Plan an Artful Day Out Around Copenhagen | What’s on and How to Get Tickets

Current Exhibitions and Entrance Rules for Art Museums in and around the Danish Capital

From classics to contemporary, there are plenty of places for you to peruse Denmark’s impressive collection of art. With a rich cultural history and artistic legacy of its own, in these institutions you’ll find Danish artists as well as those of international acclaim. But what are the rules to book tickets to get inside?

Beginning on April 21, 2021 – all of the museums and cultural institutions in Denmark have been allowed to re-open within current government guidelines. Each facility listed here has incorporated the latest recommended health measures to ensure all visitors and staff stay safe and protected.

Face masks will be required inside at all times for all visitors over the age of 12 unless seated in the institution’s restaurant or cafe. Special exemptions for mask use may be applied on an individual basis – check coronasmitte.dk for more information. Use of hand sanitizer, hand washing, and keeping a safe distance from others is still encouraged.

Table of Contents
    Coronapas | Covid Passports required

    To enter a museum here, all visitors over the age of 15 must present a valid Covid certificate – called a coronapas or “corona passport” in Denmark. A valid pass will show one of the following:

    a) Proof of a negative Covid-19 test (antigen/rapid or PCR), taken no more than 72 hours prior to your arrival.

    b) Proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The final vaccination dose must have been administered at least two weeks prior to the day of your visit.

    c) Proof of previous Covid-19 infection – in the form of a positive Covid-19 test which is between two weeks and 180 days old on the day of your arrival.

    How to show proof: Residents of Denmark can download MinSundhed app. Or you can just show a screen shot of your negative result on your phone. As international visitors are once again welcomed back inside Danish borders, I’ll update on how you can show proof. Soon EU and Schengen area residents, with their own forms of Corona passport will be allowed to visit.

    REMEMBER ID: When presenting your Covid certificate, you must also present personal ID in the form of a passport, driving license, health insurance card or other means of identification issued by a public authority.

    Note: This post is current as of May 14, 2021, always double-check each museum’s website to ensure the most up-to-date ticketing and entry rules.


    Art Museums in Copenhagen proper

    Now with all the formalities out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff. What you’ll get to see once you’ve jumped through all those hoops to get inside. There are some impressive exhibits on at the moment and in my opinion, it’s more than worth a swab up your nose. I’ve listed them in alphabetical order and grouped by institutions in the city and those a little further afield.

    Use the Table of Contents above to hop directly to the museum you choose for current information regarding open days, hours, ticket prices, and booking process. I’ve included tidbits about dining if available on-site. There are some truly tasty options in many of these museums. But first, let’s go see some art.

    Copenhagen Contemporary

    Refshalevej 173A, 1432 København

    Tucked in an industrial corner of Copenhagen’s newest cultural district known as Reffen – Copenhagen Contemporary is a unique warehouse space of rotating exhibits by present-day Danish and international artists. Families welcome and littles will love getting their hands dirty creating in the CC studio upstairs.

    Opening hours

    Wednesday – Sunday: 11 – 18
    Thursday: 11 – 21
    Monday – Tuesday : Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 100 DKK
    Student/Senior/Group: 65 DKK
    Under 18: Free
    (Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult)

    Pre-booked tickets or time slots not required at Copenhagen Contemporary.

    FOOD: CC Kiosk offers drinks, sandwiches, wraps and snacks to enjoy at picnic tables outside. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the museum’s common room. Or plan a stop at nearby Reffen, Copenhagen street food – a perfect day out.

    Current Exhibitions at Copenhagen Contemporary
    • The Art of Sport | ends 24 October 2021

    A colorful and boundary pushing curation of works focusing on how sport impacts culture and vice versa. Who defines sport, how it is portrayed and who is allowed to win all ideas worth pondering. Kids will love sitting in the giant inflatable Nike sneaker.

    “Leatherboys” by Louka Anargyros, 2018, Ceramics and paint
    • Short Story | ends 24 October 2021

    Danish and Norwegian duo Elmgreen & Dragset take an entire hall to share a life-sized moment in time in the form of a tennis court. What do the figures tell you about what happened here?

    “Short Story,” by Elmgreen & Dragset, 2020
    • I am not what you see | ends 5 September 2021

    A large scale installation of four works built specifically for this space by artist Lilibeth Cuenca Rasmussen. The exhibit explores the idea of the nomadic lifestyle and transportability of their homes.

    Part of “I am not what you see,” Lilibeth Cuenca Rasmussen, 2021
    • El barco de barro (The Clay Ship) | extended through 1 August 2021

    In the CC Studio upstairs, visitors are encouraged to sit, create and contribute to Argentinian artist Sol Calero’s bright and happy installation. Get your hands working with a chunk of clay to mould and paint. Once fired, the pieces will be placed in the space by subsequent visitors in one large scale community piece.

    Visitor made clay pieces placed around “El barco de barro, The Clay Ship,” Sol Calero, 2020

    Cisternerne | Cisterns in Søndermarken

    Bag Søndermarken, 2000 Frederiksberg

    Underneath the lovely and green leafy park of Søndermarken in Copenhagen’s sister neighborhood Frederiksberg, is one of the most unique art spaces in the city. Step down into the historic water reservoir, where the walls are still wet and calcifications drip only adding any exhibition set inside. Bring a sweater even in summer weather, as it is a little dank down underground.

    Opening hours

    Tuesday – Sunday : 11 – 18
    Thursday : 11 – 20
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 125 DKK
    Under 18: 60 DKK
    Museum Pass for the Frederiksberg Museums: 145 DKK

    Due to the nature of the exhibition which is experienced by small boats, time-slotted tickets must be pre-booked online. Each boat can carry four participants at a time. Plan on about 45 minutes for the exhibit.

    FOOD: Not available on site, but plenty of space for a picnic at the nearby park.

    Entrance to the Cisternerne in Søndermarken Park, Frederiksberg
    Current exhibition at Cisternerne

    Event Horizon by Tomás Saraceno – on through 30 November 2021

    Have you ever been through a museum in a boat? Last year’s engrossing exhibit, Event Horizon by Argentian artist, Tomás Saraceno has been extended so more can be immersed in this otherworldly experience. Step down in your personal (sanitized) boat and row your way through the arches to discover the art. Not scary, but parts in between can be dark if you have littles along. It is truly cool and I can highly recommend.

    Event Horizon, Tomás Saraceno, 2020

    You can read more about this remarkable space and a previous exhibition by Danish artist Jeppe Hein in my post below.

    READ MORE: Step Inside the Cisterns | An Under Ground Art Space in Copenhagen
    WATCH MORE: DAY OUT IN DENMARK | EXPLORE FREDERIKSBERG

    Danish Architecture Center | DAC

    Bryghusgade 10, 1473 København

    Inside the green glass BLOX building sitting on the main Copenhagen canal, is the home of the Danish Architecture Center. Here you’ll find interactive and family-friendly exhibitions that focus on Denmark’s rich architectural heritage. Don’t miss the three-story slide and rainbow stairs.

    Opening hours

    All days: 10 – 18
    Thursday: 10 – 21

    Entry prices

    Adults: 95 DKK
    Students: 70 DKK
    Young people (18-25): 50 DKK
    Under 18: Free

    It is recommended to purchase tickets online prior to your visit, but can be bought with a card at the museum. No cash. And no time-slotted entries required.

    FOOD: Enjoy the view over the Copenhagen harbor from the upstairs café or outside on the terraces. Lunch options include vegan and vegetarian options, best to book a table ahead. Coffee, light breakfast and lunch options available on the street level cafe, where no tickets are required.

    Current Exhibitions on at DAC
    • Backstage | ends 3 October 2021

    Learn the background behind some of Denmark’s most famous facades.

    • Hello Denmark | ends August 29, 2021

    Dive into how Denmark’s city planning and architecture helps residents find the good life from hygge and happiness to connections with nature.

    • SAS Royal Hotel, A love story | ends 24 October 2021

    Celebrate the history and man behind world’s first design hotel – a masterpiece by Danish icon Arne Jacobsen.

    • Understanding the impact of architecture | ends 26 September 2021

    Works by artist John Kørner explores the effects of urbanization and how buildings themselves influence our connection with the outdoors.

    SAS Royal Hotel, Arne Jacobsen, 1960, Copenhagen Denmark

    Den Hirschsprungske Samling | Hirschsprung Collection

    Stockholmsgade 20, 2100 København

    Set in Østerbro’s lovely Østre Anlæg a stone’s throw from the larger SMK/National Gallery is the cozy and classic Hirschsprung Collection. Here you’ll find the private collection of Danish tobacco magnate Heinrich Hirschsprung and his wife Pauline. On the walls, you’ll find hundreds of 19th and 20th-century Danish paintings and sculptures. See examples from the Skagen school painters as well as other popular Danish artists such as Anna Archer and Vilhelm Hammershøi. No food is available on site.

    Opening hours

    Tuesday – Sunday: 10 – 18
    Wednesday: 10 – 20
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 95 DKK
    1 adult + 1 child: 80 DKK
    18 – 26 years: 75 DKK
    Under 18: Free
    The park museums’ joint ticket: DKK 245.

    Pre-booked tickets for a specific time slot are required before arriving at the Hirschsprung Collection. You can do so online here.

    GOOD TO KNOW: The Hirschsprung Collection is part of the greater Park Museum group (Parkmuseerne) that includes The David Collection, the Hirschsprung Collection, the Workers Museum, Rosenborg Castle, SMK – National Gallery of Denmark, and the Natural History Museum of Denmark. You can purchase a group ticket for a one-time visit to all 6 museums, valid for one year.

    Current exhibitions
    Entrance to Hirschsprung Collection

    GL STRAND |The Art Society Gammel Strand

    Gammel Strand 48, 1202 København

    Opening hours

    Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 – 18
    Wednesday: 11 – 20
    Saturday – Sunday: 11 – 17
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 85 DKK
    Students/Seniors: 75 DKK
    Under 16: Free

    No pre-booked tickets or timeslots required. Entry can be purchased with presentation of coronapas at the museum.

    Current exhibitions

    Glyptoteket

    Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København

    A fixture of fine art, the Glyptoteket has been an oasis in the city since 1888. Founded by Carl Jacobsen, of the famous beer-brewing family Carlsberg, the historic building contains works that span history. You’ll find classisk sculptures from the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians in the Antiquities sections and a fine collection of French art. Don’t miss the exquisite tiled mosaic floors and the lush indoor winter garden.

    Opening hours

    Tuesday – Sunday: 10 – 17
    Thursday: 10 – 21
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 115 DKK
    Under 27/students with a valid Student ID: 85 DKK
    Under 18: Free
    Season Ticket: Free
    Tuesday: Free for all

    NOTE: Glyptoteket requires pre-booked tickets and time slots to safely enjoy the museum and exhibitions. You can do so here.

    FOOD: The museum café – Picnic – offers delicious food with tables under the epic palms in the winter garden. Reservations are recommended. Vegan and vegetarian options available.

    READ MORE ABOUT THE MUSEUM HERE: SCULPTURE AND CULTURE AT COPENHAGEN’S GLYPTOTEKET
    Sculpture & Culture in Copenhagen at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket Museum | See it for Free | Oregon Girl Around the World
    Current exhibitions at Glyptoteket

    Hurry to see this exhibit before it closes this Sunday. A curation of the French artist’s work from his time in Tahiti that includes pieces from the Glyptoteket’s own collection and the Musée D’Orsay in Paris.

    The Museum’s founder, Danish beer magnate Carl Jacobsen has amassed an impressive collection of Rodin sculptures. This exhibition showcases the artist’s own collection of antiquities in congruence with his work, letting us in on his influences and inspirations.

    Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket sits next to Tivoli Gardens

    Kunsthal Charlottenborg | Charlottenborg Palace

    Kongens Nytorv 1, 1050 København

    Step inside the former palace turned art space steps from the city’s iconic Nyhavn Canal for some of Denmark’s most daring art.

    Opening hours

    Tuesday – Friday: 12 – 20
    Saturday-Sunday: 11 – 17
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 90 DKK
    Students: 50 DKK
    Under 16: Free
    Wednesday: Free after 17.00

    No pre-booked tickets or timeslots required. Entry can be purchased with presentation of valid coronapas at the museum.

    FOOD: Tiny but mighty Apollo Bar sits on the inside courtyard at Charlottenborg. Coffee and breakfast served before the museum opens. Lunch, dinner and drinks option later. When the weather isn’t wonderful, book a table indoors.

    Current exhibitions at Kunsthal Charlottenborg

    This is the annual final show for graduating students from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ Schools of Visual Arts. An impressive culmination of 6 years hard work, the MFA exhibition is always interesting. Come see what the next generation of artists are creating.

    Front desk at Kunsthal Charlottenborg

    Nikolaj Kunsthal | Nikolaj Center for Contemporary Art

    Nikolaj Plads 10, 1067 København K

    Step inside this former church, Nikolaj Kunsthal now offers a beautiful airy space for rotating contemporary art in the center of old Copenhagen. Right off the main pedestrian shopping street, known as the Strøget – it’s a perfect place to take an art break while in the city.

    Opening hours

    Tuesday – Friday: 11-18
    Saturday-Sunday: 11 – 17
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 90 DKK
    Children 3-17: 30 DKK
    Under 3: Free
    Wednesday: Free for all

    No pre-booked tickets or timeslots required, but you can buy online before you come. Entry can be purchased with presentation of valid coronapas at the museum.

    GOOD TO KNOW: Your ticket to Nikolaj lets you get into both the Thorvaldsens Museum and Museum of Copenhagen within 48 hours.

    FOOD: Lots of options nearby on Strøget walking street. Or for tables in the courtyard of the Kunsthal, check out Restaurant Maven or Cholon by Lâm Lê.

    Current exhibitions at Nikolaj Kunsthal

    A celebration of Nikolaj’s collection of video art as it has evolved over the past 4 decades is juxtaposed with contemporary installations from up and coming artists.

    Take a tour of the tower at Nikolaj Kunsthal

    SMK | Statens Museum for Kunst | National Gallery of Denmark

    Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København K

    Denmark’s national collection of art sits safely inside the stately SMK across the street from the King’s Garden. Here you’ll find a remarkable permanent collection of 260,000 works spanning the period from 1300 CE to today. Originally many of the pieces were owned by Danish Royalty, but transferred to the Danish people once Denmark adopted democracy in the 1800s. In the historic front building, don’t miss the evolution of Danish and Nordic art. Step through the airy glass covered sculpture hall to take in more modern Danish art.

    Opening hours

    Tuesday – Sunday: 10 – 18
    Wednesday: 10 – 20
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adult: 120 DKK
    Young Under 27: 95 DKK
    Under 18: Free
    Adult + 1 Child: 100 DKK

    NOTE: If you want to see the special exhibition Kircher and Nolde – for discussion, time slotted tickets must be pre-booked for no extra charge. You can book them here. This applies to all members of your party including children. Otherwise, no time slot required to enter museum’s permanent collection.

    FOOD: SMK’s restaurant Kafeteria offers sustainable locally sourced dishes. See the menu here and book a spot online, or put your name in when you arrive for the first available table.

    Current exhibition at SMK

    A thought-provoking curation that offers a in-depth exploration of the ethnographic influences on German expressionist painters Emil Nolde and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Pre-booked time slots required for entrance to the exhibition.

    Sculpture hall at SMK between old building and new

    Thorvaldsens Museum

    Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2, 1213 København K

    Take your ticket from Nikolaj Kunsthal and use it here at Thorvaldsens Museum – it’s good for 48 hours and possible to do both museums on the same day. Even if you don’t know anything about the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, you should step inside this dedicated museum to his collection and works. The building itself is beautiful with colorful mosaic floors and painted walls that offset the striking and classical marble works. Don’t miss the lovely inside courtyard.

    Opening hours

    Tuesday – Sunday: 10 – 17
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 90 DKK
    Under 18: Free
    Annual pass: 180 DKK
    Wednesday: Free for all

    Current exhibition at Thorvaldesens Museet

    A closer look at the Italian paintings that Thorvaldsen collected during his time in Rome.


    Art Museums further afield in the greater capital region

    Arken Museum of Modern Art

    Skovvej 100, 2635 Ishøj

    Make your way south of Copenhagen to the seaside museum set on an island outside the suburb of Ishøj. Surrounded by public sculpture outside, step inside for accessible and interesting rotating exhibits in the large halls and space.

    READ MORE: DENMARK REOPENS ART MUSEUMS | WHAT IT’S LIKE INSIDE

    WATCH MORE ON OGATW YOUTUBE: EXPLORE ART & MORE IN ISHØJ DENMARK

    Opening hours

    Tuesday – Sunday: 10 – 17 Wednesday: 10 – 21
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 130 DKK
    Students: 110 DKK
    Under 18: Free
    Club Arken: Free

    Pre-booked tickets: Not required and no ticket purchase available online. Buy your tickets directly at the museum.

    FOOD: The Arken Café offers lunch and dinner with views of the seaside. Vegetarian options available – see the menu here. Reservations are recommended for dinner on Wednesday nights.

    Bridge to Arken Museum island with Elmgreen & Dragset sculpture out front
    Current exhibitions at Arken

    Modern art glimmers next to historic pieces from the Danish National History museum. See how gold has always sparked fascination and fantasy.

    Arken celebrates the museum’s 25th anniversary with a special exhibition from the permanent collection.


    Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

    Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk

    This might be my favorite art museum in all of Denmark. And possibly the world. It’s just that good. Set inside a former villa, this is the coziest place you’ll ever see world class art. A 30-minute train up the Danish coast north of Copenhagen drops you in Humlebæk and a quick 5 minute walk has you roaming the halls of Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

    READ MORE: WORLD CLASS ART BY THE SEA | LOUISIANA MUSEUM
    Opening hours

    Tuesday – Friday: 11 – 22
    Saturday – Sunday 11 – 18
    Monday: Closed

    Entry prices

    Adults: 145 DKK
    Students: 125 DKK
    Under 18: Free
    Lousiana Members: Free
    Member’s guests: 120 DKK

    Louisiana requires pre-booking time slots with your ticket purchase online. Entry times are available on the hour, but you can stay as long as you like.

    FOOD: The café at Louisiana is world class and affords gorgeous views over the blue Baltic Sea out to Sweden. On sunny days, grab a spot outside on the Calder sculpture terrace, no reservation required. To sit inside – book a table ahead, or put your name in when you arrive. Vegan and vegetarian menu option available.

    Main house and sculpture park at Louisiana
    Lunch outside on the Calder terrace (pic pre-Covid times)
    Current exhibitions at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

    On tap this month, find the impressive exhibition from American artist and cinematographer Arthur Jafa : MAGNUMB tackles the creative influences and reverence for Black culture as it directly contrasts with the centuries old realities of life as a Black American. Devastating, difficult and beautiful, make time to take in the large scale works and video installations.

    Another discussion provoking curation of works that spans centuries, cultures and mediums. Iconic imagery of the ideal mother exists throughout time, but as art progresses it affords an opportunity to express a much more complex and nuanced exploration of all facets of what we know as “motherhood.” The challenges, pressures, losses and longings. It’s definitely not all sunshine and roses. Don’t miss the 13 minute video collage by Candace Breitz “Mother” from 2005. It was brilliant.

    Ancient representation of lactating mother from Mor! Origins of Life on at Lousiana
    Cindy Sherman version of lactating mother, “Untitled #216,” 1989, photograph
    Write your own message | “I love mom.”

    Even more museums to explore in the capital region

    KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces

    Nørregade 29, 4600 Køge

    Nivågaards Painting Collection

    Gammel Strandvej 2, 2990 Nivå

    Ordrupgaard

    Vilvordevej 110, 2920 Charlottenlund

    Rudolph Tegner Museum and Sculpture Park

    Museumsvej 19, 3120 Dronningmølle

    Sophienholm Kunsthal

    Nybrovej 401, 2800 Kongens Lyngby

    Parting note: This was a monster of a post, and I’ll update as I get more information. I have tried hard to offer current opening hours, booking recommendations and times – if you find anything that is out of sorts – feel free to shoot me a message and I’ll correct immediately. As the sole owner, writer and editor of this blog – it is important to me to offer the most helpful and accurate information I can. Cheers from here. Come to Copenhagen, she said. When you can.

    Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.