Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital, is a city where history, art, and design converge in a harmonious blend. From contemporary art exhibitions to botanical wonders and cutting-edge design experiences, Copenhagen offers a rich tapestry of cultural destinations that captivate visitors.
Here’s a curated guide to some of the city’s most compelling cultural spots. Highlights include the ARKEN Museum, National Museum of Denmark, Botanical Gardens, Natural History Museum and Audo Residence.
ARKEN Museum
ARKEN Museum of Modern Art, located in Ishøj just south of Copenhagen, is a premier destination for contemporary art enthusiasts. Housed in a deconstructivist building designed by Søren Robert Lund, the museum’s architecture itself is a work of art, resembling a ship stranded on the coastline. The museum boasts a collection of over 400 works by Danish, Nordic, and international artists.
ARKEN Museum is currently showcasing solo exhibitions of Eva Helene Pade, Marguerite Humeau and Frederik Næblerød.
Eva Helene Pade: Forårsofret (Spring Sacrifice) (April 10 – August 31, 2025): A reimagining of Igor Stravinsky’s ballet, focusing on themes of female agency and transformation.
Eva Helene Pade’s exhibition, Forårsofret (Spring Sacrifice), reimagines the narrative of Igor Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring. Pade’s paintings transform the sacrificial myth into a powerful portrayal of female agency, capturing emotions of longing, joy, and suffering. This exhibition marks Pade’s debut at a major art museum.
Marguerite Humeau: Torches (May 22 – October 19, 2025): An immersive installation that explores speculative futures through organic sculptures that resonate with light and sound.
Marguerite Humeau’s Torches exhibition invites visitors into an immersive world where organic sculptures resonate with light and sound. Humeau explores speculative scenarios, such as elephants becoming the dominant species or humans evolving into collective beings, through her meticulously researched installations.
Frederik Næblerød: ALL WALKS OF LIFE (February 6 – September 21, 2025): An exploration of human existence through abstract forms and vibrant colors.
Frederik Næblerød All Walks of Life is a dynamic and immersive showcase of the Danish artist’s vibrant and unrestrained creativity. Known for his energetic approach to art, Næblerød blends painting, ceramics, bronze, drawing, and large-scale installations to create a unique artistic universe that is spontaneous, absurd, and humorous.
Additionally, the museum’s permanent collection features significant works that delve into the modern human condition and the evolving definition of art, utilizing new media, mixed materials, and sculptural forms.
Culturalee highly recommends lunch at Kafeteria, ARKEN’s restaurant where food and art meet. Art is the common thread between the museum and the café, whose interior is designed by internationally recognized artist Danh Vo, who has combined classic Danish furniture with designs from Italy and Japan.
National Museum of Denmark
SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark is Denmark’s largest art gallery and exhibits a rich variety of Danish and international art from the past seven centuries. From March 29th until August 31st, 2025, SMK presents the exhibition, Michelangelo Imperfect, the most comprehensive presentation of Michelangelo’s sculptural work the world has seen in 150 years. The exhibition features a bronze replica of the iconic David sculpture, usually standing by the waterfront of Copenhagen Harbour, along with a total of thirty-six reproductions of Michelangelo’s sculptures.
The National Gallery of Denmark offers a deep dive into Danish and Nordic art, providing insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Its expansive collection spans from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary works, offering a comprehensive overview of the nation’s artistic evolution.
A notable highlight is the museum’s collection of French art, which showcases masterpieces from various periods, reflecting Denmark’s historical connections with France. Additionally, the museum is currently hosting a Michelangelo exhibition, presenting works by the renowned Italian Renaissance artist, offering a rare opportunity to experience his masterpieces outside Italy.
Hammershoi at ARKEN Museum © Culturalee
Botanical Gardens and Natural History Museum
Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, the Botanical Gardens serve as a serene oasis amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Home to Denmark’s largest collection of living plants, the gardens feature diverse landscapes, including the iconic Palm House—a Victorian greenhouse housing subtropical and tropical plants.
Adjacent to the gardens lies the Natural History Museum of Denmark, where visitors can explore exhibitions on biodiversity, geology, and the natural world. Together, these sites offer a tranquil retreat and an educational experience for nature enthusiasts.
Audo House: A Temple of Danish Design
Culturalee stayed at Audo House, a beautiful temple of Danish design and hospitality. Audo House. Audo House is a multifaceted space that seamlessly brings together a residence, café, restaurant, concept shop, and showroom—all set within a beautifully renovated former merchant’s building. As one of the oldest architectural landmarks in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district, Audo House stands out for both its historic charm and contemporary vision. Designed by Norm Architects and thoughtfully furnished by local design brand Menu, the space embodies Copenhagen’s signature design values: simplicity, functionality, and refined aesthetics.
Originally opened in 2019, Audo House has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment to become the heart of Audo Copenhagen—a luxury brand born from the merger of MENU, The Audo, and by Lassen. This unified brand offers a curated selection of high-end furniture, lighting, and accessories that blend timeless Scandinavian design with a modern minimalist sensibility.
The building itself, dating back to 1918, reflects over a century of design heritage while embracing a global outlook. Now reimagined as the headquarters of Audo Copenhagen, the Neo-Baroque structure serves as both a creative hub and a living showroom. The brand’s name, derived from the Latin Ab Uno Disce Omnes—“from one, learn all”—speaks to its philosophy of learning, sharing, and evolving through design.
Inside Audo House, original architectural features coexist with modern elements drawn from the Audo Copenhagen collection. The interiors express a quiet strength through clean lines, earthy tones, and natural materials, all crafted with exceptional care. A curated selection of contemporary art complements the furnishings, creating an atmosphere that feels both inspiring and intimate. Here, design pieces are not just displayed—they are lived in, available for both use and purchase, within rooms that evoke the warmth and comfort of home.
Culturalee stayed in one of Audo House’s ten beautifully design, spacious suites, complete with a working space, luxurious bed, enormous stone bath and tasteful minimalist Danish design. Audo House serves as a hub for creatives and design enthusiasts, offering a firsthand experience of Danish design principles in a collaborative environment.
Copenhagen’s cultural destinations offer a diverse array of experiences, from contemporary art and historical insights to natural beauty and innovative design. Whether you’re an art aficionado, history buff, nature lover, or design enthusiast, the city provides a rich cultural tapestry waiting to be explored. Culturalee recommends the Copenhagen card which is a great way to see exhibitions and travel around the city’s brilliant public transport system.
Culturalee would like to thank Visit Copenhagen and Audo Residence and ARKEN Museum.
