Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

A brewer’s dream turned art sanctuary

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek was born from the passion of Carl Jacobsen, the brewer behind Carlsberg and one of Denmark’s great art patrons. In the late 19th century he donated his growing collection to the public and commissioned an ambitious museum to house it, opening the doors in 1897. The name “Glyptotek” comes from the Greek words for “carving” and “storage”, a nod to its remarkable sculpture holdings. The building itself reflects this origin story: part palace, part sculpture hall, part intimate gallery. Richly decorated façades, mosaic floors and high, carefully lit ceilings turn a visit into an encounter with architecture as much as with art. Over time, the museum has expanded, knitting together historic wings and more modern additions into a single, walkable ensemble.

Walking through 3,500 years of antiquity

One half of the museum is devoted to the Ancient Mediterranean and Near East, creating a continuous line from the pharaohs to the Roman emperors. Egyptian galleries display sarcophagi, mummies, carved reliefs and statues of deities and officials, inviting you into the symbolism and beliefs of the Nile kingdoms. Beyond, the Greek and Etruscan rooms open into long vistas of marble figures: idealised athletes, solemn gods, votive offerings and funerary monuments. The Roman collection is especially strong in portraiture, with emperors, philosophers and anonymous citizens rendered in stone with striking individuality. Together, these rooms offer a compact yet rich journey across 3,500 years of art and empire.

Nineteenth-century masters in northern light

The museum’s modern department focuses on Danish and French art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Danish Golden Age paintings capture Copenhagen’s streets, harbours and interiors in clear, cool light, while later works explore landscape, symbolism and the early stirrings of modernism. French galleries feature Impressionist and post-Impressionist highlights, including works by Gauguin alongside paintings that trace the evolution of colour and form in this period. Sculpture is a particular strength: you can encounter a complete series of Degas’ dancer bronzes, numerous pieces by Rodin and an array of Danish sculptors whose works bridge neoclassicism and more expressive styles.

The Winter Garden: a tropical heart in a Nordic city

At the centre of the complex lies the 1906 Winter Garden, a soaring glass-domed space filled with palm trees, lush foliage and a circular pool. Sunlight filters through the roof, catching on leaves, tiles and water, creating a play of reflections that changes with the weather and time of day. This green courtyard functions as both architectural anchor and quiet retreat. A café on its edge serves light lunches, cakes and coffee, turning the space into an inviting pause between gallery visits. Above, a roof terrace opens in warmer months, offering open-air views of Copenhagen’s skyline and the city’s distinctive towers.

A museum designed for unhurried exploration

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is compact enough to explore in a few hours yet layered enough to reward a longer stay. Clear thematic divisions make it easy to follow your interests, whether you are drawn to hieroglyphs, classical sculpture or modern painting. Benches are thoughtfully placed for contemplation, and sightlines often connect distant rooms, encouraging you to move intuitively from one collection to another. Seasonal exhibitions add new perspectives by juxtaposing loans with works from the permanent collection. A bookshop near the exit extends the experience with catalogues, design objects and art books, making the museum both a contemplative refuge and a stimulating hub of visual culture in the heart of Copenhagen.