Recently, I’ve been inspired to take advantage of more of the countless cultural opportunities that Copenhagen has to offer. I took the boyfriend to a classical concert of Beethoven and Schubert symphonies at the beautiful Opera House, and I’m going to a ballet with some girl friends in March. And my newest idea is to go to one museum a month - I figured it can’t be right that I haven’t been to any of the museums in Copenhagen (apart from Louisiana, multiple times)!
January is past, but February is still young, so - boyfriend in tow - I headed to a museum I’d been wanting to see for a long time: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, or just Glyptoteket. Located smack-dab in the center of Copenhagen, right by the Tivoli Gardens, this beautiful museum is famous for its sculpture collection, which is built around the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen (the son of the founder of Carslberg Breweries).
Surrounded by a beautiful park with copies of famous sculptures such as Rodin’s Thinker, the Glyptotek’s building is a real beauty. Most outstanding is the big winter garden with tall palm trees and a small fountain under the huge glass dome.
The sculptures themselves are displayed in bright, light-flooded halls, whose walls are painted in different colors to offset the mostly white marble sculptures. This creates a minimalistic, clean atmosphere and only minimal distractions from the pieces of art.
I always love watching artists and art students draw sculptures. This lady had an impressive geometrical approach (and her sweater matched the walls!).
The centerpiece of the collection is the large hall, lined with restored statues between the majestic ionic columns.
One of my favorite views is from the great hall through this glass doorway, guarded by the two lions, towards the winter garden. I just love the symmetry and colors!
Have you been to Glyptoteket? And what’s your favorite Copenhagen museum? Let me know in the comments below!
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek | Dantes Plads 7, 1556 Copenhagen | Tues-Sun 11-18 (Thurs 11-22) | admission DKK 95 (with special exhibits DKK 110), Tuesdays free | glyptoteket.dk
Karin says
Both Den Hirschpsrungske Samling og Statens Museum for Kunst has some good one hour tours on selected days which helps open up the collection to any audience. And the guides are very well informed. They both advertise on their webpages and on facebook.
Another is Arbejdsmuseet. Huge amounts of information about the workers in Denmark through newer time.
Jenni (Museum Diary) says
Hey, I love your new monthly feature! Of course ;) Glyptoteket is gorgeous. My favourite CPH museum was the Post & Tele Museum, so I’m in suspense to see what the new one will be like. Also the SMK. Just love that place and could spend all day there. And my son really loved the Arbejdermuseet. Oh, I could name so many more. Can you tell I love museums :D
Veronika says
Sounds like great idea, I think I’ll do the same ( I’m moving to Vienna this week )