Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (Art museum)

The Glyptotek is an internationally renowned art museum in the centre of Copenhagen. It is based around the personal collection of the son of the founder of the world-famous Carlsberg brewery.

A translation of the name reveals the focal point of the museum: Glypto-, from the Greek glyphein (to carve) and theke, a storing-place. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek primary exhibits antique sculpture from the ancient cultures around the Mediterranean such as Egypt, Rome and Greece, as well as more modern works from sculptors like Rodin.

The Glyptotek museum is also noted for its collection of paintings, among them works by French impressionists and Danish Golden Age artists. There are also works of art from such internationally famous artists as Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

The museum as we see it today came about in the late 1800s, early 1900s, as Carl Jacobsen's personal collection of sculptures and paintings--that had already been entertaining the public for a number of years--was given a permanent home near Tivoli Gardens in an old fortification. The Glyptotek has undergone a number of renovations over the years and now stands alone as a beautiful and historic building.

There are over 10,000 works of art in this Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. From the antique collection, there are extensive Greek, Roman and Etruscan works with marble statues, terra cotta statues, reliefs and pottery. In fact, the Etruscan collection is the largest outside Italy.

The Egyptian Collection features almost 2000 pieces, dating from 3000 BC to the first century AD and represents Ancient Egypt, the Middle Kingdom and the Romans. There are several Egyptian mummies, displayed in a spooky crypt-like gallery underground.

The Near Eastern Collection spans a staggering period of 7150 years, with the oldest artifact from 6500 BC.

The French Collection mainly focuses on 19th century painting and sculpture, showcasing such legends as Monet, David and Cezanne, as well as Gaugin, who is well represented with over 40 pieces. The Glyptotek also features French 19th century sculpture by artists such as Carpeaux and Rodin

The Danish Collection contains a large number of sumptuous Danish Golden Age paintings by painters such as Eckersberg, Købke and Lundbye, as well as sculpture. It also contains the largest representation of Danish Golden Age Sculpture in the country.

There is also a European collection featuring a wide range of modern and historic pieces.

Admission fee: 60 DKK

Children under 18 free

Sundays free

Opening times:

Daily 11 am–5 pm

Mondays closed.