Attraction
Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen's amusement park and pleasure garden, open since 1843 beside the Central Station, with historic rides, gardens, concerts, restaurants and seasonal Halloween and Christmas events.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Carl Jacobsen's art museum opposite Tivoli, with ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman sculpture, a major Rodin collection, French Impressionists and a palm-filled Winter Garden.
At a glance
- Type
- Art and sculpture museum
- Area
- Vesterbro / City Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Official site
- glyptoteket.com
Good to know
- Winter Garden
- Roof terrace
- Café Picnic
- Evening events
Why we recommend it
The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek was founded by the brewer Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg, who gave his collection to the Danish state and the City of Copenhagen in 1888. The museum opened in 1897 and has grown into one of the most attractive museums in the city, both for its collections and for its architecture. The original wing by Vilhelm Dahlerup was joined in 1906 by Hack Kampmann's wing, and Henning Larsen added a modern extension in 1996.
At the heart of the building is the Winter Garden, a domed glasshouse with tall palms, mosaic floors and a fountain, which connects the two historic wings and is a calm place to sit between galleries. Around it, the collections cover the ancient Mediterranean, with more than 1,900 Egyptian objects including mummies, and an extensive series of Greek, Etruscan and Roman sculpture and portrait heads. The museum also holds one of the most important Rodin collections outside France, a complete set of Degas's bronze sculptures, more than 40 works by Gauguin and paintings by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and Cézanne.
Temporary exhibitions add a fresh reason to return. The current major show, The Power of Fashion in the Roman Empire, runs until 29 March 2027. The museum also hosts evening events with talks, music and food. When the weather allows, the roof terrace opens and offers views across Copenhagen. The café, Picnic, serves lunch dishes, desserts and coffee.
The Glyptotek suits art lovers, students of the ancient world and anyone looking for a quieter alternative to the busier sights nearby. Allow two to three hours. The museum has announced plans for a major historic restoration, so check its website for the latest opening hours and any gallery closures before you visit.
The museum is on Dantes Plads, across the road from Tivoli Gardens and a few minutes' walk from Copenhagen Central Station and City Hall Square. The National Museum is also a short walk away, which makes it easy to combine the two in a day. If you are visiting with children, the Winter Garden and the mummies tend to hold their attention best.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek FAQs
What is the Glyptotek known for?
Its ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman sculpture, a major Rodin collection, Degas bronzes, French Impressionist paintings and the domed Winter Garden.
Who founded the Glyptotek?
The brewer Carl Jacobsen, who gave his collection to the state and the city in 1888. The museum opened in 1897.
Is there a café?
Yes, Picnic serves lunch dishes, desserts, coffee and other drinks.
Can you visit the roof terrace?
Yes, when the weather permits. It offers views across Copenhagen.
Where is the Glyptotek?
At Dantes Plads 7, opposite Tivoli Gardens and a short walk from Copenhagen Central Station.
How long should I allow?
Around two to three hours for the main collections and the Winter Garden.
What exhibition is on now?
The Power of Fashion in the Roman Empire runs until 29 March 2027.
Is the museum closing for restoration?
The museum has announced a major historic restoration, so check the website for current opening hours and gallery closures.