Two people stand talking in an ornate, golden-lit palace hall with checkered floors, decorated walls, grand chairs, and elaborate baroque-style furnishings.

Art and culture in Copenhagen

Be inspired by Copenhagen’s rich art and cultural scene, where historic landmarks and impressive art collections await around every corner. Visit some of the city’s most atmospheric museums, admire the beautiful architecture and experience unique cultural settings from classical art treasures to maritime surroundings. Copenhagen offers experiences for everyone who wishes to immerse themselves in art and history.

By Anne-Grethe


See through an arched doorway into a grand interior with lush plants, a central fountain, and a classical statue in the foreground. Two distant figures walk past the entrance in the background, framed by columns. See through an arched doorway into a grand interior with lush plants, a central fountain, and a classical statue in the foreground. Two distant figures walk past the entrance in the background, framed by columns.

The Glyptotek

Enjoy a wonderful and unique experience by visiting one of the city’s beautiful art museums. We can recommend the Glyptoteket, where treasures from e.g. Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt compete for admiration and glory. There is also a beautiful collection of French and Danish art. You can relax and rest your legs in the palm oasis on the ground floor and buy drinks and light dishes in the café.

The image shows the facade of the Statens Museum for Kunst, a large building with red brickwork and ornate stone detailing. People are walking in front, and banners hang near the entrance. The sky is partly cloudy. The image shows the facade of the Statens Museum for Kunst, a large building with red brickwork and ornate stone detailing. People are walking in front, and banners hang near the entrance. The sky is partly cloudy.

The National Gallery of Denmark

If you can't get enough of art, you must visit SMK (National Gallery of Denmark). You'll be blown away by the most beautiful art collections by both Danish and foreign artists. Who can resist being enchanted by Matisse’s colours, Krøyer’s ingenuity or Cornelius Gijsbrecht’s formidable letter walls? 

The image shows a large, historic European building with a central tower topped by a spire. The facade is symmetrical, with a courtyard in front. The sky is clear and blue, and there are trimmed hedges lining the sides. The image shows a large, historic European building with a central tower topped by a spire. The facade is symmetrical, with a courtyard in front. The sky is clear and blue, and there are trimmed hedges lining the sides.

Christiansborg

Drop by Christiansborg, where the Royal Danish Library is a lovely oasis with fountains and old trees. It’s so quiet here that it doesn't feel like you’re in the city centre. If you want to pamper yourself, head up to Christiansborg Tower, where you can enjoy dainty little cakes and enjoy the city’s best views. 

Three naval ships docked along a harbor under a cloudy sky, with two people walking on the pavement nearby. An old crane and a brick building are visible on the right. Three naval ships docked along a harbor under a cloudy sky, with two people walking on the pavement nearby. An old crane and a brick building are visible on the right.

Holmen

We can also recommend a trip to Holmen, which was previously a base for the Danish Navy and where many of the old, beautiful buildings can still be admired. The area is idyllic and the maritime atmosphere is beautifully preserved. 

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