Museums in Copenhagen – a guide to art, culture and experiences

Copenhagen is full of museums – whether you’re into art, design, history, architecture, or interactive experiences. Here, you’ll find both iconic classics and modern exhibitions that invite you to experience the city in a new way.

We’ve put together a guide to museums in Copenhagen and selected some of our favourites – so you can easily find inspiration, whether you have a couple of hours or a full day available.

Stay centrally with easy access to all the museums

When you stay at Wakeup Copenhagen, you stay centrally with easy access to many of the city’s museums. Many are located in the city centre within walking distance of the hotel, while others are easy to reach by metro, bus, or train.

Thorvaldsen’s Museum is one of Copenhagen’s most unique museums – both inside and out. The colourful building houses an impressive collection of works by the world-famous sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, from monumental sculptures to intricate reliefs, presented in atmospheric exhibitions.

The atmosphere is calm and almost fairytale-like, and the museum’s architecture makes the visit an experience in itself. Admission is free every Wednesday, and children and young people under 18 enter free, making it a great stop for both families and culture enthusiasts.

Thorvaldsen’s Museum is located right next to Christiansborg and can easily be combined with a walk along the canals or through Strøget.

At Designmuseum Denmark, you can explore the history of Danish design – from classic PH lamps and Wegner chairs to modern fashion and graphic design.

The museum shows why Danish design is known worldwide for its simplicity, functionality, and aesthetics. The exhibitions change regularly, so there is often something new to experience.

Children and young people under 18 have free admission, making it a great experience for the whole family. Perfect for those interested in form, detail, and quality craftsmanship.

Want to get close to Denmark’s history? The National Museum takes you through centuries – from prehistoric times and the Viking Age to modern society – through engaging exhibitions. Here, you can experience everything from runestones and mummies to historical treasures and interactive installations.

The museum is large but well-organised, making it easy to choose the exhibitions that interest you most. Visitors under 18 have free admission, making it a great experience for both families and curious visitors. It is centrally located near City Hall Square and Strøget.

The Glyptotek is known for its iconic winter garden with palm trees and a glass dome – a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. Here, you can experience ancient art from Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as French masterpieces by artists such as Monet and Degas, spanning several centuries.

It is a museum where art and architecture blend seamlessly, and where you can easily spend hours. Admission is free on the last Wednesday of every month, and children and young people under 18 enter free. The museum is located right next to Tivoli, making it easy to combine your visit with other experiences in the area.

At BLOX on the waterfront, you’ll find the Danish Architecture Center (DAC). Here, the focus is on cities, construction, sustainability, and the solutions of the future.

The exhibitions are interactive and give you a new perspective on how Copenhagen – and the rest of the world – is shaped.

Children and young people under 18 have free admission, making it a great experience for the whole family. Head up to the rooftop and enjoy the view over the harbour as part of your visit.

SMK is Denmark’s national gallery and houses an impressive collection of art spanning seven centuries. Here, you can experience everything from classic European paintings to modern contemporary art and new, experimental installations.

The museum is located by Østre Anlæg and the King’s Garden, making it easy to combine your art experience with a walk in the green surroundings.

Children under 18 have free admission, making it a great option for both families and culture enthusiasts.

Louisiana is one of Denmark’s most famous museums of modern art and is absolutely worth a visit. Here, you can experience international contemporary art in beautiful surroundings with views of the Øresund.

The museum combines art, architecture, and nature in a unique way, and the exhibitions change throughout the year, so there is always something new to experience. Children and young people under 18 have free admission, and there are excellent facilities for families. Perfect for a day trip just north of Copenhagen.

In the middle of the King’s Garden, you’ll find Rosenborg Castle, where you can step directly into Denmark’s royal history. Here, you can experience the crown jewels, the impressive halls, and a unique collection of royal artefacts.

The museum offers engaging exhibitions that provide a vivid insight into life at the royal court throughout history. Children and young people under 18 have free admission, and the gardens surrounding the castle are perfect for a break before or after your visit.

The Planetarium takes you on a journey into space and offers an experience beyond the ordinary. Here, you can watch films and shows on the large dome screen, where stars, planets, and galaxies come up close.

The exhibitions make it easy to understand the mysteries of the universe, and the experience is both educational and exciting for children and adults. Perfect as a different kind of break from classic museums – while still being centrally located in Copenhagen.

The Children’s Museum is part of the National Museum and is designed especially for children. Here, touching, playing, and dressing up are encouraged, and with tokens purchased at the entrance, children can unlock different activities along the way.

It’s an exciting experience where children can board a Viking ship, sit in an old classroom, and explore history hands-on.

Here, the whole family can explore planes, cars, trains, and inventions. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the development of technology – with plenty to discover for curious children.

The exhibitions are both educational and interactive, so you don’t just observe history – you get to try and experience it as well. From classic vintage cars to iconic aircraft and technological breakthroughs, it becomes clear how innovation has shaped our everyday lives.

Visitors under 18 have free admission, making it a great outing for both children and adults – especially if you combine your visit with a trip to Helsingør and the coast.

The Natural History Museum of Denmark invites you into a fascinating world of nature and science. Here, you can explore and experience everything from dinosaurs and wild animals to minerals and human evolution through engaging exhibitions.

Through the museum’s storytelling, the history of our planet comes to life across many centuries, giving you a unique insight into the diversity of nature – from prehistoric giants to today’s ecosystems.

The exhibitions are both educational and visual, making it easy to get absorbed – whether you visit alone, as a couple, or with children.

The museum is connected to the Botanical Garden, so you can easily combine your visit with a walk among beautiful plants, greenhouses, and lush surroundings in the heart of the city.

Here, you’ll get a vivid insight into everyday life in the past. The museum features atmospheric exhibitions where stories and authentic objects bring history to life for both children and adults – from small working-class apartments to stories about working life and community.

There are often activities for children, allowing the whole family to experience history in an engaging and hands-on way. Visitors under 18 have free admission, making it a great and budget-friendly experience.

After your visit, you can take a break in the museum’s cosy café, where classic dishes and historic surroundings complete the experience and give you time to reflect on the day.

Experimentarium is an interactive science centre filled with experiments, movement, and learning. Here, children – and adults – can test the laws of science in practice and learn through play.

The exhibitions invite you to touch, try, and explore everything from water and energy to the human body and senses. It’s an experience where curiosity can run free, and where you can easily spend many hours together.

Perfect for an active day where learning and play go hand in hand – regardless of age.

At the Open Air Museum, part of Copenhagen’s museum offerings, you can walk among historic farmhouses, meet old livestock breeds, and experience rural life as it once was. The open spaces provide plenty of room to explore at your own pace and take breaks along the way.

It’s an ideal outing for both children and adults, where history and nature come together in peaceful surroundings – perfect for a full day away from the city’s pace. Visitors under 18 have free admission, making it an easy and budget-friendly experience just outside the city.