16 Best Museums in Copenhagen That You Shouldn’t Miss Out On!

When people think of Copenhagen, they often picture colorful canal houses, forward-thinking design, cozy ‘hygge’ atmosphere, and bicycles galore. Yet, there’s another aspect of Copenhagen that is equally compelling – its rich tapestry of world-class museums. Each offers its own unique slice of knowledge, culture, and artistic flavor, proving that Copenhagen has a museum for every curiosity. Here’s our lowdown on the 16 best Copenhagen museums for art aficionados, history buffs, design devotees, and curious wanderers!

How to get to the best Copenhagen Museums?

All the Copenhagen museums I’ve included in this list can be conveniently reached with the city’s efficient public transport system. Make use of the very useful intermodal Journey Planner for getting around Copenhagen with public transport.

A large majority of them can also be reached with a Copenhagen Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Copenhagen, Hotel Kong Arthur and Hotel Wakeup Copenhagen are two excellent options.

Best Museums in Copenhagen

If you plan on visiting several Copenhagen museums, I’d strongly recommend investing in the Copenhagen Card. It’s a brilliantly conceived all-inclusive city card that grants you free entry and discounts to more than 80 of the top attractions and museums in and around Copenhagen. 

The Copenhagen Card is a real money saver and also includes unlimited free travel on all the local public transport options (buses, trams, metro, trains, and boats) in the city. Another great reason to invest in the Copenhagen Card is that it saves you the time and the hassle of purchasing tickets at each museum.

N.B. Most of the museums in Copenhagen are closed on Monday so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Without further ado, the following are the best museums in Copenhagen (in no particular order):

1. National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet)

The National Museum of Denmark is arguably Denmark’s most prestigious museum and a veritable treasure trove of Danish history and culture. As the country’s largest museum of cultural history, this is a must-visit for anyone interested in Denmark’s past. 

Located in the heart of Copenhagen, housed within the 18th-century Prince’s Palace, this museum is as historic as the artifacts it hosts. From Viking artifacts to modern Danish pop culture, it’s an eclectic mix of everything Danish. 

One of the museum’s main highlights is the prehistoric collection, specifically the exhibit dedicated to the Vikings. Here, you’ll come face-to-face with Viking weapons, rune stones, and intricately crafted jewelry that tell tales of a time when these seafaring warriors and traders were a formidable force in Northern Europe. 

Don’t miss the two famous Golden Horns of Gallehus, copies of the original 5th-century artifacts that were stolen and melted down in the 19th century. 

One of the most hauntingly memorable exhibits in the National Museum is the collection of ancient bog bodies, perfectly preserved by the unique conditions of Denmark’s peat bogs. The most famous among these is the “Woman from Huldremose,” which dates back to the Iron Age.

Other highlights are the Trundholm Sun Chariot — a stunning Bronze Age artifact found by a farmer plowing his field in 1902 and the Gundestrup Cauldron — a silver vessel from the Iron Age decorated with animals and mystical figures.

The museum also houses a stunning collection of Danish medieval and Renaissance artifacts. The beautifully detailed church frescoes, intricately carved altarpieces, and an impressive array of medieval weaponry give a glimpse into Denmark’s religious, military, and colonial past.

But history at the National Museum isn’t confined to the ancient world. The museum provides a fascinating journey through Danish history right up to the present day. The Stories of Denmark exhibit, covering 1660-2000, offers an immersive experience with fully furnished period rooms that depict the lifestyle of the Danish people through various epochs.

For those traveling with kids, there’s even a dedicated Children’s Museum. Here, younger visitors can dress up in period clothing, explore a Viking ship, or visit a recreated schoolroom from the 1930s.

Practical Information for Visiting the National Museum of Denmark 

The National Museum is open daily from 10:00-18:00 (June-September) and Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (October-May). The museum is closed on December 24, December 25, and December 31.

The price of admission is 120 DKK. >>> Book your ticket.

2. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

No list of the best museums in Copenhagen would be complete without mentioning the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, undoubtedly my favorite museum in the city. This stellar museum is an art enthusiast’s paradise and is one of the top 10 Copenhagen attractions. 

Founded in 1888 by art collector Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries, this museum is a testament to his lifelong dedication to art and culture. Talk about putting sudsy riches to good use!

The marvelous glyptotek (which means “a collection of statues”) is set inside two 19th-century buildings. Stepping into the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is like entering a sanctuary of art, a place where ancient cultures, classic art, and modern masterpieces come together in a harmonious blend. 

A tour of the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek takes you through a diverse range of exhibits. Start with the antiquities collection, which features an impressive display of Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art. 

The Egyptian Collection is outstanding, boasting a series of fascinating artifacts including mummies, impressive sarcophagi, and intricately carved statues; the most notable piece is a small, 3,000-year-old hippopotamus.

The Etruscan Collection — sarcophagi, portraits of the deceased, tomb treasures, a winged lion, bronzes, and pottery—is a favorite of mine and probably the best such collection outside Italy.

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek’s collection of French and Danish art from the 19th and 20th centuries is equally awe-inspiring. With a focus on French impressionists and Danish Golden Age artists, you’ll find works by masters like Monet, Renoir, Degas, Matisse, Bonnard, and Cézanne alongside renowned Danish artists like Købke and Lundbye.

The Absinthe Drinker by Manet is a particular highlight as are Cézanne’s famous Self-Portrait with Bowler Hat and Degas’s remarkable bronze ballerina.

The Rodin Collection deserves special mention. The Glyptotek houses the most extensive collection of Rodin sculptures outside France, including the iconic “The Thinker” and “The Kiss”.

These masterpieces, demonstrating Rodin’s incredible ability to capture raw human emotion in bronze and marble, are must-sees for any visitor.

Yet, the Glyptotek is more than just its exhibits. The building itself is a piece of art. The Winter Garden, with its towering palm trees, glass dome, and central fountain, offers a tranquil spot to pause and reflect on the artistic grandeur you’ve witnessed. 

Practical Information for Visiting the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (until 21:00 on Thursday). The price of admission is 125 DKK with free admission on Tuesdays.

3. Design Museum Denmark (Designmuseum Danmark)

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Copenhagen, you’ll find the Design Museum Denmark – an institution that provides a fascinating glimpse into the principles that have made Danish design a global phenomenon. 

The museum is housed in one of Copenhagen’s finest Rococo buildings, the former King Frederik’s Hospital, serving as a fitting testament to the elegance and simplicity that underpins Danish design philosophy.

At the core of the museum’s exhibits is the Danish Design Now exhibition. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of Danish design in the 21st century, showcasing everything from furniture to fashion, ceramics to graphic design. 

You’ll find iconic pieces such as Arne Jacobsen’s Egg and Swan chairs, Poul Henningsen’s PH lamps, and Verner Panton’s futuristic designs.

A must-see is the Danish Chair Collection‘. This unique exhibition displays a multitude of chairs by renowned Danish designers, illustrating the evolution of Danish furniture design throughout the 20th century. 

Don’t miss ‘The Chair,’ designed by Hans Wegner, which was catapulted to fame when used in the televised 1960 U.S. Presidential Debate and since then, it has become synonymous with Danish design worldwide.

The museum also houses an impressive collection of Asian art and crafts, and a European Art of the 18th-century section which reflects upon the designs that influenced Danish aesthetics. These collections offer a broader context, tracing the international influences that have shaped Danish design.

But the museum isn’t just about observing – it’s about interacting, too. I love that the museum’s Learning Space offers hands-on activities, allowing visitors of all ages to get creative and engage directly with the principles of Danish design.

If you enjoy design and are interested in learning why Danish design continues to captivate, a visit to the Design Museum is a must when in Copenhagen.

Practical Information for Visiting the Design Museum Denmark 

The Design Museum Denmark is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–18:00 (until 20:00 on Thursday). The museum is closed on January 1, December 24, December 25, and December 31. The entrance costs 130 DKK. 

4. SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst)

The National Gallery of Denmark, known as Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), is an art lover’s haven. It houses Denmark’s largest and most celebrated collection of art, offering an immersive experience through seven centuries of artistic expression.

The SMK is housed in two buildings – one dating back to the 19th century and the other, a stylish, modern extension, linked by a bridge over a sculpture gallery.

The museum’s exhibits are divided into three main sections: The Royal Collection of Graphic Art, The Royal Collection of Painting and Sculpture, and The Royal Cast Collection. Each section offers a unique exploration of different art forms, providing a comprehensive view of both Danish and international art.

The so-called Danish Golden Age of painting from the 19th century forms one of the greatest treasures of the SMK, including masterpieces by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, Christen Købke, Peder S. Krøyer, and Vilhelm Hammershøi.

Two of the highlights of the SMK are Krøyer’s Boys Bathing at Skagen, Summer Evening,  and Hammershøi’s Interior in Strandgade, Sunlight on the Floor.

The museum also houses a significant collection of Flemish, Dutch French, Italian, and German paintings. Of all these works, Andrea Mantegna’s Christ as the Suffering Redeemer and Lucas Cranach the Elder’s Melancholia are the standouts.

SMK is also home to a significant collection of art from the 19th century, boasting works by impressionist and post-impressionist masters such as Modigliani, Matisse, Derain, Braque, and Degas. Two of the unmissable highlights are Matisse’s Portrait of Madame Matisse and Derain’s Woman in a Chemise.

With over 240,000 pieces spanning over 500 years, the Royal Collection of Graphic Art is a treasure trove of drawings, prints, and photographs. The Royal Cast Collection, on the other hand, contains copies of famous statues and sculptures from different periods and cultures, providing an intriguing glimpse into the evolution of the human form in art.

The SMK also offers engaging activities for families and children, including the Children’s Workshop, where young visitors can try their hand at various art techniques. Additionally, the museum boasts a beautiful sculpture garden, a perfect spot to relax and soak in the artistic ambiance.

This makes the National Gallery of Denmark a must-see for anyone looking to delve deeper into Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Practical Information for Visiting the National Gallery of Denmark 

The National Gallery of Denmark is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–18:00 (until 20:00 on Wednesday). The museum is closed on January 1-2, December 24, December 25, and December 31. The entrance costs 120 DKK.

5. Thorvaldsens Museum

Positioned on the small island of Slotsholmen, next door to Christiansborg Palace, the Thorvaldsens Museum is a testament to the genius of Bertel Thorvaldsen, the biggest name in Neoclassical sculpture along with Antonio Canova. 

Opened in 1848, the Thorvaldsens Museum was Denmark’s first public museum building. The museum’s brightly colored walls, the Egyptian motifs, and the extensive use of Pompeian styles create an atmosphere that transports you back to the Neoclassical style that Thorvaldsen himself helped popularize.

The son of an Icelandic wood carver, Thorvaldsen’s life represented the romanticism of the 18th and 19th centuries. Having spent the majority of his life in Rome, his work was clearly inspired by classical Greece and Rome.

The museum exhibits over 900 of his sculptures and reliefs, ranging from intimate portraits to grand mythological pieces. You can trace Thorvaldsen’s artistic journey, starting from his early works to his late masterpieces, showcasing the evolution of his style and craftsmanship.

Thorvaldsen was most famous for his most typical, classical, restrained works, taken from mythology: Cupid and Psyche, Adonis, Jason, Hercules, Cupid, and Mercury—all of which are displayed at the museum.

Jason with the Golden Fleece is considered to be the artist’s first great masterpiece and remains for me the highlight of the museum. Wearing only his warrior’s helmet, the marble statue shows Jason’s proud nonchalance as he sets off to return home with the Golden Fleece on his left arm.

Another captivating section of the museum is Thorvaldsen’s personal and extensive collection—everything from the Egyptian relics of Ptolemy to the contemporary sketches, and paintings he acquired during his lifetime.

You can also visit Thorvaldsen’s grave, located in the museum’s inner courtyard, which was transferred here from the Cathedral of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) in 1848, four years after his demise.

Practical Information for Visiting the Thorvaldsens Museum 

The Thorvaldsens Museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00. The museum is closed on January 1, December 24, December 25, and December 31. The entrance costs 95 DKK.

6. The David Collection (Davids Samling)

Set inside an elegant 19th-century townhouse, the David Collection is one of Copenhagen’s hidden gems. The museum, which was once a private collection belonging to the prominent Danish barrister Christian Ludvig David, now houses an extraordinary array of Islamic art, European fine and applied art, and Danish early modern art.

The Islamic Collection is the crown jewel of the David Collection, one of the most significant of its kind in Europe. This comprehensive collection dates from the 8th to the 19th century and covers a vast geographical span from Spain in the west to India in the east. 

It includes intricately crafted ceramics, precious textiles, lustrous glassware, silverware, coins, weaponry, ancient daggers inlaid with jewels, and an exquisite collection of miniature paintings and calligraphy. I love how the works of Islamic art are beautifully lit and displayed in order to show off every detail and nuance possible.  

A highlight of the museum is the collection of beautifully illuminated Qurans from different periods and regions, as well as exquisitely detailed miniature paintings. The art of calligraphy, a highly respected art form in the Islamic world, is well represented through various Quranic manuscripts and objects inscribed with calligraphic verses.

The David Collection is also home to an impressive selection of 18th-century French and German porcelain, Rococo period furniture, and Dutch and French paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. There’s also a stunning array of Danish Golden Age art, with pieces by key figures such as Wilhelm Hammershøi and Vilhelm Kyhn

While not known by many, the David Collection is one of my favorite places in Copenhagen. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply a culture vulture, a visit to the David Collection goes beyond the ordinary.

Practical Information for Visiting the David Collection 

The David Collection is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–18:00 (until 21:00 on Wednesday). The museum is closed on December 23, 24, 25, and 31. Best of all, the entrance is free, which makes the David Collection extremely worth visiting.

7. Danish War Museum (Krigsmuseet) 

Positioned within the historic walls of the Christian IV’s 17th-century arsenal, the Danish War Museum provides a compelling glimpse into the military history of Denmark. The museum documents over 500 years of Danish military history and explores how wars, conflicts, and military technologies have shaped Denmark and its people.

The museum’s impressive Arsenal Hall, with its high vaulted ceilings, is an architectural curiosity. It is filled with an armada of historical guns, canons, mortars, missiles, and howitzers setting the tone for the intriguing journey that lies ahead.

The Armory Hall upstairs includes everything from military equipment and uniforms to paintings, personal diaries, and weapons, all of which weave a fascinating narrative of Danish military history. 

The extensive weapons collection is a standout, from gleaming medieval swords to the beautiful—if such a word can be used in this context— ivory-inlaid pistols and muskets. Additionally, the royal suits of armor are almost works of art unto themselves.

A standout exhibit is the World War II section, where you can explore Denmark’s role during this tumultuous period. From a recreated bomb shelter that offers a sense of what life was like during air raids to personal stories of resistance fighters and the Danish public.

I also like that the museum’s exhibits prompt visitors to reflect on the costs and consequences of conflict, making for a thought-provoking and meaningful experience.

The Danish War Museum exceeded my expectations and I’ll go out on a limb and say this is one of the finest of its kind in the world. You don’t even have to be a history buff or a military enthusiast to visit.

Practical Information for Visiting the Danish War Museum 

The Danish War Museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (January–May and September–December) and daily from 10:00-17:00 (June–August). The museum is closed on December 24, December 25, and December 31.

The price of admission is 95 DKK. >>> Book your ticket.

8. The Hirschsprung Collection (Den Hirschsprungske Samling) 

Beautifully situated in the green parklands of Østre Anlæg on the old ramparts of Copenhagen, the Hirschsprung Collection is a treasure trove of Danish art from the 19th and early 20th centuries, with a particular emphasis on the Danish Golden Age.

The excellent collection owes its existence to the art patronage of Heinrich Hirschsprung, a Danish tobacco magnate who supported many Danish artists.

The fulcrum of the museum’s collection is pieces from the Danish Golden Age, a period of extraordinary creative output in the 19th century. Artists like Christen Købke, Wilhelm Bendz, and Martinus Rørbye are well-represented, and their works provide fascinating insights into Danish society, culture, and landscapes of the era.

The Hirschsprung Collection also houses a vast collection of works from the Skagen Painters, a group of artists like P. S. Krøyer and Anna and Michael Ancher who congregated in the northernmost part of Denmark in the late 19th century. 

The Skagen Painters’ depiction of light and everyday life is unique and fascinating, making this museum section a definite highlight. Each painting tells a story, capturing fragments of a past era and inviting you to see Denmark through the eyes of some of its most gifted artists

Unlike larger, more sprawling museums, the museum’s beautiful interiors feature furniture from the homes and studios of many of the artists providing an intimate setting for art appreciation. Overall, the Hirschsprung Collection is well worth the visit. 

Practical Information for Visiting the Hirschsprung Collection 

The Hirschsprung Collection is open Wednesday–Sunday from 11:00–16:00 (until 20:00 on the last Thursday). The entrance costs 110 DKK.

9. Natural History Museum (Statens Naturhistoriske Museum) 

The Natural History Museum of Denmark promises an exciting exploration of our planet’s fascinating past and vibrant biodiversity. From ancient fossils to captivating animal specimens, from cosmic artifacts to geological wonders, this museum offers a comprehensive and engaging encounter with the natural world.

The Natural History Museum is a fusion of several scientific institutions, including the Geological Museum, the Botanical Garden & Museum, and the Zoological Museum. This amalgamation has created an incredibly diverse range of exhibits, each offering a unique perspective on the natural world.

Geological Museum: This section is a geological enthusiast’s dream come true. The Geological Museum showcases an extensive collection of minerals, meteorites, and fossils. 

The vast mineral collection, sparkling with gems of every hue and shape, draws visitors into the aesthetic beauty and structural intricacy of these earthly formations. Don’t miss the incredible exhibit of the Agpalilik meteorite, a 20-ton space rock that originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Botanical Garden & Museum: The Botanical Garden is a verdant oasis featuring over 13,000 species of plants from around the globe, while the museum houses preserved plant and fungus specimens. 

The lush greenery, including the impressive Palm House, offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and provides a deeper understanding of global plant diversity.

The winding spiral staircase that leads to a walkway high above the ground, offering a unique perspective of the tropical canopy, is a popular Copenhagen Instagram location.

Zoological Museum: Here, you’ll meet a wide array of species from across the globe, ranging from tiny insects to the giant blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling, one of the museum’s most iconic exhibits. 

Interactive displays and lifelike dioramas bring the animal kingdom to life, and the museum’s “The Past” exhibition offers a deep dive into Earth’s history, complete with fascinating fossil exhibits and a realistic model of a dinosaur.

With its wide-ranging exhibits and immersive experiences, the Natural History Museum guarantees an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination in Copenhagen.

Practical Information for Visiting the Natural History Museum 

The Natural History Museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (until 20:00 on Wednesday). On Mondays in July and August, the museum is also open from 10:00–17:00. The museum is closed on January 1, and December 24-26.

The Botanical Garden is open from 08:30–18:00 (April–September) and 08:30–16:00 (October–March). The garden is closed on December 24.

The Palm House is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (April–September) and from 10:00–15:30 (October–March). On Mondays in July and August, the Palm House is also open from 10:00–17:00.  The Palm House is closed on December 24-26, and January 1.

The entrance to the Natural History Museum + Palm House costs 110 DKK. The entrance to the Palm House alone costs 60 DKK. Access to the Botanical Garden is free.

N.B. The Zoological Museum is presently closed as the Natural History Museum is undergoing renovation.

10. The Workers Museum (Arbejdermuseet) 

Situated in the vibrant district of Nørrebro in Copenhagen, the Workers Museum (Arbejdermuseet) offers an intriguing and essential perspective on Denmark’s social history. The museum is housed in the Workers’ Assembly Building (Arbejdernes Forsamlingsbygning), a historic venue that has served as a hub for the Danish labor movement since the late 19th century.

The museum brilliantly recreates the living and working conditions of Danish workers from the 1870s through the late 20th century, providing an immersive insight into the everyday lives of the working class.

Here, you can explore authentic, reconstructed flats from the 1910s and the 1950s century, complete with period furniture and household items. Looking at the exhibits gives you the impression you’ve stepped back in time.

The museum also dives into the history of the Danish labor movement. Through photographs, posters, and personal testimonies, you’ll learn about the significant struggles and victories of the workers, from the fight for an eight-hour workday to the establishment of workers’ rights.

Don’t miss the museum’s Banquet Hall with its beautiful glass ceiling and carved reliefs above the doors!

If you have kids in tow, they’ll be well catered for at the “Children’s Workers Museum” section. Here, youngsters can dress up in period costumes and take part in various activities to get a taste of what life was like for children in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Practical Information for Visiting the Workers Museum 

The Workers Museum is open daily from 10:00–17:00. The museum is closed on January 1, and December 24-26. The entrance costs 115 DKK.

11. Danish Architecture Center (Dansk Arkitektur Center) 

The Danish Architectural Center (DAC) serves as the nation’s primary hub for exploring and celebrating architecture, design, and urban culture. 

It is situated on the Copenhagen waterfront in the Tetris-like BLOX building which itself is a testament to modern architectural ingenuity. Designed by the internationally renowned architectural firm OMA, DAC’s exterior is a striking blend of glass and steel, resembling a stack of blocks that house a mix of offices, residences, and public spaces. 

The Danish Architectural Center’s exhibits are as fascinating as the building that hosts them. The center boasts a variety of exhibits, spanning architectural history, urban planning, sustainable design, and more. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations create a dynamic, engaging experience that fosters an appreciation for the built environment.

There are interactive spaces where children and adults can play, learn, and get hands-on with architecture and design concepts, including virtual reality components.

In addition to its exhibitions, DAC also hosts a variety of workshops, talks, and guided tours, where visitors can delve deeper into architectural concepts and urban development issues. The center is also home to an extensive library boasting a wide array of architectural books and resources.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can even go down the DAC’s unique 40-meter, 4-story spiral slide.

If you love architecture as much as Jacky and I do, you’ll have a blast at the DAC.

Pro Tip: Finish off your visit with a bite and a drink under the sun in the DAC café. It has three spacious rooftop terraces with stunning panoramic views of Copenhagen’s harbor and skyline. 

Practical Information for Visiting the Danish Architectural Center 

The Danish Architectural Center is open daily from 10:00–17:00 (until 21:00 on Thursday). The center is closed on January 1, and December 24-25, and December 31. The entrance costs 115 DKK. >>> Book your ticket.

12. Kunsthal Charlottenborg 

Located beside the picturesque Nyhavn Canal, in one of the city’s most beautiful baroque buildings, Kunsthal Charlottenborg is one of Northern Europe’s largest and most attractive spaces for contemporary art. 

This cool little museum artistic hub serves as a springboard for emerging talents and a showcase for established artists, and it plays a significant role in Copenhagen’s vibrant art scene.

Kunsthal Charlottenborg hosts a year-round program of rotating exhibitions, performances, concerts, lectures, and screenings, representing a wide array of artistic mediums. The center’s reputation for daring, provocative exhibits ensures there’s always something new and exciting to explore.

I like that Kunsthal Charlottenborg has a knack for showcasing works that are not only visually striking but also socially relevant. Exhibitions often tackle topical issues, encouraging viewers to engage with themes like technology, sustainability, and social justice. 

Practical Information for Visiting Kunsthal Charlottenborg 

Kunsthal Charlottenborg is open from 12:00–20:00 (Tuesday-Friday) and 11:00–17:00 (Saturday-Sunday). The entrance costs 90 DKK.

13. The Danish Jewish Museum (Dansk Jødisk Museum) 

The Danish Jewish Museum (Dansk Jødisk Museum) tells the story of Denmark’s Jewish community since the arrival of the first families in the 17th century. It was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind and is located in a small wing within the regal confines of the Danish Royal Library.

The Danish Jewish Museum houses a small but impressive array of artifacts that offer insights into the life and experiences of Jews in Denmark. Exhibits cover a wide range of themes, including religious practices, family life, trade, and migration. 

You’ll see an assortment of ceremonial objects, including beautifully crafted Torah scrolls, kiddush cups, and Hanukkah lamps. 

The Danish Jewish Museum particularly highlights the rescue of Danish Jews during the Holocaust, a remarkable event in which over 7,000 Danish Jews were helped to escape to Sweden, thereby saving them from Nazi persecution.

Practical Information for Visiting the Danish Jewish Museum 

The Danish Jewish Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (June-August) and Tuesday-Sunday from 11:00–17:00 (September-May). The entrance costs 100 DKK.

Best Museums Near Copenhagen

There are also several notable museums in the Copenhagen metropolitan area that are within a reasonable day trip distance. The following are the standouts:

1. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art at Humlebæk is one of the most renowned modern art museums in Denmark and one of my favorite repositories of contemporary art in Europe.

The world-renowned Louisiana Museum was founded in 1958 by Knud W. Jensen, who envisioned a place where art, nature, and architecture come together in perfect harmony. 

The museum’s name – Louisiana – has an intriguing backstory; it’s named after the three wives of the previous owner of the estate, all of whom were bizarrely named Louise.

Louisiana boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, with over 4,000 works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney, and Asger Jorn among others. The museum’s permanent and rotating exhibitions offer an expansive and diverse exploration of modern art, providing something for everyone.

One of the highlights of Louisiana is its permanent installation of Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Gleaming Lights of the Souls.’ This immersive installation is a mirrored room filled with hanging LED lights, which creates an endless illusion of twinkling lights – a truly unforgettable experience.

The sleek, modernist design of the museum complements its natural surroundings, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the sea. The museum buildings are set amidst a sculpture park, where sculptural masterpieces from artists like Henry Moore, Jean Arp, and Alexander Calder are beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape.

In summary. the Louisiana Museum’s world-class art collection, stunning location, and visitor-friendly approach make it a must-visit destination on any trip to Copenhagen.

Practical Information for Visiting the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art 

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is open from 10:00–22:00 (Tuesday-Friday) and from 11:00–18:00 (Saturday-Sunday). The museum is closed on January 1, December 24-25, and December 31. The entrance costs 145 DKK.

2. Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet)

The Viking Ship Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the seafaring heritage of Denmark. This fascinating museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich maritime history of the Vikings, offering an engaging blend of history, archaeology, and hands-on experiences.

The museum’s centerpiece is its collection of five original Viking ships, discovered submerged in the Roskilde Fjord in 1962. These vessels, which include a warship, a trading ship, and three smaller boats, were deliberately sunk over a thousand years ago to block a navigation channel and protect Roskilde from sea-based attacks.

Through interactive exhibits and informative displays, you can learn about the construction of Viking ships, their uses in trade, war, and their cultural and symbolic importance.

A highlight of the Viking Ship Museum is the boatyard, where you can witness traditional boat-building techniques in action. Here, skilled craftsmen use age-old methods to build and repair boats, often replicating the very designs exhibited in the museum.

During the summer months, the museum even offers daily one-hour sailings aboard one of the replica ships on the fjord.

Practical Information for Visiting the Viking Ship Museum 

The entrance to the Viking Ship Museum costs 115-150 DKK depending on the time of the year. A boat ride costs 120-160 DKK depending on the duration of the ride. You can check the opening times here.

3. Lyngby Open-Air Museum (Frilandsmuseet) 

The Lyngby Open-Air Museum features an extensive range of exhibits that together paint a vivid picture of rural life in Denmark and surrounding regions from the 1650s to the 1950s. 

The museum opened in 1897 and is spread across 86 acres in the scenic countryside just north of Copenhagen making it one of the largest and oldest open-air museums in the world. 

The museum’s main attractions are its over 100 historic buildings, each carefully transported from its original location from various regions of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland. Known as “Denmark in a Nutshell,” the collection includes farmhouses, cottages, a school, a village shop, windmills, and even an 18th-century manor house.

These buildings represent various regional architectural styles and social classes, from the humble thatched fishermen’s huts to the grand manor houses. Inside each building, you’ll find period furnishings and household items, providing an intimate look at the everyday lives of people from different historical periods.

The exhibits transport you back in time to an era when H.C. Andersen was writing his famous fairy tales.

In the museum’s historic workshops, you can see demonstrations of blacksmithing, pottery making, spinning, and other crafts. During the summer months, costumed interpreters bring these activities to life, making for an interactive and educational experience.

Practical Information for Visiting the Lyngby Open-Air Museum

The Entrance to the Lyngby Open-Air Museum costs 110-120 DKK depending on the season. It is open Tuesday-Sunday, from the beginning of April through December. You can check the opening hours here.

Further Reading For Your Copenhagen Visit

That summarizes our definitive guide to the best Copenhagen museums. We reckon you’ll also find the following resources useful for planning your trip to Copenhagen!