Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Amitylux

Best 5 Museums in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city that thrives on its cultural heritage, and if you’re an art lover or history enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. The city is home to some of Europe’s best museums, each offering something unique. Whether you’re standing before a Viking relic at the National Museum or admiring a Picasso at the Statens Museum for Kunst, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a tapestry of history and creativity.

But let’s be honest—Copenhagen isn’t a place where you simply look at art. It’s a city that invites you to experience it. Take the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, where the art doesn’t just hang on walls but interacts with the sea breeze and coastal views. Or explore the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, where every statue has a story and every corner is an architectural marvel.

Each museum in Copenhagen feels like a new chapter in a story that’s been unfolding for centuries. They’re not just places to look at objects—they’re experiences. So, if you’re in town and looking to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry, these are the museums you’ll want to visit.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

A harmonious combination of world-class contemporary art, modernist architecture, and stunning nature attracts thousands of visitors to Louisiana annually. The museum features one of Scandinavia’s largest modern art collections and a sculpture park in a beautiful seaside setting. Besides the permanent art collection, Louisiana hosts temporary exhibitions featuring some of the most prominent names in the contemporary art scene.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art | The Best 4 Museums in Copenhagen | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art | Museums in Copenhagen | Gammel Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

The NY Carlsberg Glyptotek museum is located in the heart of Copenhagen and features two central art departments surrounded by stunning architecture. The Department of Antiques gives you an overview of 3500 years of Etruscan, Roman, Greek, and Egyptian art. Also, the Modern Department focuses on Danish and French paintings and sculptures of the 19th and 20th centuries. Apart from the stunning art collections, the museum features a cosy café in a lush Winter Garden filled with palm trees and other vegetation.

Tip: Entrance to the museum is free on Tuesdays.

Glyptotek Museum | Museums in Copenhagen | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

Glyptotek Museum | Museums in Copenhagen | Dantes Plads 7 1556 Copenhagen

SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark

SMK is the most extensive art gallery in the country, where you can find anything from Danish Golden Age art collections to one of the world’s best Matisse collections. In addition, for everyone’s enjoyment, SMK hosts regular events, such as workshops, art talks, performances, concerts, and guided tours about a wide range of art-related topics.

SMK - The National Gallery of Denmark | Museums in Copenhagen | | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark | Museums in Copenhagen | Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København

ARKEN Museum of Modern Art

ARKEN hosts one of Scandinavia’s most refined modern art collections, resembling a monumental beached ship. The collections contain more than 400 artworks, mainly by Danish, Nor­dic, and international contemporary artists. Make sure to visit ARKEN café, which hangs like a lifeboat on the side of the museum and overlooks the picturesque beach park.

Tip: Access to the café is free of charge.

ARKEN Museum of Modern Art | Museums in Copenhagen | Amitylux Tours | Scandinavian Guided Tours | VIP & Luxury Experiences in the Nordics

ARKEN Museum of Modern Art | Museums in Copenhagen | Skovvej 100, 2635 Ishøj, Danmark

National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum of Denmark is the country’s largest cultural history museum, offering a deep dive into Denmark’s past. Located in the heart of Copenhagen, it showcases an extensive collection ranging from Viking artifacts and medieval treasures to Renaissance art and modern Danish culture.

One of the museum’s most famous exhibits is the Sun Chariot, a Bronze Age artifact that provides insight into ancient Nordic mythology. The Viking collection is another major highlight, featuring well-preserved weapons, jewelry, and rune stones that tell the story of Denmark’s seafaring ancestors.

Beyond Danish history, the museum also houses global ethnographic collections, including exhibitions on ancient Egypt, the Arctic Inuit, and East Asian cultures. Interactive displays and engaging storytelling make it a fascinating visit for all ages.

The museum is located just a short walk from Christiansborg Palace and is easily accessible by public transport. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to understand the roots of Danish culture.

Conclusion

Copenhagen’s museums are more than just buildings filled with exhibits—they’re windows into the soul of Denmark. From the ancient Viking artifacts to the cutting-edge contemporary art at the Louisiana Museum, each institution tells a unique story that helps you understand not only Denmark’s past but also its creative pulse. The best museums in Copenhagen give you the opportunity to engage with art and history on a deeper level, turning your visit into an enriching journey.

So, whether you’re in the mood for classical art, modern installations, or diving into Denmark’s fascinating history, Copenhagen’s museums have you covered. Each museum provides something special, and with so many to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find experiences that resonate with you.

Make sure to carve out time for these cultural landmarks—because the heart of Copenhagen isn’t just in its streets or architecture; it’s in its museums. Trust me, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the city and its legacy.

If you’d like to explore museums further beyond Copenhagen, here’s top 5 museums all over Denmark.

Create Your Custom Museum Tour With Amitylux

At Amitylux, we specialize in creating unique private tours based on your wants and needs. So if you’re a museum fan, art lover, or history enthusiast and would like to visit the best museums in Copenhagen during your trip – we have you covered. We can arrange guided tours in your preferred museums or galleries and private transfers to and from the museums.

The process is easy – make a custom booking and let us know what you would like to do and see, and we will take it from there.

Popular choices on Reddit include the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for contemporary art, the National Museum of Denmark for history, and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek for classical art and sculptures.

Some free museums in Copenhagen include the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) on Tuesdays, The National Gallery, and the Design Museum Denmark on specific days, as well as The Workers Museum for certain events.

For a less touristy experience, try exploring Assistens Cemetery, a peaceful spot with historical significance, Freetown Christiania, a unique self-governing neighborhood, or enjoy the Vesterbro area’s cool cafés and street art scene.

Copenhagen is famous for its biking culture, the Little Mermaid statue, Tivoli Gardens, Nordic cuisine, and design. The city also boasts world-class museums and a unique blend of modern architecture and historic charm.