Copenhagen is an inspiring place for anyone interested in Nordic culture and creativity. This guide presents the city's most notable museums, galleries, and design shops to help you plan what you want to see.
National Gallery of Denmark (SMK)
Denmark's leading art museum, with collections from the 14th century to today. Renaissance painters and modernists such as Rembrandt and Matisse appear alongside contemporary installations. It is an essential place to understand the development of Nordic art. @smkmuseum
Design Museum Denmark
One of the Nordic region's most important museums for design and crafts. It is housed in an 18th century building between Nyhavn and Amalienborg. The museum shows Danish design from both historical and contemporary perspectives, from Arne Jacobsen's chairs and Finn Juhl's furniture to fashion, graphic design, and sustainable design @designmuseumdanmark
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
A landmark museum where modern art, architecture, and nature meet. The exhibitions are of a high international standard, and the location by the Öresund adds to the experience. @louisianamuseum
Copenhagen Contemporary (CC)
Large industrial halls at Refshaleøen host installations, video works, and light art by international artists. The works often make use of the generous space, both physically and conceptually. @copenhagen_contemporary
Danish Architecture Center (DAC)
Copenhagen's hub for architecture, design, and urban development. With exhibitions, talks, and a striking waterfront setting, DAC offers insight into current issues and future directions in urban development. @danisharchitecturecenter
Cisternerne
Located in former underground water reservoirs, this is a distinctive art site where installations respond to moisture, darkness, and acoustics. It offers an unusual and memorable art experience far from traditional museum spaces. @cisternerne
V1 Gallery
An influential contemporary art gallery with a clear and confident profile. It brings together established artists and emerging voices and has played an important role in shaping the city's contemporary art scene. @v1gallery
Secher Fine Art & Design
A gallery where the line between art and design is flexible. The focus is on materials, form, and function, with carefully chosen objects that reflect Scandinavian aesthetics and international trends. @secherfineart
Nikolaj Kunsthal
A distinctive venue for contemporary art in a converted 13th century church in central Copenhagen. The exhibitions explore current themes and experiment with space and form. @nikolajkunsthal
Dansk Møbelkunst Gallery
A gallery dedicated to Danish design from the 20th century's golden age. It displays rare original works by designers such as Kaare Klint, Finn Juhl, Arne Jacobsen, and Hans J. Wegner. @danskmobelkunst
Louise Roe
A showroom and gallery where art, interior design, and product design meet. The selection highlights a timeless and sustainable aesthetic with objects that combine simplicity and exclusivity. @louiseroecph
Want more articles like this straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our free newsletter!
Bruun Rasmussen
Denmark's leading auction house since 1948. It combines tradition and innovation through live and online auctions. Bruun Rasmussen is a central figure in the Nordic market for art, design, antiques, and jewelry. @bruunrasmussen
HAY House
The flagship store for HAY, one of Denmark's most influential design companies. Spread across two floors that overlook Strøget, the store presents furniture, textiles, and objects that define modern Scandinavian design, including playful and functional pieces. @haydesign
Dansk Made for Rooms
A curated interior design shop where Nordic minimalism meets bohemian influences. It offers furniture, lighting, and accessories from both Danish and international designers. It is a good place to find ideas for a personal home. @danskmadeforrooms
Flea market in Bella
One of the largest indoor flea markets in the Nordic region. It is popular among vintage and design enthusiasts. Retro pieces, Danish classics, and unexpected finds appear in a lively and social setting. @loppemarkedibella
New Mags
A concept store and publishing space for people who appreciate print and visual culture. It offers coffee table books, international magazines, and selected titles on design, culture, and fashion. @new_mags
Kødbyens Fish Bar
A restaurant that combines the industrial character of Kødbyen with modern cooking. It serves seafood and natural wines at the bar. @fiskebaren
Delphine
A light and summery restaurant inspired by Mediterranean cooking. The dishes draw on Italy and Greece, and the atmosphere evokes a sense of warmth and coastal living. @delphinerestaurant
Atelier September
One of Copenhagen's most talked-about cafés, known for its minimalist aesthetic and seasonal menu. @atelierseptember
Copenhagen offers a wide range of art and design experiences, from major institutions to small galleries and shops. This guide gives you a starting point, whether you want to explore Danish design history or discover contemporary art. The city has much to offer both in the center and in the outer districts, and there is always something new to find.
Find more articles in Barnebys Magazine
Article written by Molly Klingberg.