Art Guide: Copenhagen

The capital of Denmark is home to a world of culture and history, and what better way to experience it then to roam the streets and view some artwork? The city centre of Copenhagen known as Indre By is chock full of museums, galleries and culinary delights – so you can consistently rejuvenate on your journey. Here one can easily spend days perusing the shops and absorbing the sights, in a city thriving with creativity and excitement.

Edition Copenhagen is not your average gallery, but instead houses a large workshop for lithographic artists in the hip neighbourhood of Christianshavn, on the city’s eastern harbour.

Edition Copenhagen has been in the business since 1959 and has amassed a great collection of prints from Danish and international artists, available for preview and for sale in the large showroom located next door at Strandgade 66. By inviting established artists to create prints in the workshop, Editions Copenhagen shares its equipment and knowledge of lithography and encourages the development of print-making as an inimitable medium for artistic expression.

The move of Galerie Birch to its new home on the Palægade in Copenhagen’s historic city centre marks an exciting shift in the direction of the gallery, and should be at the top of your list of galleries to visit. A stone’s throw away from the city’s beloved Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Galerie Birch is Denmark’s oldest gallery for contemporary art in Copenhagen, specializing in artists from the European avant-garde movement COBRA while simultaneously introducing established talent to the world of contemporary art. Located close to the famous Nyhavn canal, I suggest your visit to the gallery should be followed by lunch on the Bredgade.

Following lunch you can visit Galleri Christoffer Egelund with a fresh pair of eyes. Another leader in the contemporary art world, Galleri Christoffer Egelund focuses on Scandinavian and international contemporary art of high quality. The current solo exhibition of Thierry Feuz is perfectly appropriate for summer with its vibrant energy and spontaneous lines. 

Everything Art: A visit to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is an absolute must. Although it is located on the shore of the Øresund Sound in Humlebæk, it is accessible by public transport and I guarantee you will leave with no regrets. If you’re strictly city-bound, have no fear. You can visit the Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket, an important art museum built around the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen of the Carlsberg Brewery. Here you’ll find an abundance of antiquities alongside Danish and French art from the 19th and 20th centuries PLUS it’s across the street from Tivoli Gardens … two birds one stone?

For lovers of design, a visit to Dansk Møbelkunst Gallery is an absolute must. The name literally translates to 'Danish Furniture Art' and the pieces can be admired close to the lovely Fælledparken at Aldersrogade 6c.

The gallery focuses on rare and original works of Danish furniture by established designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Poul Henningsen, Ole Wanscher, Børge Mogensen and many more. The gallery was established in 1992 by Ole Høstbo and has another location in Paris, France. Dansk Møbelkunst participates in many of the world’s most prestigious international art and design fairs, including TEFAF, Design Miami, FIAC, PAD and the Biennale des Antiquaires.

Design Lovers: Visit Galleri Feldt for all things modern and the Designmuseum Danmark to view an extensive collection of Danish design, housed in the former King Frederik’s Hospital on the Bredgade.

So perhaps you are familiar with Danish silverware … no? Well it’s time you get acquainted. I myself couldn’t resist buying some enamelled coffee spoons while touring a local antiques market. Danish silver is acclaimed world-wide for its elegance, craftsmanship and minimalist design.

Georg Jensen is a household name celebrated for his 20th century Art Nouveau designs, and as such his pieces can be found scattered throughout the city’s antique shops and flea markets. If you would like to admire the esteemed work of Georg Jensen, simply visit the brand store in the city’s shopping district, at Amagertorv 4.

Silver Admirers: If you’re on the hunt, remember that vintage silver shops can be found all over Copenhagen, especially around the Bredgade and around Amalienborg Palace. H. Danielsens Silver shop is located close by Georg Jensen and demands a visit for the shop has been in business on the Læderstræde since 1907.

Stay tuned for our upcoming City Guide - Antwerp.