Roskilde’s Avant-Garde: The Museum of Contemporary Art
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Roskilde is a creative force in Denmark’s cultural scene, housed in a former royal palace. This innovative museum spotlights bold artistic expressions, multimedia installations, avant-garde performance, and thought-provoking exhibitions. Visitors encounter both Danish and international contemporary artists across changing displays, sound art, and interactive experiences, all in a historic setting that bridges past and present.
A brief summary to Helsingor
- Stationspladsen 2, Helsingør, 3000, DK
Local tips
- Check the museum’s calendar for special performances and temporary exhibitions—there’s often something unique on during weekends.
- Entry is free for children, and discounts are available for students and seniors. Bring valid ID for reduced admission.
- Photography is generally allowed, but some installations may have restrictions—always check signage before snapping photos.
- Don’t miss the museum shop, which offers unique art books and local design objects perfect for souvenirs.
- Combine your visit with nearby Roskilde Cathedral or a stroll through the historic center for a full day of culture.
Getting There
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Walking
From Roskilde’s bustling central square or the cathedral area, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a comfortable 10–15-minute walk away, nestled among the city’s heritage landmarks and close to the palace garden. The approach winds through lively pedestrian zones, making it an enjoyable stroll past local cafés and boutiques.
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Public Transport
Local city buses from Roskilde Station stop within a short walk of the museum. A single ticket for buses within the city costs roughly 24–28 DKK. The museum is signposted near prominent heritage sites and is easily reached from most central hotels.
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Taxi
A taxi from the city center or the main train station typically takes 5–8 minutes and costs around 60–90 DKK depending on traffic and time of day. Taxis can drop passengers close to the palace entrance, with step-free access available.
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Driving/Parking
Paid public parking is available around the museum area, with costs averaging 15–25 DKK per hour during the day. Spaces can be limited, especially on weekends or during special events, so arriving early is advisable.
Discover more about Helsingor
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Helsingor
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Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
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A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
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A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.
Heracles and the Hydra
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Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Helsingør harbour
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Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
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A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Elsinore Cemetery
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Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Kronborg Castle Church
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Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Helsingborg City Hall
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A monumental red-brick city hall and coastal gateway, where neo-Gothic towers, National Romantic detail and civic stories overlook the Øresund in central Helsingborg.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
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Experience world-class modern art where architecture and nature meet in perfect harmony, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape just north of Copenhagen.
Hornbæk Batteri
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WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
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Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Observationsvärn nr 741
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Explore the historical significance and scenic beauty of Observationsvärn nr 741 in Viken, a captivating landmark steeped in military history and stunning views.
Falkonergården
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Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Ven
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Discover Ven: A Swedish island gem in the Öresund Strait, blending history, nature, and tranquility for an unforgettable escape between Sweden and Denmark, steeped in astronomical history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gl.Færgestræde
0.1 km
Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
Helsingor Statshavn
0.1 km
A compact working harbor at the narrowest point of the Øresund, where everyday port life unfolds against big-sky views toward the Swedish coast.
Skibsklarerergaarden
0.2 km
Step into an 18th‑century ship handler’s home in Helsingør and experience the intimate world of Øresund tolls, merchant families and maritime trade.
Wibroe Plads
0.2 km
A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
Saint Olai Church
0.2 km
Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
Helsingør harbor promenade
0.3 km
A breezy waterfront ribbon along the Øresund, linking Helsingør’s working harbor, cultural quarter and Kronborg Castle with open sea views and everyday local life.
i Helsingør
0.3 km
Compact tourist information hub on historic Stjernegade, perfectly placed to plan your exploration of Helsingør’s old town, harbour culture sites and North Zealand.
History of the churches
0.3 km
A storytelling gable in Helsingør’s old town, this mural compresses centuries of church history into a single vivid scene between two medieval sanctuaries.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
0.3 km
Immersive bronze sculpture depicting Greek mythology at the gates of Kronborg Castle, offering a unique photo spot and cultural layer to Helsingør’s historic landscape.
St. Mary's Church
0.4 km
Historic public square at the heart of Roskilde, home to markets, festivals, and community life, framed by centuries-old buildings and vibrant Danish tradition.
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
0.4 km
Compact yet grand, this memorial fountain on Axeltorv turns a busy Helsingør square into a vivid snapshot of royal power, maritime trade and urban ambition.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.4 km
A 19th-century Danish lightship turned floating monument, Fyrskibet nr. XVII “Gedser Rev” brings Helsingør’s maritime and Cold War history vividly to life on the harbor.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.5 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
'The maritime history' mural
0.6 km
A harbour gable transformed into a sweeping, collage-like tribute to 300 years of Danish seafaring, anchoring Helsingør’s shipyard era in vivid colour and form.
The Culture Yard
0.6 km
Glittering glass sails over an old shipyard, The Culture Yard fuses award‑winning library, stages and harbourfront café with unforgettable views of Kronborg Castle.
Essential places to dine
Strejf
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Seasonal Nordic cooking and harbour views in Helsingør’s old station building, where seafood, steaks, wine and cocktails meet the maritime buzz of Øresund.
Sundkroen
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Cozy Danish brasserie-style dining in the historic Madam Sprunck building, steps from Helsingør Station and the Øresund waterfront.
Borgerkroen
0.1 km
Historic Danish bodega where centuries of harbor culture meet smørrebrød and live music.
Rådmand Davids Hus
0.1 km
Historic 1694 café serving authentic Danish smørrebrød in cozy, timeless surroundings.
San Rock Restaurant & Grillbar
0.1 km
Casual central Helsingør grill bar serving unfussy comfort food and generous plates just steps from the old town streets and harbourfront sights.
Ramen world
0.1 km
Handcrafted Japanese ramen in the heart of Helsingør—authentic flavors, warm hospitality, exceptional value.
Jellyfish
0.1 km
Intimate Nordic seafood restaurant in Helsingør’s old town, pairing fresh Danish ingredients with modern, minimalist design and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Blue Sky Sushi
0.1 km
Cozy Japanese all‑you‑can‑eat sushi in Helsingør’s historic center, blending fresh fish, low‑waste principles and a relaxed, modern atmosphere near the harbor.
Cafe Karisma
0.2 km
Casual coffee and juice bar on Helsingør’s Stengade, serving Illy coffee, fresh-pressed juices, sandwiches and baked potatoes in a relaxed, everyday setting.
San Remo
0.2 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a historic old-town cafeteria where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
Rib House
0.2 km
Casual steakhouse on Helsingør’s main street, serving generous spareribs and grills in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting close to the town’s historic sights.
Café Kaiser
0.2 km
Homemade Danish café on Helsingør's main street, serving quality brunch, smørrebrød, and warm dishes in a welcoming neighborhood setting.
Pakhuset
0.3 km
Casual Italian-style pizzeria tucked in a cosy inner courtyard off Helsingør’s main street, serving generous pizzas and pasta in a warm, everyday atmosphere.
Bistro Francophile
0.3 km
Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Ofelia Bar
0.3 km
Stylish tapas bar and cocktail lounge offering inventive bites, curated drinks, and lively atmosphere—an essential stop for food and nightlife lovers in central Helsingør.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.1 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.1 km
A cosy Helsingør specialty shop where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, fine tea and Nordic delicacies fills a historic cobbled lane in the heart of the old town.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.2 km
A cosy, Nordic-style boutique on Helsingør’s main street, blending women’s fashion, skincare and homewares in a warm, living-room-like setting.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.2 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.2 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
Ide Nyt
0.2 km
A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on lively Bjergegade, Ide Nyt blends Scandinavian style, quality brands and a calm atmosphere in Helsingør’s historic heart.
Østens Perle
0.2 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.2 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.2 km
Compact, cheerful and central, Happy Gifts & Souvenirs is Helsingør’s easy stop for Danish-themed keepsakes and Kronborg-inspired mementos after a day of exploring.
Levende Lys
0.3 km
A cosy, colour-filled fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Helsingør, blending contemporary women’s clothing with playful home décor and gift ideas.
Ophelia
0.3 km
Curated Scandinavian boutique in historic Helsingør, where literary heritage meets contemporary design.
HL Mode A/S
0.3 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Imerco
0.3 km
Compact Scandinavian home store on Helsingør’s main street, packed with kitchenware, tableware and cosy design gifts for practical living and stylish souvenirs.
Puslespilsbutikken
0.3 km
Denmark’s only dedicated jigsaw puzzle shop – a cozy Helsingør courtyard gem stacked floor to ceiling with colourful puzzles for families, collectors and curious browsers.
Lynhjems Eftf Ole Jensen
0.3 km
Traditional Helsingør cheesemonger and delicatessen packed with Danish and international flavours, perfect for picnic supplies, edible souvenirs and gourmet treats.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Strandborg
0.1 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Holger
0.2 km
Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.
Banana joe
0.2 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.3 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.3 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Axelhus
0.4 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Hold-An
0.4 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Head/Foam
0.4 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Axelhus Udeservering
0.4 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Joker Bar
1.5 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
1.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
1.8 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Kardusen
3.0 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.3 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Jernstangen
22.3 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
0.2 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Rustik
0.4 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.7 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
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Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
SIGURD CPH
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Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
37.4 km
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RUST Natklub
38.2 km
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Temple Bar
38.4 km
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Culture Box
38.6 km
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Falafelberg
38.9 km
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Mini Bar
39.1 km
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Mirage
39.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
39.2 km
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The Zoo
39.2 km
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Moon Club
39.2 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.