Copenhagen Contemporary
Experience avant-garde, large-scale art installations in a vast, former industrial space on Copenhagen's Refshaleøen island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Copenhagen Contemporary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience avant-garde, large-scale art installations in a vast, former industrial space on Copenhagen's Refshaleøen island.
"A huge museum for art installations! I love how they prefer to present modern art and technology!"
🎟️ Book Ahead or Use CPH Card
Consider a Copenhagen Card for entry and transport savings.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the vast space.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive Installations
Various exhibition halls
Experience mind-bending, large-scale art that often engages multiple senses. Prepare to be amazed by avant-garde creations.
Interactive Art
Specific interactive exhibits
Engage directly with art, from blowing bubbles to creating robots. These hands-on experiences are a hit with all ages.
Former Industrial Setting
Entire museum space
Explore cutting-edge art within a raw, spacious former welding facility. The unique architecture enhances the artistic experience.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Space
Location & Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Ahead or Use CPH Card
Consider a Copenhagen Card for entry and transport savings.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the vast space.
📱 Check Current Exhibitions
CC hosts rotating shows; verify what's on before your visit.
👶 Stroller Friendly
Bring your little ones; strollers are welcome and there's a kids' space.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead or Use CPH Card
Consider a Copenhagen Card for entry and transport savings.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to explore the vast space.
📱 Check Current Exhibitions
CC hosts rotating shows; verify what's on before your visit.
👶 Stroller Friendly
Bring your little ones; strollers are welcome and there's a kids' space.
📍 Refshaleøen Exploration
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding industrial area and food markets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Copenhagen Contemporary for its vast industrial space that allows art installations to shine without feeling crowded. The interactive and experimental nature of the exhibits is a major draw, though some find certain pieces too abstract. The unique location on Refshaleøen adds to the overall experience, with many recommending it as a must-see in Copenhagen.
"Very large space which gives room for the art installations to be enjoyed without crowds and with the time you need.
Exhibition on AI and humans gives a lot to think about, with varied pieces (some more appealing than others. And some a bit too far fetched for my taste but it surely caters to some).
If you don’t enjoy contemporary art, walk away as some rooms / installations are VERY experimental and abstract."
Gigi D
"We only had a short time, but in the end we decided to ditch our other plans and enjoy the museum fully.
We loved it, it was a workday and not too crowded (except for one sensory exhibit we couldn’t wait for in the end), but we got to blow bubbles and make our very own robot as well as enjoy the other installations. We got tickets as part of the CPH card.
Definitely a must see if you’re visiting Copenhagen!"
Emina I.
"Location absolutely recommended. Service top. Unfortunately, most of the installations were meaningless to me personally. But this defenetly is a personal thing and for sure differs to other visitors. On the other side were there two installations very impressive to me: the bubbles and the special light show near the end. 🤩"
Silvia Kromotis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Copenhagen Contemporary is located on Refshaleøen. You can reach it by bus (e.g., line 2A to Refshalevej) or by taking a scenic ferry ride to the Refshaleøen harbor.
Yes, there is parking available near Copenhagen Contemporary, though it can get busy, especially on weekends. Consider public transport or cycling if possible.
Absolutely! Buses and ferries are great options to reach Refshaleøen. A Copenhagen Card includes public transport, making it a convenient choice.
Many visitors opt for the ferry for a pleasant journey, or use local buses. Cycling is also a popular and enjoyable way to reach the area.
While Uber is not available in Copenhagen, you can use taxi apps like 'Danish Taxi' or 'Taxa 4x35' to book a ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but a Copenhagen Card often provides free entry or discounts, making it a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the entrance. However, booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak times, to guarantee entry.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official Copenhagen Contemporary website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While not always advertised, sometimes special events or membership programs offer free entry. Check their website or social media for any announcements.
If you plan to visit several attractions and use public transport, the Copenhagen Card can offer significant savings, including entry to Copenhagen Contemporary.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Copenhagen Contemporary focuses on large-scale, avant-garde, and often experimental contemporary art installations, including video art, sculpture, and immersive experiences.
Yes, CC is known for its interactive exhibits where visitors can engage directly with the art, such as creating robots or experiencing sensory installations.
Absolutely! Copenhagen Contemporary is very family-friendly, with strollers welcome and a dedicated kids' space. Some exhibits are particularly engaging for younger visitors.
To fully appreciate the scale and detail of the installations, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors extend their stay to enjoy the surrounding area.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but check for specific restrictions on certain exhibits, especially those that are highly interactive or sensitive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While CC itself might have limited food services, the surrounding Refshaleøen area is a hub for diverse food experiences, including street food markets like Reffen.
Reffen Street Food Market is a popular choice nearby, offering a wide variety of international cuisines. There are also several restaurants and cafes on Refshaleøen.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition halls. It's best to enjoy your meals in designated areas or at nearby eateries.
Information on on-site cafes can vary. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current amenities available at the museum.
Reffen offers a vast array of global street food, from Danish specialties to international flavors, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner after your museum visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the large-scale installations and unique industrial setting provide excellent opportunities for striking photographs.
While generally permitted for personal use, always look for signage regarding specific exhibits or areas where photography might be restricted.
Mornings or weekdays tend to be less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots. The natural light in the industrial space can also be quite dramatic.
Wide-angle shots to capture the scale of installations, detail shots of textures, and portraits with the art as a backdrop are all effective.
Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid obstructing other visitors. It's best to check the museum's policy or ask staff upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The large-scale and interactive nature of the exhibits, like creating robots or blowing bubbles, are particularly engaging for children. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to allow kids to fully explore and interact with the art without feeling rushed. The unique industrial setting of Refshaleøen can also be an adventure in itself.
💰 Budget Travelers
Explore the Refshaleøen area for affordable and delicious food options, especially at the Reffen Street Food Market, rather than relying on potentially pricier on-site cafes.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to have more space and time to contemplate the often experimental and thought-provoking pieces. The sheer scale of the art here is designed to be absorbed without distraction.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Refshaleøen
Beyond the art museum, Refshaleøen is home to the popular Reffen Street Food Market, offering a diverse range of international cuisines. It's also a space for various events, concerts, and other creative ventures. Many visitors combine their trip to Copenhagen Contemporary with an exploration of the island, enjoying the unique atmosphere and culinary offerings.
Getting to Refshaleøen is part of the experience. You can take a scenic ferry ride, which offers lovely views of the city, or utilize the local bus routes. The journey itself adds to the sense of discovery, leading you to this distinctive part of Copenhagen.
The Art of Immersion at CC
+1Many of the exhibitions feature interactive elements, inviting visitors to not just observe but to participate. From sensory experiences like blowing bubbles to creating your own robotic art, these hands-on activities make the art accessible and engaging for all ages. This participatory nature is a key reason why many visitors, including families, find CC so captivating.
The museum frequently hosts groundbreaking exhibitions, such as the celebrated 'La Menesunda' by Argentinian artist Maria Minujín, one of art history's first immersive works. The commitment to showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art ensures that each visit offers something new and thought-provoking, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Family-Friendly Art Adventures
+1Beyond the practicalities, the museum's focus on large-scale and interactive art naturally appeals to younger audiences. Exhibits that allow children to engage directly with the art, such as creating their own robots or experiencing sensory installations, are often highlights of a visit.
There's even a dedicated kids' space upstairs, providing a fun and safe environment for children to explore their creativity. This thoughtful approach ensures that both adults and children can enjoy and appreciate the contemporary art on display.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit