Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: A World-Class Art Museum in Copenhagen

Welcome to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, one of Copenhagen’s most captivating museums, where antiquity meets modernity and classical sculpture lives alongside French Impressionism. Founded by Carl Jacobsen, the son of the Carlsberg Brewery founder, this museum is a personal gift to the people of Denmark—a place where art, history, and architecture converge.
 

As your personal travel guide, let’s walk through the grand marble halls, lush winter gardens, and world-class galleries of one of Denmark’s most extraordinary cultural institutions.

📍 Where Is Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek?

Address: Dantes Plads 7, 1556 Copenhagen, Denmark

Location: In the heart of Copenhagen, right behind Tivoli Gardens

Nearby: Copenhagen City Hall, National Museum of Denmark, and Central Station

🏙️ Easily accessible by metro, bike, or a short walk from the city center.

🏛️ A Brief History of Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

🍺 From Brewery to Art Patronage

The museum was established in 1888 by Carl Jacobsen, heir to the Carlsberg brewery fortune and an avid art collector. “Glyptotek” derives from the Greek word “glyphein” (to carve) and “theke” (to store), referring to a place for sculptures.

Carl Jacobsen believed in making art accessible to the public and donated both his vast art collection and the museum building to Copenhagen.

Key Milestones:

1888: Museum foundation

1897–1906: Main museum complex built

1996: Major renovation and modern wing addition

Collection size: Over 10,000 artworks and artifacts

🧭 What to See at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is divided into three major collections:

Antiquities from Egypt, Greece, and Rome

19th-century Danish and French art

Modern and contemporary pieces

Let’s explore the museum’s top highlights room by room.

🏺 1. The Ancient Collections: Egypt, Greece & Rome

The lower floors house one of Northern Europe’s finest collections of ancient art, including:

🐫 Egyptian Art

Sarcophagi, mummies, and hieroglyphic steles

Stunning statues of Pharaoh Ramses II and Sekhmet

Everyday items from tombs and temples

🏛️ Greek and Roman Galleries

Marble sculptures of Aphrodite, Athena, and Apollo

Roman busts of emperors like Augustus and Hadrian

Reliefs, pottery, coins, and mosaics

📜 These galleries offer insight into the mythology, politics, and aesthetics of the ancient world.

🖼️ 2. The French & Danish Art Collections

On the upper floors, you’ll find an impressive selection of 19th-century European masterpieces.

🎨 French Impressionism & Post-Impressionism

Works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Auguste Renoir, and Van Gogh

One of Scandinavia’s largest collections of Rodin sculptures, including The Thinker

Luminous oil paintings capturing modern life, nature, and emotion

🇩🇰 Danish Golden Age & Modern Art

Paintings by Christen Købke, Wilhelm Marstrand, and P.S. Krøyer

Strong focus on realism, national identity, and Danish landscapes

Modernist sculptures and installations in the newer wings

🖌️ These galleries form a bridge between classical art and the birth of modernism.

🌿 3. The Winter Garden – A Tranquil Escape

At the center of the museum is the Winter Garden, a lush oasis of palm trees, fountains, and marble columns beneath a soaring glass dome.

Free seating areas for relaxation

Natural light filters through the dome, creating a peaceful atmosphere

A perfect place to take a break, read, or sip a coffee

☕ The Winter Garden Café serves delightful pastries, drinks, and light meals.

🧑‍🎨 4. Temporary Exhibitions

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek also hosts rotating exhibitions that focus on:

Contemporary artists in dialogue with classical themes

Thematic showcases (e.g., Women in Antiquity, Modernist Sculpture)

Collaborations with international museums and institutions

Check the official website for the current and upcoming exhibitions.

🎧 Guided Tours & Audio Guides

You can explore the museum on your own or opt for additional interpretation:

🎙️ Audio guides available in English and Danish

🧑‍🏫 Guided tours offered weekly, focusing on various collections

🧒 Family tours and activities to engage children with interactive storytelling

🕵️ Look out for thematic tours such as "The Secrets of Ancient Egypt" or "Rodin & the Revolution of Sculpture."

🎟️ Admission, Opening Hours & Practical Info

⏰ Opening Hours:

Tuesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thursday: Extended until 9:00 PM

Closed: Mondays

🎟️ Ticket Prices:

Adults: 125 DKK

Students: 95 DKK

Under 18: Free

Free Admission: Every Tuesday

🎫 Purchase tickets online or at the door. Combo tickets with nearby attractions may be available.

🛍️ Gift Shop & Café

🛒 Glyptotek Shop:

Art prints, books, homeware, and exclusive design items

Unique souvenirs themed around ancient civilizations and French masters

☕ Café Glyptoteket:

Located in the Winter Garden

Danish pastries, salads, and specialty coffee

Lovely atmosphere with marble floors and greenery

🚶 Nearby Attractions

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is perfectly placed for exploring more of Copenhagen’s cultural core:

🎡 Tivoli Gardens – Historic amusement park right next door

🏛️ National Museum of Denmark – Covers Danish history and archaeology

🏙️ Copenhagen City Hall – Impressive architecture and panoramic views

🛍️ Strøget – One of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets

🚇 How to Get There

🚉 By Train:

Walk 5 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station

🚋 By Metro:

Closest station: Rådhuspladsen (M3 City Ring Line)

🚌 By Bus:

Lines 2A, 5C, 250S stop near Tivoli and Glyptoteket

🚲 By Bike:

Bike racks are available near the entrance

Part of Copenhagen’s bike-friendly route

📸 Photography Tips

📷 Capture the Winter Garden from the café balcony

🗿 Focus on details in the Rodin sculptures

🌅 Visit during golden hour for stunning natural light through the glass dome

🚫 Note: Flash photography and tripods are not allowed

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Features

🧒 Free admission for kids

🎨 Drawing stations and child-friendly exhibition materials

🍼 Baby changing facilities and stroller access

🏁 Final Thoughts – Why Visit Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek?

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is not just a museum—it’s an aesthetic experience. From its serene indoor garden to galleries filled with timeless sculptures and vibrant paintings, this is a place where history, imagination, and beauty intertwine.

Whether you're an art aficionado, a curious traveler, or a family seeking cultural enrichment, the Glyptotek offers an inspiring journey through time. It’s a masterpiece in itself—and one of Copenhagen’s most rewarding destinations.