Strandgade 30 in Copenhagen.
Phillips is thrilled to commemorate five remarkable years of fostering connections throughout Scandinavia from our beautiful office nestled in the heart of Copenhagen — a vibrant city known for its rich history of art, design, architecture, and culinary experiences.
Here, our team takes you through everything you can’t miss when visiting the city. For questions or further suggestions, feel free to contact our team in Copenhagen.
In the Copenhagen office. Left: Kirsten MacDonald, Regional Director, Scandinavia. Right: Anne-Sofie Holm, Client Advisory Coordinator. Photo: Emil Stegemejer.
Copenhagen: A Hub of Art, Design, and Architecture
Work by Louise Bourgeois at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen, Denmark. Image: Robert Landau / Alamy Stock Photo, Artwork: © The Easton Foundation/DACS, London and VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York 2024.
Just north of the city, you will discover the renowned Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, celebrated for its exceptional integration of art, design, and architecture. As you make your way out of Copenhagen, be sure also to visit the Ordrupgaard Museum, which specializes in Impressionist and modern art, featuring a notable collection of works by Vilhelm Hammershøi. Here, you can admire the striking extension designed by Zaha Hadid alongside the main building designed by Snøhetta. For those with a passion for Danish design, don’t miss the iconic Finn Juhl House on the Ordrupgaard’s grounds, which showcases the legacy of this influential Danish designer.
Finn Juhl's House, Ordrupgaard, Lounge. Photo: Henrik Sørensen. Courtesy Ordrupgaard.
Read our conversation with the Ordrupgaard’s director, Gertrud Oelsner >
Cultural Landmarks
From Bredgade, a street famous for its many art and design galleries, visitors can embark on a cultural journey that leads to several notable attractions. First, you will arrive at Gammel Strand, a prominent exhibition venue showcasing various contemporary art and cultural events. This space is known for its dynamic programming and serves as a hub for both local and international artists.
Thorvaldsens Museum. Image: Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo.
Continuing on, you will find yourself at the Thorvaldsens Museum. This museum is dedicated to the works of the renowned Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen, whose neoclassical sculptures have left an indelible mark on the art world. The museum’s architecture complements the artistry within, creating a harmonious environment for visitors to appreciate both the building and its contents.
New Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen. Image: Oliver Förstner / Alamy Stock Photo.
Not far from Thorvaldsens Museum lies Glyptoteket, another significant cultural institution in Copenhagen. Known for its extensive collection of ancient and modern art, Glyptoteket houses works from various periods, including pieces by famous artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of sculptures from ancient Egypt and Greece, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. A beautiful indoor winter garden is nestled in the center of the museum, featuring a lush, tropical atmosphere under a glass dome.
The SMK (Statens Museum for Kunst or the Danish National Gallery) is also worth visiting for its impressive collection of Danish and international art spanning centuries. It offers a captivating journey through art history in a stunning and inspiring setting.
Copenhagen Contemporary. Image: @diana_jarvis / Alamy Stock Photo.
As you continue your exploration of Copenhagen’s artistic landscape, consider visiting Copenhagen Contemporary, located at Refshaleøen. This innovative space focuses on contemporary art installations and performances, often featuring works by both established and emerging artists. Its unique location on an island adds to the allure of this cultural hotspot, which also offers many great places to eat, such as La Banchina or Lille Bakery.
Lastly, don’t miss Kunsthal N in Nørrebro, which recently opened its doors to the public. This contemporary non-profit art center aims to foster dialogue around current social issues through thought-provoking exhibitions and community engagement initiatives. Its commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices makes it a vital addition to Copenhagen’s cultural scene.
Located just south of Copenhagen is the Arken Museum of Modern Art, which is also worth a visit for its unique ship-like architecture, diverse contemporary art collection, and rotating exhibitions.
Danish Design & Architecture
Architecture has to be sensed, seen, and touched. To that end, architect and author Marie-Louise Høstbo has created exclusive architecTOURS through Copenhagen, where she guides her guests towards new aesthetic experiences while pointing out surprising details of composition, rhythm, form, and materials that showcase the relevance of the built environment.
A noteworthy recommendation is the Grundtvig’s Church, designed by architect P.V. Jensen-Klint and completed in 1921. This church is celebrated as a rare example of expressionist architecture, showcasing unique design elements that distinguish it from traditional church structures. Its striking façade and interior features reflect the innovative spirit of the early 20th century, making it a significant landmark in both Copenhagen and architectural history.
Grundtvig’s Church. Image: Marie-Louise Høstbo.
Another architectural highlight worth visiting is Bagsværd Church designed by Jørn Utzon. This church is notable for its innovative approach to the manipulation of natural light, showcasing Utzon’s distinctive ability to transform the way light interacts with a space. Utzon’s vision for Bagsværd Church reflects his broader architectural philosophy, which emphasizes harmony between structure and environment.
The SAS Hotel, located in the heart of Copenhagen, stands out as a remarkable testament to Arne Jacobsen’s architectural genius. This building exemplifies the concept of gesamtkunstwerk, where the architect meticulously crafted every element of the structure, from the striking curtain wall facade to the intricately designed door handles.
Nestled in central Copenhagen, just a stone’s throw from the Royal Castle and situated within the vibrant Frederiksstaden district lies Design Museum Denmark. Originally established as a hospital, this remarkable institution was transformed into a museum by the renowned Danish architect Kaare Klint in the 1920s.
Strandgade 30 in Copenhagen.
In the area of Christianshavn you will find a charming historical courtyard at Strandgade 30. This location was once home to renowned artist Vilhelm Hammershøi, and you can find motifs inspired by his paintings throughout this picturesque setting. The courtyard offers a glimpse into Hammershøi’s artistic legacy and influence on Danish culture.
Best Coffee Shops and Cocktail Lounges
When it comes to finding the perfect spots for coffee, socializing, and enjoying cocktails, a few standout locations cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Kaffe - Riveria on Nansensgade is a cozy café known for its high-quality coffee made from carefully sourced beans. It’s perfect for casual meetings and relaxed afternoons.
For those looking to indulge in expertly crafted cocktails, Tata Cocktail Bar (Succession actor Jeremy Strong’s apparent favorite bar) is a must-visit destination in the beautiful boutique Hotel Sanders. Or you can jump on the metro to Frederiksberg to bird, a laid-back cocktail bar known for its vinyl collection and sophisticated cocktails.
When hunger strikes, both BoBe and Admiralgade 26 are top picks and vibrant hangouts with a lively atmosphere. BoBe is known for its eclectic decor and friendly vibe, making it a popular gathering place among locals and visitors alike. Admiralgade 26 offers a more laid-back setting emphasizing quality drinks and delicious snacks.
Discover More from Phillips Copenhagen >
Recommended Reading
VOICES: Kirsten MacDonald in Conversation with Gertrud Oelsner >