You’d be forgiven for thinking there’s an art gallery on every corner of Copenhagen; it’s (almost) true! There’s a lot of them. Happily, there’s also a lot of very good art galleries, whether you’re more interested in contemporary sculpture or experimental design.
Expert tip: if you love galleries and want to find out in advance about gallery openings, sign up for the gallery newsletters! You’ll often (not always) get information about opening parties and special showings.
Here are the best art galleries in Copenhagen, perfect for an inspirational afternoon stroll or for those looking to purchase their next piece of art:
Galleri Nicolai Wallner
Opened in 1993, Galleri Nicolai Wallner was launched with the idea that a gallery should support an artist throughout their entire career. Many renowned local artists have started – and continue – their careers at Nicolai Wallner. In 2017, the gallery moved to its current building, tucked away in Nordvest. If you’re not typically in the area, you should still check it out – the gallery space is really special, and Nikolai Wallner has a special eye for the next big contemporary artist.
Galleri Nicolai Wallner
Glentevej 47 – 49
2400 Copenhagen NV
Opening Hours:
Tues – Fri 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat 11:00 – 3:00 pm
Sun Closedd
Nils Stærk
No, you’re not seeing double: the address for Nils Stærk and Galleri Nicolai Wallner are the same! They are separate buildings located in the same area, which is a reubilt-industrial spot in the Nordvest neighborhood. While you’re at one, why not check out the other? The Nils Stærk space is large and minimalist, taking advantage of the old industrial set-up.
Artists exhibiting at Nils Stærk work in a number of mediums. They are both local and international, and tend to be mid-career artists with highly-sought after work.
Nils Stærk
Glentevej 49
2400 Copenhagen
Opening Hours:
Tues – Fri 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat 11:00 – 3:00 pm
Sun Closedd
Etage Projects
Design, art, or a bit of both? Etage Projects, founded by Maria Foerlev, sits at the centre of the art vs. design venn diagram, and stages shows that focus on a cross-aesthetic method. Sometimes the shows are highly conceptual, sometimes simply solo artists, but they’re always colorful and engaging.
Etage Projects
Borgergade 15E
DK – 1300 Copenhagen
Opening Hours:
Tues – Fri 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Sat 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Sun & Mon Closed
Von Bartha Gallery
The first international outpost of the Basel-based Von Bartha Gallery, Von Bartha is housed in an old lighthouse in Carlsberg Byen. It’s worth visiting for the building alone! Luckily, their shows are absolutely wonderful, highlighting well-known international artists. There is a small outdoor courtyard in which sculptural works are also exhibited.
Von Bartha Gallery
Pasteursvej 8
1799 Copenhagen V
Opening Hours:
Weds – Fri 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sun Closed
Can Family
Can Family is…hard to explain. But that’s what makes it great. The gallery space, which is also a world-class record store, showcases the work of Can Family. Founded by Martin and Stine, and including their two children Sofia and Ida, Can Family is a blend of paintings, ceramics, and other small art items. They have a range of art prints for sale, so if you’d love to buy art but aren’t ready to spend money on originals, Can Family is a great option.
Can Family
Tullinsgade 5
1618 Copenhagen V
Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 5:30 pm
Sun Closed
Bricks Gallery
Founded in 2019 by Morten Halborg-Møller, Bricks Gallery is located in the fun and buzzy neighborhood of Nørrebro, on a street that has everything from cafes to secondhand stores and more. The gallery works with both emerging and mid-career artists, focusing on contemporary art in a wide range of mediums. It’s a small space, but there’s always something fascinating to see.
See something you like but the price tag is too high? Bricks Gallery’s sister shop, Limited Works, just down the road, makes a selection of art prints of the gallery’s artists!
Bricks Gallery
Blågårdsgade 11B
2200 København N
Opening Hours:
Wed – Fri 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Sat 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun Closed
And by appointment
V1 Gallery
Located in the meatpacking district in Vesterbro, V1 Gallery is a bright, airy space that sees “art as a profound and competent media for social discourse.” The gallery represents emerging and mid-career artists, both local and international, in a variety of mediums.
V1 Gallery
Flæsketorvet 69-71
1711 Copenhagen V
Opening Hours:
Martin Asbæk Gallery
This three-floor gallery in central Copenhagen represents both international and Nordic artists. They are well known as one of the best photo galleries in the region, so those interested in photo art will definitely want to check them out.
This is one of a number of galleries on Bredgade, so if you’re interested in an art walk, this is the place to do it. Designmuseum Danmark and Medecinsk Musieon (the medical history museum) are also on the street.
Martin Asbæk Gallery
Bredgade 23
1260 Copenhagen
Denmark
Opening Hours:
Tues – Fri 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Sat 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun & Mon Closed
Outpost Gallery
The teeniest little gallery you’ve ever seen, and somehow they always have something intriguing and wonderful on display. It will first meet your eye through those enormous storefront windows, drawing you in. Mixed media, local and international artists, and a very playful, contemporary outlook; Outpost is like walking into a little artsy chocolate box!
Outpost Gallery
Store Kongensgade 75
1264 Copenhagen K
Opening Hours:
“Always and almost never open, or by appointment”
Want more art in Copenhagen? Check out the best museums in Copenhagen. For more in-depth interviews with artists from across Scandinavia, see our series Artist Spotlight.