See it for free in Copenhagen
Duck indoors when the Danish weather is rainy and cold
(Originally posted September 2017, updated January 2021 – check website for current opening status)
Come to Copenhagen she said. But I heard it’s tremendously expensive you said. While the cost of living in the Danish capital can be at the top of the list – visiting doesn’t have to be. IF. You plan ahead and make the most of your time in wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen.
Many of Copenhagen’s major museums offer free days for you to delight in their collections. If in the capital on a Tuesday – make your way inside the Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket right near the historic center.
CENTURIES OF ART HISTORY TO EXPLORE
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.
AN OASIS IN THE CITY | SEE THE WINTER GARDEN
Even if you don’t care for ancient art, the Glyptoteket is worth a stop. Jacobsen wanted the building to be an oasis in the city. Somewhere that was accessible for its citizens to enjoy a serene setting where to witness art. As soon as you deposit your backpack and coat in the free lockers downstairs, and step across the threshold you enter the magic and beautiful space of the winter garden. Giant palm trees and flowering tropical flowers tower overhead up to the beautiful domed roof. Benches set around fountains with stunning white sculptures invite you to sit. Koi swim in the pond. It’s impossible not to be impressed. It doesn’t feel like Copenhagen. And yet, it does.
DON’T FORGET TO LOOK DOWN
Everywhere else in Copenhagen, I’d remind you to look up not to miss the essential details that define this fair city. But at the Glyptoteket – look down. The tiled mosaic floors here are a delight in themselves. Elegant details that coordinate with the art they stage. Florals and patterns and pretty swirls. There were lotus flowers in the Egyptian room.
UP ON THE ROOF
From the floors to the top, make sure to head up to the Roof Terrace for terrific views over the city. Right next door to Copenhagen’s iconic Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park, you can watch as thrill-seekers ride the rides and hear their shrieks and giggles. You can see the many spires and domes that dot the Danish skyline and on certain evenings you can order a glass of cava or a coffee and sit up here all civilized.
GOOD TO KNOW:
LOCATION:
Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København
+45 33418141
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
Thursdays 10:00 – 21:00
Mondays closed
TICKET PRICES
Book tickets ahead online here.
Adults 115 DKK
Under 18 FREE
Tuesdays = FREE FOR ALL
Note: If you have purchased the Copenhagen Card for your visit, the Glyptotoket will be FREE any day you want to visit.
A little more than free, but worth it for the view – take a break at the beautiful café set inside the Winter Garden. Coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and salads for a small break or full lunch.
Copenhagen has some fab museums. Unfortunately not visited this one!
If you make it back – it’s definitely worth a stop!
The winter garden and sculpture rooms are so beautiful and I’m sure I’d escape there often in a Copehagen winter. I’m sorry I have missed Glyptoteket on my trips.. next time!
I think you might find me there every Tuesday come January! Haha! Stay tuned… 😉
Oh I love the look of the winter gardens and all those beautiful tiles! I definitely have a think with floors too. And yes with winter creeping in, so important to have so warm and beautiful places to visit. On my list when I make it to your city! #farawayfiles
I think people thought I was a bit odd taking pictures of my feet in each room! I ADORED the floors! And you should definitely come to Copenhagen!
Hoping to get to Copenhagen one day although i’m sure my boys have Legoland rather than museums at the top of their list! The Winter Gardens look lovely #farawayfiles
Legoland is a must! In Copenhagen – they’d love Tivoli and the winter gardens are across the street! Cheers from Denmark, Erin
There seems like so much to see!! Not being a big fan of museums, I would at least be interested in checking out the Winter Gardens! #FarawayFiles
The Winter Garden is gorgeous! So lush! And the flooring is beautiful, the detailing!
I always like to plan ahead and see when the free museum days are, as most cities have them. This place is definitely high on my list when I finally visit Copenhagen. those floors – and that winter garden – wow! #FarawayFiles
Yes! If travel plans can include free entrances – double bonus time! The Glyptoteket is truly special! Cheers!
Love the Glyptotek, often just go for coffee or lunch with my yearly membership card. The coffee shop is gorgeous. Often say that the building, both the new part and the old, is possibly more impressive than the collections
I know I love the building – such a treasure!
So fascinating!! Absolutely would love to go!
You’ve reminded me how much I want to visit Copenhagen! I like the idea of tracing art in reverse, it makes a lot of sense to do it in that direction. I might try that next time I’m at one of London’s galleries with my kids. #farawayfiles
I adore the mosaic floors, I can never stop myself taking pictures of my feet on mosaic floors whenever I see one. The Glyptotek sounds like the ideal place or wandering and coffee drinking. #FarawayFiles
I love when museums have free days and if I happen to be in town when it’s the free day! The Glyptotoket seems like a great place to spend a day or a few hours. I really want to see the winter garden. There’s a winter garden in my city which I love, but the one at the Glyptotoket is on a much grander scale!
This museum seems to have a bit of everything. I am a fan of all things Egypt, so, it would be great to explore that collection. I like when museums have spaces that are different than the usual. Sometimes, a bit of change is needed before moving to another part of the complex. #FarawayFiles
Oh, lovely. Even more than free I like a good eclectic museum experience. Love the winter garden! Great tip about the floor.
I never went there, but now I got to see it here 🙂
What a wonderful museum! The art, the gardens, the roof garden! How wonderful that Tuesdays are free, but I’d happily pay for the privilege of an afternoon here! #farawayfiles
So many exquisite sculptures! And the garden oasis is so peaceful and beautiful! Thanks for sharing these photos!
Scandinavia is one of those places that you just assume will be expensive, so it’s nice to know there are some free things and affordable things to do. Copenhagen is def on my list of places to get to one of these days (been to Stockholm and Helsinki in that region), and will keep this in mind for the future…especially for coffee and cake in the Winter Garden. 😉 #farawayfiles
Wow – the courtyards are amazing. Your photos are beautiful. I’ll keep in mind to remember to look down if I ever find myself there…the mosaic work is absolutely incredible! #farawayfiles
What a contrast, having this so close to Tivoli! Sounds as though it has to be experienced – and thanks for the tips about how to get in without a charge. #FarawayFiles
Reading this post has made me think we should revisit the area. We’ve been once but it sounds like we missed a lot. #FarawayFiles
Only thing that beats a Museum is a free museum! A great tip as I have always been so conscious of how expensive Copenhagen is to visit! Thanks