Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Denmark’s Iconic Art & Architecture Haven

Nestled on the shores of the Øresund Sound in Humlebæk, just north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is far more than a traditional museum. It’s a symphony of contemporary art, modernist architecture, and natural beauty. With world-renowned exhibitions, serene sculpture gardens, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sea views, Louisiana offers visitors a uniquely immersive cultural experience.
 

Whether you're a passionate art enthusiast, a lover of Nordic design, or simply seeking a peaceful day trip from Copenhagen, Louisiana is one of Denmark’s most beloved and essential attractions.

📍 Where Is the Louisiana Museum Located?

🗺️ Address: Gl. Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk, Denmark

📍 Humlebæk, North Zealand — about 40 km (25 miles) north of Copenhagen

🌊 Sits on a scenic cliffside overlooking the Øresund Strait, with views across to Sweden

🕰️ A Brief History of the Louisiana Museum

Origins of a Vision

Opened in 1958 in a former country villa

Founded by Knud W. Jensen, who envisioned a museum where modern art could live in harmony with nature

Named after the villa’s three former owners’ wives—all coincidentally named Louise

Architecture Meets Nature

Architects Jørgen Bo and Vilhelm Wohlert transformed the original villa into a masterpiece of Scandinavian modernism

The museum has expanded over the decades with seamless integration into the landscape

Its pavilions, corridors, and glass walls create a fluid experience between indoor galleries and outdoor gardens

🖼️ What to See at the Louisiana Museum

1. Permanent Collection

The Louisiana Museum holds one of Scandinavia’s most important collections of 20th and 21st-century art, featuring:

Yayoi Kusama – Infinity Mirror Rooms and immersive installations

Andy Warhol – Pop art legends

Alberto Giacometti – Elegant, elongated sculptures

Roy Lichtenstein, Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, and many more

The collection spans painting, sculpture, photography, video art, and conceptual pieces across several floors and wings.

2. Special Exhibitions

Louisiana is globally respected for its rotating temporary exhibitions, which often feature:

Solo shows of major contemporary artists

Group exhibitions exploring global themes (e.g., climate, identity, technology)

Collaborations with international museums like MoMA, Tate, or Centre Pompidou

Check the official site for the latest exhibitions before your visit.

3. Sculpture Park

One of the museum’s most beloved features:

Sprawling green lawns dotted with outdoor sculptures

Works by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Jean Arp, Richard Serra, and others

A perfect place for a picnic or stroll, with views of the sea and forest

4. Children’s Wing

Louisiana is family-friendly, offering an interactive children’s wing with:

Art-making workshops

Interactive installations

Play areas designed to spark curiosity and creativity

5. Architecture and Design

The museum itself is a living exhibit of Danish modern design:

Long corridors with glass walls open to forest or sea views

Seamless transitions between interior and exterior

Spaces that encourage mindfulness and slow exploration

📷 Instagram-Worthy Moments

The Infinity Mirror Room by Kusama

Sunset over the Sculpture Park

Inside the glass tunnel walkway between galleries

Views of the Øresund Sound framed by trees

Modernist furniture, Nordic light, and aesthetic harmony throughout

🍽️ Dining at the Museum Café

The Louisiana Café offers:

Organic and seasonal Danish cuisine

Smørrebrød (traditional open-faced sandwiches)

Fresh-baked pastries, coffee, and wine

Panoramic windows overlooking the sea

It’s an experience in itself—many visitors come just for the ambiance and food.

🛍️ Museum Shop

One of the best museum shops in Denmark:

Art books, posters, and prints

Scandinavian design items (ceramics, homeware, stationery)

Jewelry and gifts inspired by current exhibitions

🎟️ Tickets and Visitor Information

Opening Hours:

Tuesday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Closed Mondays

Ticket Prices:

Adults: DKK 155 (~€21)

Students: DKK 140 (~€19)

Children under 18: Free

Combo tickets available with other cultural sites

Accessibility:

Wheelchair-friendly with ramps and lifts

Free wheelchairs available on request

Assistance animals welcome

🚆 How to Get There from Copenhagen

By Train:

Take the Coastal Line (Kystbanen) from Copenhagen Central Station to Humlebæk Station (approx. 35-40 mins)

From Humlebæk Station: 10-minute walk or short taxi ride

By Car:

Approx. 40-minute drive from central Copenhagen

Parking available on-site

🌿 A Sustainable Cultural Destination

The Louisiana Museum is committed to:

Sustainability in operations: eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and waste reduction

Supporting local produce in the café

Encouraging visitors to use public transport

💡 Tips for Your Visit

🕐 Arrive early on weekends—mornings are quieter

📱 Download the Louisiana App for audio guides and exhibition info

🧥 Bring a jacket—gardens are breezy even in summer

☕ Combine your visit with a relaxing lunch at the café

📚 Pick up exhibition catalogs or design gifts at the shop

🧭 Nearby Attractions

Kronborg Castle (Elsinore): Just 20 minutes north—combine for a full-day trip

Karen Blixen Museum: Home of the Out of Africa author, 15 mins away

Nivaagaard Collection: Small but rich art museum nearby

🏁 Final Thoughts

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is not just a museum—it’s an experience. It’s a place where you can reflect, learn, and be inspired, surrounded by cutting-edge art, architectural elegance, and natural beauty. Whether you're on a cultural tour of Denmark or just seeking a peaceful escape from the city, Louisiana delivers a world-class art journey unlike any other in Europe.