Must Visit Museums in Copenhagen: A Local’s Guide to the City’s Cultural Treasures 🎨✨

When you think of Copenhagen, maybe canals, bicycles, or hygge cafés come to mind. But let me tell you, if there’s one thing that makes this city unforgettable, it’s the museums. After living here for years and visiting every corner of these cultural gems, I can say one thing with confidence: the museums in Copenhagen are not just places to look at old paintings or sculptures. They’re experiences that make you feel, wonder, and sometimes even laugh.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, moving here for a season, or you’re a local looking for fresh inspiration, this guide is your map to the must visit museums in Copenhagen. I’ve ranked them from the most popular and essential to those hidden gems that you might miss if you don’t know where to look.

So grab a coffee, take notes, and let’s dive in.

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1. SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery of Denmark) 🖼️

👉 SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst

This is where it all begins. The SMK is Denmark’s largest art museum and, honestly, the soul of Danish art history. Imagine walking through halls filled with Golden Age Danish painters and then suddenly turning a corner to find works by Matisse, Picasso, or Rubens.

• Why go? To understand Denmark’s artistic identity and see how it connects with European masters.
• Highlights: The Danish Golden Age collection, French modernists, and the modern art wing that feels alive with color.
• Tips: Plan at least 2–3 hours. Arrive early to avoid school groups. The café is perfect for a quick lunch between exhibits.

And the feeling? It’s like stepping into a timeline where each painting whispers stories of Denmark’s past.

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2. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 🌿🏛️

👉 Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

If Copenhagen had a museum with soul and charm, this would be it. Founded by Carl Jacobsen (yes, the Carlsberg beer family), Glyptoteket is an oasis. You’ll wander through Roman and Greek sculptures, Egyptian mummies, and then find yourself in front of French impressionists.

But the crown jewel? The Winter Garden. Imagine a glass dome filled with tropical plants, soft light streaming in, and a fountain bubbling in the center. It’s pure magic.

• Why go? For the blend of classical antiquity and modern art, all wrapped in architectural beauty.
• Highlights: Degas, Rodin, Van Gogh, plus the serene Winter Garden.
• Tips: 1.5–2 hours is ideal. Tuesdays are free entry, but it gets crowded.

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3. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art 🌊🗿

👉 Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Okay, this one isn’t technically in Copenhagen, but trust me, it’s worth the 40-minute train ride to Humlebæk. The Louisiana Museum is modern art, yes, but it’s also about the setting. Nestled on the coast, with panoramic views of the sea, it feels like the artwork is breathing with the landscape.

• Why go? To combine modern art with nature. The outdoor sculpture garden is unforgettable.
• Highlights: Warhol, Giacometti, Yayoi Kusama installations, and rotating international exhibitions.
• Tips: Dedicate half a day. The café overlooking the sea is one of the best spots for lunch in Denmark.

Visiting Louisiana is like a retreat. Art, nature, and quiet reflection…it’s an experience you’ll carry with you.

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4. National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) ⚔️📜

👉 National Museum of Denmark

History lovers, this is your paradise. From Viking treasures to medieval artifacts and world cultures, the National Museum tells the story of Denmark through the ages.

• Why go? To walk through 14,000 years of history under one roof.
• Highlights: Viking helmets and weapons, rune stones, medieval church art, and the Children’s Museum.
• Tips: Families will love the interactive exhibits. Plan 2–3 hours for a thorough visit.

You’ll leave here with a sense of how the Danes evolved from fearless Vikings to the design-loving, bicycle-riding people they are today.

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5. Designmuseum Danmark 🪑✨

👉 Designmuseum Danmark

If you’ve ever admired Danish chairs or Scandinavian minimalism, this museum is your holy ground. Designmuseum Danmark showcases the country’s best in furniture, fashion, industrial design, and graphic arts.

• Why go? To understand why “Danish design” became a global brand.
• Highlights: Iconic furniture by Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl, plus rotating fashion exhibits.
• Tips: Perfect for design students, creatives, or anyone with an eye for style. Allow 1–2 hours.

It feels less like a museum and more like stepping inside a designer’s sketchbook. Inspiring, sleek, and surprisingly playful.

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6. The David Collection 🕌📚

👉 The David Collection

Tucked away near Kongens Have, the David Collection is a hidden treasure. It holds one of Europe’s most important collections of Islamic art, alongside European decorative arts.

• Why go? For the intimate setting and outstanding curation.
• Highlights: Islamic ceramics, calligraphy, and textiles dating back centuries.
• Tips: Entrance is free, which makes it even better. Plan for 1–1.5 hours.

This place feels personal, almost like walking through a private collector’s home. Quiet, peaceful, and fascinating.

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7. Experimentarium 🔬👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

👉 Experimentarium

For families or the forever-curious, the Experimentarium is a playground of science. Everything is hands-on. Water experiments, light installations, interactive games…you’ll learn while having fun.

• Why go? To engage kids and adults alike in science and tech.
• Highlights: Bubblearium, interactive energy lab, and rooftop terrace.
• Tips: Go early on weekends. Kids will want to spend at least 3–4 hours here.

It’s the kind of place where you don’t just watch, you dive in. Literally.

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Practical Tips for Visiting Museums in Copenhagen 📝

• Copenhagen Card: If you plan to visit several museums, this card includes free entry to most of them and unlimited public transport.
• Best times to visit: Weekdays in the morning are quieter. Louisiana is best on a sunny day so you can enjoy the outdoor park.
• How long to spend:
  • SMK & National Museum: 2–3 hours each
  • Glyptotek & Designmuseum: 1.5–2 hours
  • Louisiana: Half a day
  • David Collection: 1 hour
  • Experimentarium: 3–4 hours with kids

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Final Thoughts 💭

Copenhagen’s museums are more than tourist attractions. They’re windows into the city’s heart and history. Some will make you pause in awe, others will make you smile unexpectedly, and a few will quietly stay with you long after you’ve left.

When I first arrived here, I thought I’d visit one or two. Years later, I still find myself going back, again and again, always discovering something new.

So, whether you’re in love with art, curious about history, obsessed with design, or simply looking for a rainy-day adventure, these museums are waiting for you. And trust me, once you step inside, Copenhagen will reveal itself in ways you didn’t expect.