Thorvaldsens Museum Copenhagen
A canalside museum dedicated to Bertel Thorvaldsen, featuring his neoclassical sculptures and a stunning, art-filled building.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!
Thorvaldsens Museum Copenhagen
Best Time
Free admission!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A canalside museum dedicated to Bertel Thorvaldsen, featuring his neoclassical sculptures and a stunning, art-filled building.
"The sculpture is cool—but the real star is the building itself, a visual feast."
🎯 Free Admission Wednesdays
Enjoy free entry every Wednesday! A popular tip, but expect more visitors on this day.
🏛️ Admire the Building
The museum's architecture is as impressive as the art. Look for bold colors and mosaic floors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bertel Thorvaldsen's Sculptures
Witness the mastery of neoclassical sculptures, from mythological figures to portraits, showcasing incredible detail and storytelling.
Stunning Museum Architecture
Marvel at the building itself, with its bold colors, intricate mosaic floors, and rich murals – a visual feast in every detail.
Ancient Coin & Cameo Collection
Explore a surprisingly diverse and beautiful collection of ancient engraved gems and Roman coins, a hidden treasure.
Planning Your Visit
Free Wednesdays & Crowd Control
Beyond the Sculptures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Wednesdays
Enjoy free entry every Wednesday! A popular tip, but expect more visitors on this day.
🏛️ Admire the Building
The museum's architecture is as impressive as the art. Look for bold colors and mosaic floors.
What is your favorite museum?
I'm going to visit Copenhagen for the first time. What places should I visit?
💎 Don't Miss Cameos
The ancient cameo collection is a highlight, featuring diverse and beautiful designs.
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
You'll need about 1-2 hours to explore the sculptures, paintings, and exhibitions without rushing.
Great ancient coin collection hidden away on upper floor of Thorvaldsen's Museum in Copenhagen
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Wednesdays
Enjoy free entry every Wednesday! A popular tip, but expect more visitors on this day.
🏛️ Admire the Building
The museum's architecture is as impressive as the art. Look for bold colors and mosaic floors.
💎 Don't Miss Cameos
The ancient cameo collection is a highlight, featuring diverse and beautiful designs.
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
You'll need about 1-2 hours to explore the sculptures, paintings, and exhibitions without rushing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Thorvaldsens Museum for its stunning neoclassical sculptures and the breathtaking architecture of the building itself. Many are pleasantly surprised by the depth of the permanent collections, particularly the ancient cameos and coins. It's often described as a beautiful and inspiring way to spend a few hours, with free admission on Wednesdays being a significant draw.
"Yes, the sculpture is cool—but the real star of Thorvaldsens Museum is the building itself. The architecture and interior finishes are absolutely stunning. From the bold, unexpected paint colors to the intricate mosaic floors and rich murals, every detail feels intentional and iconic. It’s a visual feast and genuinely inspiring.
I was also unexpectedly impressed by the permanent archaeological collections—especially the cameo collection, which is the most diverse and beautiful I’ve ever seen. Not just classical portraits of women, but also plants, animals, insects, and a range of stone and shell materials. It’s a thoughtful and unique display that goes beyond the expected.
A beautiful way to spend 1–2 hours—and even better, Wednesdays are free!"
Anna Hollibaugh
"I didn’t know what to expect with this museum but it was a good surprise.
It is an art museum about the sculptor Berthel Thorvaldsens and his sculptures which are amazing.
The museum is large with two floors and many galleries with sculptures and paintings.
It’s a must do if you like art and architecture in my opinion."
Melanie Mengüş
"Very nice museum, a bit unexpected on the visual section where they mixed the old statues with colorful, artistic video and you have to enjoy that with the audio that they provided for free. One of the best museums in my trip to Copenhagen."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thorvaldsens Museum is centrally located on Slotsholmen island, easily accessible by public transport. You can take various bus lines that stop nearby, or it's a pleasant walk from many central Copenhagen locations. It's also close to other major attractions like Christiansborg Palace.
Yes, it's situated right next to Christiansborg Palace and is a short walk from Nyhavn and the National Museum of Denmark, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
Absolutely! If your hotel is in central Copenhagen, walking is a great way to see the city and reach the museum. The area is very pedestrian-friendly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission has a fee, but the museum offers free entry every Wednesday, which is a popular tip among visitors.
Opening hours typically vary by season, but it's generally open Tuesday through Sunday. It's always best to check the official museum website for the most current hours before your visit.
For regular visits, booking in advance is usually not required, especially outside of peak times or free Wednesday visits. However, for special events or group tours, it's advisable to check their website.
Yes, Thorvaldsens Museum offers free admission every Wednesday, making it a budget-friendly option for art lovers.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of sculptures by the neoclassical artist Bertel Thorvaldsen, as well as its striking architecture and interior design.
Beyond Thorvaldsen's art, you can explore his personal collections, including ancient coins and a remarkable cameo collection, as well as paintings and temporary exhibitions.
Most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum at a comfortable pace, allowing time to appreciate the art and architecture.
Absolutely! It's a must-visit for anyone interested in neoclassical sculpture, art history, and impressive architecture.
Information on guided tours can usually be found on the museum's official website. They may offer tours in different languages or for specific exhibitions.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside Thorvaldsens Museum, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Always check for specific signage or ask staff if unsure.
The museum's courtyard, the vibrant interior walls, mosaic floors, and the sculptures themselves offer fantastic photo opportunities. The architecture is particularly photogenic.
Definitely! The building's unique design, bold colors, and intricate details are a major draw and make for stunning photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good idea to prepare children beforehand by showing them some images of the sculptures or telling them a few myths. The museum is not overly large, making it manageable for a family visit without overwhelming little ones. The free Wednesday admission is also a significant plus for budget-conscious families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even on non-free days, the admission fee is reasonable for the quality of the collection and the stunning building. Combining a visit with other free or low-cost activities in Copenhagen, like exploring Nyhavn or walking through the city's parks, can make for a very affordable day out.
🏛️ Art & Architecture Enthusiasts
Beyond the art, the museum's architecture is a masterpiece in itself. Designed by M.G. Bindesbøll, its bold colors, intricate mosaics, and unique design offer a stunning visual experience. The building's integration with the art creates an immersive atmosphere that art and architecture lovers will deeply appreciate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Bertel Thorvaldsen
Visitors to the Thorvaldsens Museum can immerse themselves in his artistic world. The museum houses the largest collection of his works, including original plaster models and finished marble sculptures. You'll find iconic pieces like 'Jason with the Golden Fleece,' 'The Four Seasons,' and numerous portrait busts of prominent figures of his era. The museum's layout is designed to showcase these masterpieces, allowing you to appreciate the scale, detail, and emotional depth of Thorvaldsen's art.
Beyond the sculptures, the museum also displays Thorvaldsen's drawings and paintings, offering a more complete picture of his artistic output. The integration of his personal collections, such as ancient coins and cameos, further enriches the visitor experience, providing context for his artistic inspirations and his life as a collector.
Architectural Marvel: A Museum Built for Art
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a vibrant and richly decorated interior. The walls are painted in a variety of bold colors, complemented by intricate mosaic floors and detailed murals. The central courtyard, accessible from within the museum, is a serene space featuring a sarcophagus marking Thorvaldsen's burial place, a poignant reminder of the museum's unique connection to its namesake. Every element, from the paintwork to the lighting, was carefully considered to enhance the viewing of the sculptures.
The architectural design is integral to the museum's narrative. It creates an immersive environment that complements the neoclassical art, making the entire visit a cohesive aesthetic experience. The interplay of light and shadow, the rich color palette, and the classical motifs all contribute to a sense of grandeur and timelessness, making the building itself a significant attraction.
Hidden Gems: Coins and Cameos
The collection features a wide range of subjects, moving beyond simple portraits to include depictions of plants, animals, insects, and mythological scenes. The variety of materials used and the exquisite craftsmanship evident in each piece offer a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and symbolism of the ancient world. Many visitors express surprise and delight at the quality and scope of this collection, often finding it a highlight of their visit.
Similarly, the museum houses a significant collection of ancient coins. These artifacts not only hold historical value but also showcase the artistry and iconography of different civilizations. The presence of these detailed collections underscores Thorvaldsen's own passion as a collector and provides a broader context for understanding the artistic and cultural landscape that inspired him.
Social
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