Copenhagen for Art and Design Lovers
Just like the famous little plastic Lego bricks that took over the world, Denmark is firmly on the global map as a place to visit for design lovers. Design is in Denmark’s DNA: a part of the country’s identity, whether it is minimalist or ergonomic furniture, Arne Jacobsen’s chairs, the PH lamp, or Bauhaus influenced architecture. Dive into our creative world and be inspired!
As Denmark’s cultural capital, Copenhagen is a joy for art and design lovers - with galleries on every corner, creativity encouraged, and a history of Danish design evident, it is the perfect hotbed to explore this creativity. Copenhagen city centre provides a unique space where a rich architectural history combines with modernity in the streets, and creativity isn’t confined to art galleries but is a breathing part of the city. A beautifully aesthetic city (Denmark is of course famous for great modern design and architecture), there is also centuries-old palaces and castles to admire among the cutting-edge architecture, street art installations and modernity that builds up the city-scape. 
Above and Header image: DANISH MODERN, Designmuseum Danmark. Photo: Luka Hesselberg
Copenhagen is also renown as a city for innovative design and architecture, Copenhagen was also awarded the World Capital of Architecture 2023 title, designated by UNESCO and the General Assembly of the International Union of Architects.
Along with impressive architecture, there is a thriving contemporary art and design culture, Copenhagen also has a wealth of royal buildings and historical palaces. Here you can find world-class museums or seek out boundary-pushing art installations - find boutique local galleries, or international exhibitions, and of course find plenty of iconic Danish design. For anyone curious about art and design, taking a wander through the city’s streets is bound to inspire you! Here are some of our favourite places to soak up the creative culture of Copenhagen’s design scene.
For local art and galleries, check out the galleries in Vesterbro and the Nordhavn waterfront. Both are hotspots for independent galleries, studios and pop-up spaces. 
Bringing Art to Life
Art is meant to be lived in Copenhagen - not just in museums but also in the street. Enjoy the charm of Copenhagen as you find design everywhere - in bars and restaurants, in third spaces and cultural centres.
For remarkable architecture the don't miss the Circle Bridge, and check out the Royal Danish Opera House, the Royal Theatre, and the DR Koncerthuset. The Circle Bridge is a seamless piece of art and architecure that crosses a busy part of the river for pedestrians. Designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, the Circle Bridge feels less like a piece of infrastructure and more like a floating artwork. Instead of a straight crossing, the bridge is made up of five circular platforms of different sizes. Each circle has its own mast and network of cables, almost like the sails and rigging of a ship. It’s a reminder of Copenhagen’s maritime history, gently reminding visitors that this harbour has been central to the city’s identity for centuries. Despite its sculptural look, the bridge is completely functional. One of the circular sections swings open when boats need to pass, turning the bridge into a calm moment of theatre as the pieces shift and reconnect.
DANISH MODERN, Designmuseum Danmark. Photo: Luka Hesselberg
Design Museum Denmark
How did Danish craftsmanship and simplicity come to shape global design? This is the first place to go and find out. Perfect for design lovers, the museum was renovated in 2022 and now sits in even more impressive space where you can enjoy Danish design culture with shows, films, and a fascinating collection. This museum traces the history of design from inception to current day on its evolutionary journey. There are usually multiple exhibitions at the same time, free talks, and a permanent collection to visit. The are free podcasts also on Danish design and digital versions of exhibitions online.
Tickets available online, and they give student discount. Starting November 6, Design Museum Danmark will offer free admission every Thursday to students and visitors under 27 - running all the way through February 2026! The museum is closed Monday, opening 10-6pm other days and until 8pm on Thursdays.
The Big Galleries - Glyptoteket, SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst, and Thorvaldsen’s Museum
With several distinct art museums in Copenhagen you can find everything from modern pieces, neoclassical and pieces from antiquity.
Our favourite for its combination of marble sculptures and the light oasis palm tree indoor garden is the Glyptoteket. Famous for his pieces from both antiquity and modern art, it’s an exciting an colourful overview of different art movement, and combined with an interesting architectural environment.
The national gallery, SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst, is the more classical - with both contemporary exhibitions and a huge collection of art from Nordic golden-age works to classical European masters. Until 11th January 2026 they have “Surreal on Paper” exhibition featuring Salvador Dalí, André Masson, and Meret Oppenheim among others with more than 100 drawings.
The striking yellow building nearby in the cultural district is the Thorvaldsens Museum. Currently there is an exhibition of Bharti Kher’s sculptures, and a permanent collection of interesting artifacts. Closed on Mondays.
For smaller spaces that share narratives on culture and identity, seek out the Danish Jewish Museum and the Museum of Copenhagen. Here you can find out about the city’s crafts, cultures, and evolving landscape.
CC - Copenhagen Contemporary
This is the place to see creativity in motion as the exhibitions and installations here really push boundaries in art. Copenhagen has a reputation for pushing artistic boundaries, and nowhere is this more evident than in its contemporary art spaces. Copenhagen Contemporary in Refshaleøen hosts immersive, large-scale installations in a converted industrial hall. Expect light, sound, and conceptual works by international heavyweights - and at the moment Soft Robots - an extraordinary exhibition.
In the historic city centre here are plenty of architectural gems, including Nikolaj Kunsthal, an exhibition space from a former church,offers thought-provoking exhibitions.
The cutting-edge shows with Danish and international artists at the Kunsthal Charlottenborg make it one of the Nordic region’s leading contemporary art venues.
Viewing room in the South wing, exterior.
Photo: Ulrik Jantzen
Credit: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Just 40 minutes by train from central Copenhagen lies one of Scandinavia’s true cultural treasures: the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Perched on the coast in Humlebæk with sweeping views across the Øresund towards Sweden, Louisiana is the perfect fusion of design, art, architecture, and landscape.
The museum’s charm comes from its unique design. A series of low-lying modernist buildings are connected by glass corridors that weave through sculpture gardens and coastal trees, creating a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors. This layout invites visitors to wander at their own pace, discovering art in both traditional gallery spaces and in pockets of nature along the beach.
Louisiana’s permanent collection is one of the strongest in northern Europe. Highlights include the dedicated Giacometti Gallery and the largest collection of contemporary art in Scandinavia. The museum has been curating bold exhibitions since the 1950s, showcasing both Danish artists and internationally recognised names. With anywhere between six and twenty exhibitions each year, it offers an ever-changing mix of mediums - sculpture, painting, photography, installation, and architectural works.
The outdoor sculpture park is a major draw in itself. Works by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Jean Arp, and other significant artists sit against dramatic sea views, turning a simple walk into a full artistic experience. Inside, Louisiana’s café and terrace are favourites among visitors, thanks to their panoramic seaside setting - an inspiring escape from the city!
Retro Design at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
Up-cycled furniture, retro cool interior design, themed rooms - we have an aesthetic you’re going to love at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel! Enjoy our Scandinavian design and reclaimed materials and vintage pieces - all combined to create a cosy atmosphere, be innovative, and of course, sustainable. Also our central location makes us one of the original and best hostels for an authentic downtown experience. We are the choice of the genuine backpacker!
Make the most of the dark evenings with our amazing cocktails, happy hour specials, live music from our awesome singer Morten, games nights, DJ parties, and traveller theme events. Find out about walking tours, bike tours, and what there is to see around the city at reception. See you here!
Book direct with us for the best prices and added benefits throughout your stay. We are a member of Famous Hostels, an association of over 55 of the best hostels around Europe!