Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a must-see destination for contemporary art lovers. Nestled in Humlebæk, on the banks of the Øresund, it uniquely combines a vast collection of modern and contemporary works of art with exceptional natural surroundings.

Below, we’ll give you all the practical information you need, the must-see works of art and our advice on how to get the most out of your visit.

Permanent Collections: works not to be missed

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, open since 1958, houses a permanent collection of over 3,500 works, featuring prestigious names from the history of modern and contemporary art.

Here are some works and artists not to be missed during your visit:

• “Two-Piece Reclining Figureno5” by Henry Moore: is a monumental abstract sculpture located in the garden, which explores the relationship between the human body and space by playing on organic and empty forms.
• Yayoi Kusama’s “Gleaming Lights of the Souls“, created in 2008, occupies a four-by-four-meter space. The walls and ceiling are entirely covered with mirrors, while the floor is a reflecting pool.
• Giacometti’s elongated sculptures: Giacometti gallery
• Calder‘s famous mobiles are dynamic, aerial sculptures that play with balance, movement and colorful geometric shapes, in perfect harmony with the museum’s natural surroundings.
• Works by famous painters: Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Max Ernst, Louise Bourgeois, Roy Lichtenstein, Yves Klein…

Each work in the permanent collection contributes to a rich and varied panorama of 20th and 21st century art.

Museum Architecture: A dialogue between nature and art

From the moment you enter, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art captivates with its perfect integration into its natural surroundings. Designed by Danish architects Jørgen Bo and Vilhelm Wohlert, the building was conceived to interact with its natural surroundings. Along the large windows, the sea and gardens are revealed, creating an experience where art and nature complement each other.

The galleries, connected by low, luminous corridors, give the impression of strolling through a large house where room after room of works of art can be discovered. This intimate architecture invites contemplation. The museum has been designed so that everyone can take their time, admiring every nook and cranny, every work of art, while enjoying the superb views outside.

🌿And the best thing about it: the sculpture park, an integral part of the museum, also allows you to stroll between the open-air works of art while enjoying a breathtaking natural setting.

Temporary Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collections, the Louisiana is renowned for its temporary exhibitions. The museum regularly organizes retrospectives on contemporary artists, or thematic exhibitions exploring subjects as diverse as photography, video, architecture and even design. Each temporary exhibition offers visitors a new reason to return. Visit the Louisiana Museum website for the latest program.

A Museum for the Whole Family

The Louisiana Museum is the perfect place for a family visit. Children are very welcome, and the outdoor space allows them to play with the works without disturbing other visitors. The museum also offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Creative workshops allow youngsters to try their hand at painting, drawing or sculpting, inspired by the museum’s works.

The Sculpture Park: an open-air art walk

One of the jewels in the museum’s crown, and what makes it a must-see in Copenhagen, is without doubt its sculpture park, which extends over several hectares of perfectly manicured gardens. A veritable open-air gallery where you can discover monumental works while enjoying spectacular views over the Øresund.

Sculptures include works by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder and many other international artists. The proximity of water and green spaces add a soothing dimension to the stroll.

There are benches all around, where you can contemplate both art and nature in perfect harmony.

Our opinion on the Louisiana Museum

It’s a must when visiting Copenhagen, if you’re staying 3 or 4 days:

• In addition to showcasing works by great artists, the building is simply sublime and worth the detour alone.
• It’s a family museum, and the open-air sculpture park overlooking the sea will appeal to young and old alike, and the views are splendid.
• The museum is easily and quickly accessible by public transport from the center of Copenhagen, with the Copenhagen Card free of charge.

Where is the Louisiana Museum located?

The Louisiana Museum is located 35 kilometers north of Copenhagen, within easy reach of the Indre by district (the historic center).

Louisiana museum video

To give you an idea of what’s in store, take a look at Louisiana, designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel.

You can also find many other presentation and behind-the-scenes videos on the official YouTube channel.

To complete your visit to Copenhagen, we recommend adding the Statens Museum for Kunst (Denmark’s national art museum) and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (museum of ancient art and classical sculpture), located next to the Tivoli gardens.