Thorvaldsens Museum
Denmark’s first public art museum, a colour‑rich neoclassical gem on Slotsholmen where Bertel Thorvaldsen’s sculptures, collections and tomb share a single evocative space.
Thorvaldsens Museum is Denmark’s first public art museum, a richly decorated 19th‑century building on Slotsholmen dedicated to sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. Inside, luminous neoclassical marble figures share space with vivid wall colours, antique vases, coins, paintings and drawings from across Europe and the Mediterranean. The courtyard holds Thorvaldsen’s tomb, turning the museum into both a celebration of his life’s work and his final resting place in the heart of Copenhagen.
A brief summary to Thorvaldsens Museum
- Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2, København K, København K, 1213, DK
- +4521687568
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan around the Monday closure; the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, generally from late morning to late afternoon.
- Use the free audio guide to unlock stories behind the sculptures, the building’s colours and Thorvaldsen’s travels.
- Allow time for the courtyard; this is where Thorvaldsen is buried and it offers a quiet pause between richly decorated galleries.
- Combine your visit with nearby cultural sites on Slotsholmen to make a half‑day of museums and historic architecture.
- Photography is usually allowed without flash; the vivid interiors make for striking shots of sculpture and colour together.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Walking from central Copenhagen (City Hall area)
From the City Hall and Tivoli area, reaching Thorvaldsens Museum on Slotsholmen takes roughly 10–15 minutes on foot at a relaxed pace. The route is flat and follows busy central streets with wide pavements and pedestrian crossings. It is suitable for most visitors, including families with strollers, though surfaces can be uneven in places around historic squares, so allow extra time if you prefer to move slowly and linger by the canals.
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Public transport within Copenhagen
Several bus lines stop near Slotsholmen and the parliament district, putting you within about a 5‑minute walk of the museum after a journey of 10–20 minutes from many central neighbourhoods. Single tickets on city buses generally cost in the range of 20–30 DKK, depending on zones and purchase method. Services run frequently during the day, but can be less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so checking current timetables before you set out is advisable.
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Metro connection via Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv
Using the Copenhagen Metro, you can ride to nearby stations such as Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv and walk around 10 minutes to the museum, with total travel time typically 15–25 minutes from most inner‑city stops. A standard metro ticket for the relevant central zones usually falls between 20 and 40 DKK. Lifts and escalators make the metro convenient if you are avoiding long walks, though final access to the museum still involves outdoor pavements and some cobblestones.
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Bicycle access in the city centre
Cycling is a popular way to reach Slotsholmen, with dedicated bike lanes leading through much of central Copenhagen. Travel time from nearby districts such as Nørrebro, Vesterbro or Østerbro is often 10–20 minutes. You can use your own bicycle or rent from numerous city bike providers, with typical short‑term rentals starting around 25–40 DKK for a half hour. Be aware that bike lanes can be busy in rush hours, and you will need to dismount and walk your bike in pedestrian‑only areas close to historic buildings.
Thorvaldsens Museum 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
Discover more about Thorvaldsens Museum
A sculptor’s legacy in the heart of Copenhagen
Thorvaldsens Museum stands on Slotsholmen, a compact island at the historic core of Copenhagen, created specifically to house the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen, the city’s most celebrated sculptor. Completed in 1848, it was Denmark’s first purpose‑built public museum, designed as a temple to art at a time when neoclassicism shaped Europe’s cultural identity. The building embraces a courtyard plan, sheltering visitors from the bustle outside and focusing attention inward on art, colour and form. Thorvaldsen himself spent most of his career in Rome, sending home monumental sculptures of classical gods, heroes and statesmen that now populate the museum’s stately halls. When he donated his vast collection of works and personal art holdings to Copenhagen, it transformed the city’s cultural landscape and cemented this museum’s role as a national treasure.Colour-drenched architecture and intimate details
One of the surprises of Thorvaldsens Museum is its intense palette. Instead of whitewashed galleries, you step into rooms saturated with deep blues, reds and greens, patterned ceilings, and richly ornamented doorways. This bold interior was conceived as a dramatic backdrop for white marble and plaster, making the sculptures glow against their surroundings. Light enters from high windows and skylights, picking out fine chisel marks and the soft curve of drapery in stone. Corridors unfold like a sequence of stage sets, each space carefully proportioned to frame the works it holds. Decorative friezes on the exterior, including painted processions and mythological scenes, connect the building’s façade to the themes inside. Even small details, from floor patterns to ironwork, reflect a 19th‑century ambition to create a total work of art.Sculptures, sketches and a world of antiquities
At the museum’s core are Thorvaldsen’s sculptures: full‑size figures, reliefs and portrait busts that translate ancient myth into neoclassical forms. You encounter Roman gods, Nordic heroes and European dignitaries, all rendered with the calm, idealised features typical of the period. Many pieces are original plaster models for marble statues now scattered in churches and palaces across Europe, giving the museum a behind‑the‑scenes quality. Beyond the sculptures, rooms display Thorvaldsen’s drawings and preparatory sketches, revealing how ideas evolved from quick pencil lines to monumental stone. Cases of Greek and Roman vases, small bronzes, coins and Egyptian artifacts reflect his passion as a collector. Together, these collections show the visual world that inspired him, from ancient pottery silhouettes to the drama of classical relief carving.A tomb in the courtyard and stories beneath your feet
Step into the inner courtyard and you stand above Thorvaldsen’s grave. Rather than being buried in a church, he chose to rest within the museum that houses his work, an arrangement that turns the entire complex into a kind of extended monument. The courtyard, with its quiet planting and simple geometry, contrasts with the richly decorated interiors and offers a moment of calm reflection. Here, the layers of time feel particularly tangible. The building’s historic fabric, the sculptor’s remains beneath the paving, and the surrounding government quarter of Slotsholmen all speak to shifting ideas about art, power and memory in 19th‑century Denmark. It is a place where biography and architecture are inseparable.Experiencing the museum today
Today, Thorvaldsens Museum continues to function as both archive and laboratory. The permanent displays are complemented by focused exhibitions that explore themes such as travel, myth or dialogue between contemporary art and Thorvaldsen’s work. Free audio guides help decode the symbolism in the sculptures, the stories of their commissioners, and the thinking behind the building’s design. Visits often unfold slowly: you might linger in a single gallery, comparing marble to plaster, or trace Thorvaldsen’s journeys through paintings and objects he collected abroad. With its central location, richly atmospheric rooms and concentrated scale, the museum offers a contemplative counterpoint to the city outside, inviting you to spend time with one artist’s world in remarkable depth.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.1 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Højbro
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.3 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Nytorv 2
0.4 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Børsen
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Gråbrødretorv
0.4 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Gammeltorv
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.4 km
Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Black Diamond
0.4 km
A gleaming granite monument where cutting-edge architecture meets cultural heritage on Copenhagen's waterfront.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.5 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Varehuset Messen
0.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gammel Strand
0.1 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Christiansborg Palace
0.1 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.2 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Magstræde
0.2 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest cobbled lanes, Magstræde is a colorful, time‑worn shortcut through the city’s medieval heart and everyday modern life.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.2 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Bishop Absalon
0.2 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Marmorbroen
0.2 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Højbro Plads
0.2 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Højbro Pl.
0.2 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Amagertorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Essential places to dine
Marv & Ben
0.1 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant 1733
0.1 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.3 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.4 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Restaurant Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Rio Bravo
0.4 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Det Lille Apotek
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Llama
0.5 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Hygge Original
0.2 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.2 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.3 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Magnolias
0.3 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Duck Haven
0.3 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
ILLUM
0.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ruby
0.1 km
Hidden in an 18th‑century canal‑side townhouse, Ruby pairs quietly glamorous, apartment‑style interiors with some of Copenhagen’s most considered cocktails.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Godt Øl
0.1 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
K-Bar
0.2 km
A small, monochrome cocktail lounge off Ved Stranden where crafted infusions, intimate lighting and a personal touch showcase Copenhagen’s modern bar culture.
Zefside
0.2 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
The Dubliner
0.2 km
Lively Irish pub on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, pouring well-kept Guinness, showing big-screen sports and serving hearty pub grub in a warm, wood-paneled setting.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Cuban-inspired cocktails, candlelight and late-night rhythm in a cozy Knabrostræde hideaway at the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Balderdash
0.4 km
Inventive, seasonal cocktails in a cosy speakeasy-style bar hidden on a cobbled Inner City street, where playful experimentation meets warm Copenhagen charm.
Luke's Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.4 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Centralhjørnet
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary gay bar since 1917—where history, warmth, and celebration meet.
Southern Cross Pub
0.4 km
Lively two-floor sports pub in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring well-priced beers, screening wall-to-wall live sport, and staying open long into the night.
The Rooftop Bar
0.4 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.4 km
Discover unconventional wines and craft cocktails in Copenhagen's most welcoming wine bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Chateau Motel
0.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Club Mambo
0.4 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Mirror
0.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
The Zoo
0.5 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.
La Terraza
0.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Lusso
0.6 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.
Cosy Bar
0.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Mini Bar
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
