Copenhagen Contemporary
Immersive large-scale art in a vast former shipyard hall at Copenhagen’s gritty-chic harbour district, where installations, performances and design meet industrial heritage.
Copenhagen Contemporary is Denmark’s powerhouse for large-scale installation art, set in a vast former shipyard welding hall on Refshaleøen. Across 7,000m² of raw industrial space, you encounter immersive light works, monumental video pieces and interactive installations by global names and rising Nordic talents. The center doubles as a cultural hub, with talks, performances, creative workshops, a design-focused shop and a relaxed café, all framed by harbour views and the gritty-chic atmosphere of Copenhagen’s newest creative district.
A brief summary to Copenhagen Contemporary
- Refshalevej 173A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1432, DK
- +4529898087
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-9 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two hours inside; installations are large and often best experienced slowly, with time to sit, watch video works and revisit your favourite halls.
- Thursday evenings offer extended opening hours, making it a good slot for a quieter, more contemplative visit outside typical daytime crowds.
- Bring a layer: the industrial halls can feel cool, especially on windy or grey days when the nearby harbour air seeps through the large spaces.
- Combine your visit with Refshaleøen’s food market or nearby cafés and bars to experience the wider creative district around the art center.
- Check current exhibitions in advance if you are sensitive to bright light, loud sound or enclosed spaces, as some immersive works can be intense.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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City bus from central Copenhagen
From the inner city, use bus line 2A toward Refshaleøen; the ride from Kongens Nytorv is typically 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Standard adult tickets for the city zones cost around 20–30 DKK when bought via travel apps or ticket machines. Buses usually run every 5–10 minutes during the day and less frequently in the evening. The final stretch involves a short, level walk on partly uneven industrial surfaces, which may be less comfortable for some mobility impairments.
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Harbour bus along the canals
The harbour bus provides a scenic option from central quays such as Nyhavn or Knippelsbro, with journeys to Refshaleøen usually taking 15–25 minutes. Tickets and prices match the regular public transport system, generally around 20–30 DKK for an adult single journey. Services run at set intervals and can be less frequent in winter or bad weather, so checking the timetable in advance is important. From the dock, expect a several-minute walk along the waterfront and through the industrial area on mostly flat ground.
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Cycling from the city centre
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make biking from central areas like Kongens Nytorv to Refshaleøen straightforward, usually taking 10–20 minutes at an easy pace. You can use city bikes or standard rentals, which typically start around 75–150 DKK for a day depending on the provider. The route is largely flat and follows harbourfront stretches and bridges, but be prepared for wind and changeable weather. Bike parking is available near the entrance in the industrial yard.
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Taxi or rideshare within Copenhagen
Taxis and app-based rides from central neighbourhoods to Refshalevej 173A generally take 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and bridge congestion. Fares commonly range between 120 and 220 DKK for a standard car, higher at night or in very busy periods. Drop-off is possible close to the entrance area, though the immediate surroundings retain an industrial feel with some uneven surfaces. This option suits visitors who prefer a direct, door-to-door journey or are travelling in small groups.
Copenhagen Contemporary location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Copenhagen Contemporary
Industrial shipyard reborn as an art playground
Copenhagen Contemporary occupies the colossal former B&W welding hall on Refshaleøen, once a key site in Copenhagen’s shipbuilding industry. Today the gantries, concrete floors and soaring ceilings form a dramatic backdrop for art instead of heavy machinery. The sheer volume of the 7,000m² halls allows for large formats rarely possible elsewhere, from room-filling sculptures to multi-story projections. The setting remains proudly industrial. Raw steel beams, exposed brick and traces of the harbor’s working past contrast with crisp exhibition architecture. As you move between halls, you still sense the scale of ships once assembled here, now echoed in installations that invite you to walk into, under or through the artworks themselves.Immersive installations that surround your senses
Copenhagen Contemporary focuses on installation art, performance and monumental video works, often designed to be experienced with your whole body rather than glanced at from a distance. You may step into a glowing light environment, become enveloped in sound, or wander through sculptural landscapes that change as you move. The program blends internationally established artists with emerging voices, including strong representation from the Nordic scene. Works often explore technology, environment, identity and the way we inhabit space. Some pieces are quiet and meditative, others playful or unsettling, but many share a sense of scale that turns a gallery visit into a full-bodied encounter.A living cultural hub on Refshaleøen
More than a set of galleries, the center functions as a meeting place in Copenhagen’s evolving cultural district. Throughout the year it hosts artist talks, curated walks, intimate concerts and live performances that activate both the halls and the surrounding outdoor spaces. Families are drawn to creative workshops where children can experiment with materials and ideas inspired by current exhibitions. On the ground floor, the café offers a casual spot to linger over coffee or a meal between shows, while the design shop focuses on Scandinavian objects, books and exhibition-related items. You can also find quieter nooks to sit and absorb what you have seen, looking out toward the harbour or back into the vast halls.Harbour views and gritty waterfront atmosphere
Step outside and you are in the midst of Refshaleøen, a peninsula that has transformed from shipyard complex to one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant creative zones. Around the art center, former industrial buildings now house food markets, bakeries, experimental restaurants, studios and event spaces. Between them, pockets of wild greenery soften the concrete, and the wide harbour opens up in front of you. The area’s appeal lies in this mix of rough and refined: rusting structures beside cutting-edge cuisine, wild swimming spots near design shops, climbing walls and cultural festivals threaded through yards that once built ships. Copenhagen Contemporary sits at the heart of this landscape, making it easy to combine an art-filled afternoon with a harbour stroll, a sauna session or a relaxed meal by the water.Accessible, spacious and welcoming to all
The building is designed to be as inclusive as possible, with ramps, elevators and wide doorways throughout the main areas. Surfaces are generally flat, though distances inside can be long due to the scale of the halls. Accessible toilets and a cloakroom with lockers make it easy to travel light while you explore. Families will find baby-friendly facilities and hands-on workshop spaces, while solo visitors can move at their own pace between installations without feeling rushed. With exhibition texts available in both Danish and English, international visitors can fully engage with the artworks and themes on display, whether dropping in briefly or spending several hours immersed in Copenhagen’s largest contemporary art venue.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.7 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.9 km
A soaring tribute to Danish heroism, the Iver Huitfeldt Memorial stands sentinel over Copenhagen’s harbor, blending history, artistry, and breathtaking waterfront views.
Maritime Monument
1.0 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Horn mine
1.2 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Our Fallen
1.2 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
I am Queen Mary
1.3 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
1.4 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
1.5 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Rytterstatuen
1.6 km
A towering bronze king on horseback, Rytterstatuen anchors Amalienborg’s royal square, uniting art, power and urban design in the heart of Copenhagen.
Amalienborg Palace
1.6 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
1.6 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
1.7 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Frederik's Church
1.7 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
St. Paul's Church
1.8 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.8 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Unmissable attractions to see
Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
0.2 km
Copenhagen's industrial-turned-creative waterfront where shipyard heritage meets cutting-edge culture and world-class cuisine.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.3 km
Industrial harbour vibes meet global street food, live events and a glowing winter ice rink at Copenhagen’s most atmospheric container village.
Holmen
0.5 km
Historic naval islands turned calm harbour quarter, where dockyards, academies and the Copenhagen Opera House share wide quays and sweeping city views.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.8 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
The Little Mermaid
0.9 km
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Langelinie Park
0.9 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinieparken
0.9 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
1.0 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Langelinie Pavillonen
1.0 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Segway Cruise Copenhagen
1.0 km
Discover St Alban’s Church, Copenhagen’s only Anglican church, where neo-Gothic architecture and lush parkland meet Danish and British history near the city's harbor.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
1.1 km
A darkly playful harbourfront sculpture that twists Copenhagen’s fairytale mermaid into a sharp, bronze critique of genetics, icons and postmodern life.
Gefion Fountain
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Langelinie
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbourfront promenade, where sea air, green parkland, and iconic sculptures like The Little Mermaid meet at the edge of the Øresund.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
1.1 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
St Alban's Church
1.1 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Essential places to dine
Alchemist
0.1 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
La Banchina
0.5 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Noma
1.2 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Veve
1.3 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Sushi Anaba
1.8 km
Europe's finest omakase counter, where Nordic seafood meets Tokyo precision in an eight-seat sanctuary of culinary excellence.
Kokkeriet
1.9 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Aoc
1.9 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Silo
1.9 km
Contemporary Nordic dining and cocktails on the 17th floor of a converted grain silo, with sweeping harbor and city views across Copenhagen’s evolving Nordhavn waterfront.
Restaurant Rebel
2.0 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Khun Juk
2.0 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Restaurant Barr
2.0 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Skipperkroen
2.0 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
2.1 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Restaurant Vita
2.1 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Dag H
2.1 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
1.3 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.8 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
1.9 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Copenhagenglass
2.0 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
2.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
2.1 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Red Cross Op Shop
2.2 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Viking Souvenirs
2.3 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
2.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
2.3 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
2.3 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
2.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
2.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Storm - design art fashion
2.4 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
2.4 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.8 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Chevy's
1.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
Østerbros Perle Pub
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
Aloha Beach Bar
2.2 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Brønnum
2.2 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
2.3 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Bar Deco
2.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
TATA Cocktail Bar
2.3 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
ØB
2.3 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
Balthazar
2.4 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Trianglen 7
2.4 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Trykbar
2.4 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
1105
2.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Søernes Ølbar
2.4 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
The Moose
2.5 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
2.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
2.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Operaen
2.3 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Lusso
2.3 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
2.4 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mirage
2.9 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
2.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
3.0 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
3.0 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
3.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
3.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Zefside
3.1 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Miami Bar
3.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
3.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
3.2 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Industrial
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
