The National Gallery of Denmark – SMK

We will start with one of the absolute classics: The National Gallery of Denmark, known as SMK. Even if you haven’t visited it yet, you’ve almost certainly noticed the striking building in the heart of Copenhagen – or at the very least heard of it. At SMK, you can explore more than 700 years of Danish and international art and art history, ranging from historic masterpieces to contemporary, experimental art.

But did you know that six times a year, SMK is transformed into a vibrant night of art? Called SMK Fridays, these are evenings where art, music, talks, performance and drinks blend together to make the perfect cocktail. SMK Fridays begin after regular opening hours and have free entry. Each evening has its own theme and the programme features everything from live music and DJs to guided tours and workshops. 

So, if you want a different, yet truly unforgettable night out, find the date of the next SMK Friday here: SMK Fridays.

The David Collection 

One of the more hidden gems of Copenhagen is The David Collection. The museum is tucked away in the centre of Copenhagen, right beside the King's Garden. Behind the museum’s discreet façade lies a treasure trove of art and culture.  

The museum has three permanent exhibitions: Islamic, European and Danish early modern art. These exhibitions display everything from exquisite calligraphy, ceramics and glass to colourful textiles and miniature paintings.

The most striking exhibition is the Islamic collection. It is even considered one of the finest in Northern Europe! Here, you can experience unique Islamic artworks spanning from the 7th to the 19th century.

The David collection offers a rare, intimate atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in art and culture. Every room feels like a time capsule, whispering stories from another era. 

There is free entry all year, and you can even join free guided tours around the museum. 

Read more and find current tours by clicking here: The David Collection. 

Museum of Copenhagen

You may live, work or perhaps simply spend a lot of time in Copenhagen. But how well do you really know the capital’s fascinating history?

The Museum of Copenhagen takes you on a journey through time, from Copenhagen’s beginnings to the present day. Here, you will encounter Copenhageners of the past and understand how they lived. You can also discover fascinating archaeological finds that give you a fresh take on Copenhagen life through the ages. Beside the permanent exhibition on the history of Copenhagen, the museum regularly puts on special exhibitions that dive into current topics. 

A recommendation: Every day, archaeologists from the Museum of Copenhagen make fascinating discoveries beneath Copenhagen’s streets. At the Archaeological Workshop you get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their work. You get to peek over their shoulders, ask questions and even participate yourself with some of the archaeological work. The workshop is totally free and is open on selected days during the year, often as part of festivals or school holidays. 

Read more about the Museum of Copenhagen and the Archaeological Workshop here: Museum of Copenhagen.

Tip: The Museum of Copenhagen offers free entry every Wednesday. 

The Glyptotek

If you want to visit a truly beautiful and green museum, with a giant collection of ancient art, then the Glyptotek is a must! 

The Glyptotek holds a breathtaking collection of ancient art and archaeological artefacts from Egypt, Greece and the Roman world. However, the museum is probably best known for its many sculptures and the beautiful Winter Garden. In the centre of the building, beneath an impressive glass dome, you are met by a lush garden filled with palms, exotic plants and ancient sculptures. It’s a green oasis in the heart of Copenhagen, definitely worth a visit.

If you fancy a drink or a snack, head to the museum’s café, Picnic. From here, you can enjoy the view over the Winter Garden. Don’t forget to check out the rooftop terrace as well, where you’ll find one of the best views in Copenhagen.

Get a taste of the museum and the Winter Garden here: The Glyptotek. 

Tip: On the last Wednesday of every month, you can visit the museum for free.

The Workers Museum – Arbejdermuseet

Do you love everyday drama, and are you a bit curious about the history of Copenhagen’s workers? Or perhaps you’re searching for a family-friendly museum – one where even the little ones can get intrigued?
 
At the Workers Museum, you step straight into the lives of the working class from the late 19th century up to the 1950s. Here, you can visit a small workers’ apartment, stroll down a 1950s shopping street and listen to recorded stories told by the workers themselves. 

The museum has a special interactive exhibition for children – the Children’s Workers Museum. This exhibition combines play and learning, allowing kids to dress up, try out old jobs and play in an apartment from the 1930s. 

At the Workers Museum, you will find a carefully preserved coffee shop from the 1950s. Here you can try coffee substitute, the workers’ favourite beer, Stjernepilsner, as well as soft drinks and kiksekage, a once-popular sweet treat, just as they were served back in the day. You can also try classic Danish dishes and Danish open sandwiches (smørrebrød) in the museum’s very popular restaurant, Café & Øl-Halle.
 
Curious? Then feel and taste the workers’ dramatic history here: The Workers Museum. 

Tip: Are you a member of a trade union? Then you and a guest get free entry. See the list of participating unions on the museum’s website here: Free admission with your union.

Politimuseet (the Police Museum)

Are you into crime novels and murder mysteries? Perhaps you even consider yourself a bit of a Sherlock Holmes? If so, Politimuseet (the Police Museum) could be just your thing. 

At Politimuseet, a unique experience awaits. Here, you can explore Danish policing and some of the country’s most famous criminal cases. You will get a historical insight into the brutal methods of the Danish police force, from the Middle Ages right up to the modern investigative techniques of the 20th century. 

You will “meet” some of Denmark’s most notorious criminals and con artists and learn how cases were solved using forensic techniques such as DNA and fingerprint analysis. You can also see items from cases that remain unsolved – and there are many of them, perhaps more than you might imagine. 

Are you ready to dive into real-life crime mysteries? Click here: Politimuseet (in Danish only). 
 

Hungry for more?

Of course, there are plenty of other great museums in Copenhagen. Check out a full guide to them all here: Copenhagen’s top museums.