museum is a neoclassical museum located on the edge of Copenhagen Harbour in Denmark. The museum was founded in 1848 to house the private collection of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.
Today, the museum houses the largest collection of Thorvaldsen’s work as well as a wide range of other 19th-century Danish and European sculptures. Not only is its impressive collection, but the museum is also notable for its beautiful setting and stunning architecture.
The museum is built around a courtyard which is sheltered by a colonnade of Ionic columns. The entrance hall is decorated with Thorvaldsen’s large relief sculpture of Christ and the Twelve Apostles. The rest of the museum is arranged around a series of interconnected galleries which overlook the courtyard. The light-filled galleries provide a beautiful setting for viewing the sculptures and provide an excellent example of Neoclassical architecture.
11) Ordrupgaard
Ordrupgaard is a stately home located just north of Copenhagen. The estate originally belonged to a wealthy Danish family, but it was opened to the public in 1918.
Today, Ordrupgaard is home to an impressive collection of art, including paintings by French Impressionists such as Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro. Whether you’re a fan of French impressionism or simply looking for a beautiful place to stroll on a sunny day, Ordrupgaard is well worth a visit.
12) Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle is a must-see for anyone visiting Copenhagen. Built in the early 17th century, the castle is a fine example of Renaissance architecture, and it houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts, including the Danish Crown Jewels.
Visitors can explore the castle’s spacious grounds, which feature beautiful gardens and sculptures. The castle also offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the city, and on clear days, visitors can even see the harbor and the nearby islands. With its unique history and stunning setting, Rosenborg Castle is easily one of the best museums in Copenhagen
13) DaNISH WAR MUSEUM
The Danish War Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Denmark’s military conflicts. The museum is located in central Copenhagen, and it houses a collection of artifacts that date back to the 16th century.
The museum’s exhibits range from weaponry and uniforms to personal items belonging to soldiers and civilians. The Danish War Museum also hosts a variety of events and educational programs throughout the year. Visitors can learn about the country’s military history through guided tours, lectures, and hands-on activities.
The museum also has an extensive library that contains both primary and secondary sources on Denmark’s past. By providing access to these resources, the Danish War Museum strives to promote a greater understanding of the country’s role in international conflicts.
Recap of Best Museums in Copenhagen
- National Museum
- National Art Gallery
- Rungstedlund
- The David Collection
- Cisterns in Søndermarken
- The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
- The Designmuseum Danmark
- Ny Carlsberg Glypotek
- The Hirschsprung Collection
- Thorvaldsens Museum
- Ordrupgaard
- Rosenborg Castle
- Danish War Museum
Where to next?
Another great European city that has wonderful art collections and museums is Amsterdam!
Check out iconic landmarks by adding Brussels to your travel list!
For amazing weather, food and culture be sure to check out Madrid or Lisbon!