Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art museum at Dantes Plads in central Copenhagen, with ancient Mediterranean sculpture and 19th-century Danish and French art. Its galleries move from Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities to works by artists such as Monet, Gauguin and Degas. The Winter Garden, beneath a glass dome with palm trees and sculptures, gives you a quiet place to pause between rooms. Allow at least two to three hours if you want time for both the permanent collections and any temporary exhibition.
A collection spanning ancient and modern art
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek grew from the art collection of brewer Carl Jacobsen, who established the museum to share his holdings with the public. The museum opened in 1897. Its collections bring together antiquities from around the Mediterranean and European art, with a strong focus on sculpture and 19th-century painting.
In the antiquities galleries, works and objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Etruscan culture sit within a collection that also reaches into the ancient Near East. Egyptian artefacts include mummies and tomb objects. Greek and Roman sculpture gives the collection a strong classical presence, while the Etruscan holdings add another perspective on the ancient Mediterranean.
The modern collection includes Danish art and 19th-century French works. Look for paintings by Gauguin, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Pissarro and Cézanne, as well as sculpture by Auguste Rodin. The museum also holds Degas’s sculpture The Little Dancer of Fourteen. The range means you can move from ancient objects to European painting and sculpture within the same visit.
The Winter Garden and museum architecture
The Winter Garden sits at the centre of the museum, beneath a glass dome. Palm trees, sculptures and a fountain give the space a distinct character from the surrounding galleries. Natural light enters through the roof, and benches provide a place to rest before continuing through the collections.
The building is part of the visit, not simply a setting for the art. Its galleries include grand rooms with columns, tiled floors and decorated ceilings. The museum brings together several architectural sections, so the rooms change as you move through the collections. Take time to look at the interiors as well as the artworks.
A rooftop terrace and café are also mentioned as places to pause. The museum has a restaurant, and its shop sells items including postcards. Check current visitor facilities and access details with the museum before you go, especially if you need step-free access throughout.
Planning your visit
The collection is extensive, so a short stop is unlikely to leave time for both the antiquities and the paintings. Plan for at least two to three hours, then add time if you want to visit a temporary exhibition or take a break in the Winter Garden. The museum also holds cultural events, including classical performances in its auditorium.
Current exhibitions can change, so check the museum’s website before setting out. Advance ticket booking is recommended. The museum is closed on Mondays and stays open later on Thursdays than on its other listed opening days; check the current schedule and ticket information online.
The museum lists wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms. However, some areas may be difficult to reach for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. If access to specific galleries matters for your visit, contact the museum to confirm which routes are available.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek?
Allow at least two to three hours to explore the galleries at a relaxed pace. Add time for a temporary exhibition or a break in the Winter Garden.
What can you see at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek?
The collections include ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Etruscan art, alongside Danish art and 19th-century French paintings and sculpture. Works include pieces by Rodin, Gauguin, Monet and Degas.
Is Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek wheelchair accessible?
The museum lists wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms, but some gallery areas may be difficult to reach with mobility aids. Contact the museum to check access to specific spaces.
Does Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek have a café or restaurant?
Yes. The museum has a restaurant, and a café is located by the Winter Garden.
When is Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek closed?
It is closed on Mondays. Check the museum’s website for current opening times and ticket information.
