Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History sits in Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden and brings together displays of animals, fossils, skeletons, rocks and minerals. Its compact galleries make it a manageable stop for families and anyone curious about the natural world. Look for the detailed animal specimens, the mineral and crystal collection, and the meteorite near the entrance. Admission also includes the Palm House and Butterfly House, with the surrounding botanical gardens free to visit. Allow about 1.5 hours for the museum, then add time for the gardens.

Collections from animals to minerals

The museum’s galleries cover several branches of natural history. You can see animal specimens, bones and fossils, alongside rocks, ores and crystals. The mineral displays are a strong reason to visit, especially if you are exploring with children or teenagers who enjoy geology.

Look for the meteorite by the front entrance. Inside, the displays also include specimens from Denmark and other parts of the world. The museum is relatively compact, so it can work well as a shorter museum visit rather than a full-day commitment.

Add the Botanical Garden greenhouses

The museum is set within Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden. Admission includes entry to the Palm House and Butterfly House, which add live plants and butterflies to the visit. The botanical gardens themselves are free to enter, so you can also take a walk outdoors without going into the museum.

A late opening on Wednesday gives you another option for planning the day. The museum is also close to palaces and the David Collection, making it possible to combine several nearby stops.