For a small city, Copenhagen sure has a lot of great museums. No matter where your interests lie, there’s something for you. Though Copenhagen also has many quirky museums and attractions, here are the places we love to get lost for an afternoon (or whole day) and learn something new. And thankfully, these museums are all perfect for English speakers like ourselves.
These are the Copenhagen museums you won’t want to miss for the best in history, culture and art:
Statens Museum for Kunst – National Gallery of Denmark
This is Denmark’s national art museum and is a great place to start if you’re looking to explore Scandinavian art like Danish painter Wilhelm Hammershøi. There are also wonderful permanent collections of European art, including works from Les Fauves & the Impressionists as well as fabulous contemporary work. The permanent collections are always free and exhibitions usually run between 50 and 110 DKK. I suggest checking their calendar, as they often have events and lectures on, including events for children. If you go often, the year membership card (årskort) is a real steal for 185 DKK: enter all exhibitions for free, get discounts at the museum shop & cafe, plus bring a friend on Wednesdays!
Sølvgade 48-50
1307 København K
Opening Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am – 8.00pm
Monday: Closed
www.smk.dk
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
What a beautiful place. Founded on the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen of the Carlsburg Brewery, the museum was intended to bring international art and culture to Copenhagen. It’s a mission the museum continues to fulfill, with permanent collections of Danish, French and Mediterranean art & sculpture. Rotating exhibitions cover everything from contemporary to ancient works. The museum is free for all on Tuesdays, has a wonderful courtyard and cafe, and a fantastic hidden garden. A gem in the center of the city!
Dantes Plads 7
1556 København V
Opening Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – Sunday: 11.00am – 6.00pm
Thursday: 11.00am – 10.00pm
Monday: Closed
www.glyptoteket.dk
Arbejdermuseet – Worker’s Museum
A small museum with a lot to share. This is a great overview of the social history of workers in Denmark, as well as the political struggle of the labor movement and why labor functions as it does today. Fascinating and important information. The small, cosy cafe attached to the museum is a great place for a refuel after taking it all in.
Rømersgade 22
1362 København K
Opening Hours:
Every day: 10.00am – 4.00pm
www.arbejdermuseet.dk
Medicinsk Museion – Medical Museum
Not your average museum and not for the faint of heart – this University of Copenhagen space showcases the social history of medicine in Denmark. There’s a lot of information, wonderful visual aids and I highly recommend the tour; they’re in either Danish or English and can be booked ahead. Those with dentist-phobias, be warned: there’s an exhibit upstairs displaying old-fashioned dentistry tools that is both fascinating and terrifying.
Bredgade 62
1310 København K
Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday 12.00pm – 4.00pm
www.museion.ku.dk
Designmuseum Denmark – Danish Museum of Art & Design
So many beautiful design items in one place, we hardly know what to do with ourselves when we’re there. Permanent collections that include historic Danish furniture (!) as well as rotating exhibitions that approach design from a cultural, historical, social and (of course) aesthetic point of view. If you’re a student or under 26, entrance is free.
Bredgade 68
1260 København K
Opening Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday: 11.00am – 5.00pm
Wednesday: 11.00am – 9.00pm
Monday: Closed
www.designmuseum.dk
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Okay, it’s not in Copenhagen exactly, but we couldn’t make a museum list without including this one. Once you’ve visited, you’ll understand why. The gorgeous grounds that look out onto the sea and the simple, beautiful architecture are what you’ll notice before you even get inside. Both the permanent collections (hello Giacometti room!) and the exhibitions are inspiring; there’s always something well-curated and thought-provoking around the corner. To get here from Copenhagen, take the regional train from Nørreport or Hovedbånegarden to Humlebæk Station (about 35 minutes). There are clear signs at the station to lead you to the museum, which is approximately 10 minutes by foot.
www.louisiana.dk
Gl Strandvej 13
3050 Humlebæk
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 11.00am – 10.00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11.00am – 6.00pm
Monday: Closed
www.louisiana.dk
Honorable Mentions
- Thorvaldsens Museum
- Natural History Museum
- The David Collection
- The Danish Jewish Museum
- The Hirschsprung Museum
- Ordrupgaard
Copenhagen Museums Open on Mondays
Unfortunately, most Copenhagen museums are closed on Mondays. The only real exception is The Worker’s Museum (Arbejdermuseet), which is open in the city center from 10am to 4pm. Other Copenhagen attractions like the zoo, the aquarium, and the experimentarium are also open. Or, if you want to live like a local, check out our Copenhagen monthly event calendar.
Expert Tip
Present a ticket from any of the following museums:
The Danish Jewish Museum, The Royal Stables, The Royal Library – The Black Diamond, The Theatre Museum in The Court Theatre, Thorvaldsens Museum, Christiansborg Palace…
…and receive a 10% discount at The Royal Smushi Cafe, Perch’s Tea Room, Konditori Antoinette & Funder – Bibliotekshaven.
Did we miss your favorite museum? Let us know about it!