15 best museums in Copenhagen for a culture fix

In the heart of Denmark lies Copenhagen, a city known for its colorful waterfront, delightful cuisine, and cultural landmarks. You can explore the dramatic world of Viking warriors or dive deep into the imagination of renowned Danish authors. The best museums in Copenhagen serve as interactive spaces that inspire, educate, and entertain, taking you on a journey through Danish history, from ancient relics to groundbreaking innovations in contemporary art and science. So, get ready to delve into the fascinating narratives as this guide takes you through the top museums that make Copenhagen a must-visit destination for cultural exploration.

Best history museums in Copenhagen

1. National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum of Denmark, housed in the Prince’s Palace, built in the 18th century, is Denmark’s largest cultural history museum and one of Copenhagen’s most famous museums. The museum’s collections span Danish history from the Stone Age to the present, with significant collections from the Viking Age.

Highlights:

Immerse yourself in the Viking Age exhibition with fascinating artifacts, including rune stones and a carefully reconstructed Viking ship.

Address and opening hours:

Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K, Denmark. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

2. Danish War Museum

Visiting the Danish War Museum allows you to discover the history of warfare, the evolution of weaponry, Danish military history, and the impact of war on Danish society.

Highlights:

Don’t miss the stunning display of medieval weaponry and the impressive collection of historical uniforms.

Address and opening hours:

Tøjhusgade 3, 1220 København, Denmark. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

3. Rosenborg Castle

Built in the 17th century by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV, Rosenborg Castle is now a museum that houses royal artifacts and the Danish Crown Jewels.

Highlights:

The castle itself is an impressive showcase of Dutch Renaissance architecture.

Address and opening hours:

Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

4. Danish Resistance Museum

Get yourself a front-row seat to history at the Museum of Danish Resistance. Through immersive exhibits, the museum paints a vivid picture of the hardships endured and the courage the Danes showed during World War II.

Highlights:

The museum’s centerpiece is an authentic printing press used to print underground newspapers during the German occupation.

Address and opening hours:

Esplanaden 13, 1263 København, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

5. Danish Jewish Museum

Located in the old Royal Boathouse, the Danish Jewish Museum exhibits the history of the Danish Jews from the 1600s until the present day.

Highlights:

The museum tells the story of the Jewish community in Denmark, from its early days as a small group of merchants and traders to its current status as a vibrant and diverse community.

Address and opening hours:

Proviantpassagen 6, 1218 København, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, except Mondays.

Best art museums in Copenhagen

6. National Gallery of Denmark

Housing an enviable collection of Danish and international art from the past seven centuries, the National Gallery of Denmark will show you works ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary art.

Highlights:

Don't miss the remarkable collection of Danish Golden Age paintings, which flourished in the early 19th century, featuring artists like C.W. Eckersberg and Christen Købke.

Address and opening hours:

Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København K, Denmark. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Open until 8:00 PM on Tuesdays.

7. Arken Museum of Modern Art

Home to Danish, Nordic, and international contemporary art, the Arken Museum of Modern Art should satiate even the most eager art lovers.

Highlights:

Inspired by a shipwreck, the museum’s innovative architecture perfectly complements its modern and contemporary collections.

Address and opening hours:

Skovvej 100, 2635 Ishøj, Denmark. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays.

8. The Glyptotek

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art museum that houses the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries. The museum offers a unique blend of art, culture, and history, with a focus on ancient and modern art.

Highlights:

An extensive collection of ancient Mediterranean sculptures, including works from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Address and opening hours:

Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København, Denmark. Open daily except Monday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays.

9. Kunsthal Charlottenborg

One of Northern Europe's largest and most beautiful spaces for contemporary art, Kunsthal Charlottenborg hosts ambitious art exhibitions and daily film screenings, concerts, lectures, and performances.

Highlights:

Visit after 5:00 PM on Wednesday and explore the art for free.

Address and opening hours:

Kongens Nytorv 1, 1050 København, Denmark. Open 12:00 PM-8:00 PM Tuesday-Friday. Open 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday-Sunday.

10. Royal Cast Collection Museum

Part of the National Gallery of Denmark, the Royal Cast Collection Museum showcases over 2,000 plaster casts of famous sculptures from around the world, dating back to ancient times. Entrance is free throughout the year.

Highlights:

Marvel at the precise castings of renowned works such as Michelangelo’s “David” and the “Laocoön group” from the Vatican Museums.

Address:

Vestindisk Pakhus, Toldbodgade 40, 1253 København, Denmark. Open 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Saturday-Sunday. Closed Monday to Friday.

Best science and design museums in Copenhagen

11. Niels Bohr Institute

Named after the world-renowned physicist Niels Bohr, the Niels Bohr Institute is a leading research institution in quantum physics and is open to the public for guided tours. The exhibits explore the world of quantum mechanics and its real-world applications.

Highlights:

Experience the institution where Niels Bohr worked and delve into the groundbreaking theories developed here.

Address:

Blegdamsvej 17, 2100 København, Denmark.

12. Danish Architecture Center

See fascinating insights into architecture and urban development at the Danish Architecture Center. The center is a museum, knowledge center, and platform for lectures and discussions about architecture, urban planning, and sustainable development.

Highlights:

Don’t miss the “Welcome Home” exhibit, which explores what makes a house a home through a series of modern and historical Danish homes.

Address and opening hours:

Bryghusgade 10, 1473 København, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays.

Alternative museums in Copenhagen

13. Copenhagen Cathedral Museum

The Copenhagen Cathedral Museum, located in the attic of Our Lady’s Church, is dedicated to the cathedral’s history. It contains a wealth of historical information about the city’s spiritual center.

Highlights:

Take an Old Town guided walking tour to see the cathedral and learn about the history of Copenhagen.

Address and opening hours:

Nørregade 8, 1165 København, Denmark. Open daily, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Re-opens 8:00 PM-11:00 PM Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.

14. The Viking Ship Museum

Located in Roskilde, a short trip from Copenhagen, the Viking Ship Museum presents a comprehensive collection of original Viking ships. These preserved artifacts provide an in-depth understanding of the Vikings as accomplished shipbuilders and sailors.

Highlights:

Take in the royal castles and museums with a day trip to the nearby Roskilde, Frederiksborg, and Kronborg.

Address and opening hours:

Vindeboder 12, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

15. Immigration Museum

The Immigration Museum offers an exciting look at the lives and stories of immigrants in Denmark from the 1950s to the present. The museum aims to shed light on the immigrant experience and provoke discussion about cultural diversity.

Highlights:

Experience the interactive exhibitions featuring personal stories and artifacts from immigrants to Denmark.

Address and opening hours:

Kulturtorvet 12, 3520 Farum, Denmark. Open 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Tuesday-Saturday.

FAQs

What are the best museums in Copenhagen?

The National Museum of Denmark offers a broad perspective on Danish history, while the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek displays an impressive art collection. For something a bit different, the National Gallery of Denmark boasts extensive Danish and international art collections. For science enthusiasts, the Natural History Museum of Denmark and the Experimentarium provide engaging and interactive exhibits.

Are there any free museums in Copenhagen?

The National Gallery of Denmark is free to visit on Tuesdays. The Museum of Copenhagen, The Immigration Museum, and the David Collection are other museums that offer free entry. It's always a good idea to check the museum's official website for the most updated information, as these policies can change.

Are there any museums in Copenhagen that are suitable for children and families?

The Experimentarium is a science center with hands-on exhibits that are a fun activity in Copenhagen. The National Museum of Denmark features a children's museum where kids can explore Danish history through play. The Danish Museum of Science and Technology is another family-friendly option with interactive displays of technological advancements.

For which museums in Copenhagen are guided tours recommended?

Guided tours are recommended for the National Museum of Denmark, where the vast collection of historical artifacts benefits from expert explanations. Guided tours at the National Gallery of Denmark help visitors appreciate the nuances of both Danish and international art. Other museums where guided tours are worthwhile include the Rosenborg Castle and the Round Tower, which offer insight into Danish royal history and astronomy.