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.

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.

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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.

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.

• 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?

• 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.

• 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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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

• Wanderlust. P.S. Krøyer’s travels in Europe – ends 22 August 2021
• EMERGENCES. Vilhelm Hammershøi, Valdemar Schønheyder Møller and Photography – ends 22 August 2021
• Mogens Ballins | Radical forms – ends 11 July 2021

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GL STRAND |The Art Society Gammel Strand

Gammel Strand 48, 1202 København

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

Current exhibitions

• Community of Fragments | Thomas Hirschhorn – ends 6 June 2021
• Freedom of Forms | Geta Brātescu – ends 6 June 2021
• In Arcadia too you can die | Anette Harboe Flensburg – ends 18 April 22

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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.

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

Current exhibitions at Glyptoteket

• Paul Gauguin – Why Are You Angry? – ends 16 May 2021

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.

• Auguste Rodin – Displacements – ends 15 August 2021

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.

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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.

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

• Our elastic arm hold in tight through the claouds| Laure Prouvost – ends 8 August 2021
• Afgang | MFA Degree Show – ends 23 May 2021

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.

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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.

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

• Nikolaj – Københavns Kunsthal 40 Years – ends 13 June 2021

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.

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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.

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

• Kircher and Nolde – for discussion – ends 1 August 2021

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.

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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.

Current exhibition at Thorvaldesens Museet

• Longings: Thorvaldsen’s Italian Paintings – ends 24 October 2021

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

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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

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.

Current exhibitions at Arken

• Gold and Magic – ends 8 August 2021

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

• At the end of the Rainbow, ends 2 January 2022

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

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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

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.

Current exhibitions at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

• Arthur Jafa | Magnumb – ends 31 October 2021

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.

• Mor! Mother Origins of Life ends 29 August 2021

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.

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.