Exploring the Museums of Denmark – A Guide to the Best Exhibitions

From the prehistoric relics of the Jelling Stones to the contemporary works of the Arken Museum of Modern Art, the museums of Denmark are a veritable treasure trove of cultural and historical artifacts. With over 400 museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Denmark and the Danish Royal Library, Denmark has one of the most diverse and vibrant museum scenes in Europe. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking to learn about the culture of Denmark, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy. This guide will provide an overview of the best museums and exhibitions in Denmark, from the ancient to the modern.

National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum of Denmark is the largest museum in Denmark and one of the oldest in Europe. Founded in the mid-1700s, the museum houses a wide range of artifacts and artworks spanning thousands of years of Danish history. Visitors to the museum can explore the prehistory of Denmark through the Bronze Age and Iron Age collections, as well as the Viking Age and Middle Ages. Other highlights include the impressive Egyptian collection, which includes mummies and ancient objects from the tombs of Pharaohs.

The museum also houses a stunning collection of Danish Golden Age art from the 17th and 18th centuries. This includes works by some of the most renowned painters of the period, such as Christen Købke, C.W. Eckersberg, and P.C. Skovgaard. The museum also houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by some of the most important Danish artists of the 20th century.

The museum also has a number of special exhibitions that change throughout the year, offering an ever-changing array of artifacts and artworks to explore.

The Danish Royal Library

The Danish Royal Library is the largest library in Denmark and one of the oldest in Europe. Founded in 1648, the library houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other documents, including some of the earliest surviving copies of the Bible. The library also houses an impressive collection of maps, prints, and other rare objects.

The library also houses a number of special exhibitions, including the permanent exhibition, “Omni quaero: The Art of Searching”, which explores the history of research and discovery from the world’s oldest libraries. The library also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, covering topics such as the history of science, literature, and art.

The library also offers a range of educational programs, from guided tours to lectures and workshops, as well as a wide range of activities for children and families.

The David Collection

The David Collection is a museum of Islamic art and culture located in Copenhagen. Founded in the 1940s by the Danish collector, Christian Ludvig David, the museum houses a stunning collection of Islamic art and artifacts from the Middle East and North Africa. Highlights include a wide range of manuscripts, textiles, and objects from the Islamic world, as well as a number of paintings and sculptures.

The museum also houses a number of special exhibitions, which change throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the museum’s library, which houses a wide range of books and manuscripts related to Islamic art and culture.

The museum also offers a range of educational programs, from guided tours to lectures and workshops, as well as a wide range of activities for children and families.

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in Denmark and one of the most important in Scandinavia. Located in the city of Aarhus, the museum houses a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art from the 19th century to the present day. Highlights include works by some of the most important Danish artists, such as P.S. Krøyer and Vilhelm Hammershøi, as well as a number of works by international artists, such as Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon.

The museum also houses a number of special exhibitions, which change throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the museum’s library, which houses a wide range of books and manuscripts related to art and culture.

The museum also offers a range of educational programs, from guided tours to lectures and workshops, as well as a wide range of activities for children and families.

The Ordrupgaard Museum

The Ordrupgaard Museum is a museum of 19th-century art located in the Copenhagen suburb of Ordrup. Founded in 1918, the museum houses a stunning collection of Danish and international art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Highlights include works by some of the most important Danish painters, such as Vilhelm Hammershøi and P.S. Krøyer, as well as a number of works by international artists, such as Monet and Renoir.

The museum also houses a number of special exhibitions, which change throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the museum’s library, which houses a wide range of books and manuscripts related to art and culture.

The museum also offers a range of educational programs, from guided tours to lectures and workshops, as well as a wide range of activities for children and families.

The Rasmus Meyers Collection

The Rasmus Meyers Collection is a museum of Nordic art located in Bergen, Norway. Founded in the late 19th century, the museum houses a stunning collection of Nordic art from the 18th century to the present day. Highlights include works by some of the most important Nordic painters, such as Edvard Munch and August Strindberg, as well as a number of works by international artists, such as Picasso and Monet.

The museum also houses a number of special exhibitions, which change throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the museum’s library, which houses a wide range of books and manuscripts related to art and culture.

The museum also offers a range of educational programs, from guided tours to lectures and workshops, as well as a wide range of activities for children and families.

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is an art museum located in Humlebæk, just outside of Copenhagen. Founded in 1958, the museum houses a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Highlights include works by some of the most important Danish artists, such as Asger Jorn and Per Kirkeby, as well as a number of works by international artists, such as Andy Warhol and Louise Bourgeois.

The museum also houses a number of special exhibitions, which change throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the museum’s library, which houses a wide range of books and manuscripts related to art and culture.

The museum also offers a range of educational programs, from guided tours to lectures and workshops, as well as a wide range of activities for children and families.

The Jelling Stones

The Jelling Stones are two of the oldest monuments in Denmark, located in Jutland. The two stones are believed to date back to the 10th century and are inscribed with runic inscriptions. The stones are believed to have been erected by King Harald Bluetooth in honour of his father, Gorm the Old, and his mother, Thyra.

The Jelling Stones are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a popular tourist attraction in Denmark. Visitors to the site can explore the history of the stones and learn about the culture and history of the Viking Age.

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park and pleasure garden located in the centre of Copenhagen. Founded in 1843, the park is the second-oldest amusement park in the world and is one of Denmark’s most popular tourist attractions. The park is home to a wide range of rides, attractions, and restaurants, as well as a number of special events throughout the year.

The park also houses a number of museums, including the Danish Museum of Caricature and the Danish Museum of Posters. Visitors to the park can also explore the park’s gardens, which feature a wide range of plants and flowers from around the world.

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is a 17th-century royal palace located in the centre of Copenhagen. Built by King Christian IV in 1606, the castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Denmark and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to the castle can explore the castle’s rooms and gardens, as well as the Royal Collection, which includes a number of artworks and artifacts from the royal family.

The castle also houses a number of special exhibitions, which change throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the castle’s library, which houses a wide range of books and manuscripts related to the history of Denmark.

The Arken Museum of Modern Art

The Arken Museum of Modern Art is a contemporary art museum located in Ishøj, just outside of Copenhagen. Founded in 1996, the museum houses a stunning collection of international modern and contemporary art from the 1950s to the present day. Highlights include works by some of the most important Danish artists, such as Per Kirkeby and Asger Jorn, as well as a number of works by international artists, such as Damien Hirst and Yayoi Kusama.

The museum also houses a number of special exhibitions, which change throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the museum’s library, which houses a wide range of books and manuscripts related to art and culture.

The museum also offers a range of educational programs, from guided tours to lectures and workshops, as well as a wide range of activities for children and families.

Summary

Denmark is home to some of the most stunning museums and galleries in Europe. From the ancient artifacts of the National Museum of Denmark to the contemporary works of the Arken Museum of Modern Art, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy. This guide has provided an overview of the best museums and exhibitions in Denmark, from the ancient to the modern. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking to learn about the culture of Denmark, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.