Davis Gallery (Bredgade Kunsthandel)

Art on Copenhagen’s most creative street

Davis Gallery, also known by its historic name Bredgade Kunsthandel, sits on Bredgade, the grand boulevard that forms the backbone of Copenhagen’s gallery and design district. Here, elegant 18th- and 19th-century townhouses host embassies, auction houses and exhibition spaces, creating an urban corridor where art, diplomacy and design all meet. The gallery at number 69 forms part of this cultural spine, just a short stroll from the Danish Design Museum and royal Amalienborg Palace. Step through the door and the bustle of the city quickly fades. The space feels intimate rather than vast, and the focus is firmly on the works on the walls and plinths. This is a place where contemporary art is given room to breathe, framed by quiet, classic architecture.

From classic modernism to bold contemporary voices

Historically, Bredgade Kunsthandel was known for its strong holdings in classic modernism, showing Danish artists who helped define the 20th century’s shift toward abstraction and new forms. Over time the profile has evolved, and under the Davis Gallery name the emphasis has moved decisively into contemporary territory while still honouring that legacy. Paintings, ceramics, sculptural assemblages and mixed media pieces share the space, often exploring materiality and colour in inventive ways. Exhibitions change several times a year, so a visit in winter might reveal a tightly curated solo show, while another season brings a group exhibition that juxtaposes emerging artists with more established names.

Inside the gallery: light, lines and careful curation

The interior unfolds as a sequence of white, light-filled rooms with polished floors and clean sightlines between spaces. Natural daylight from tall street-facing windows combines with considered spot-lighting to draw attention to texture and detail. The overall feel is minimalist and modern, letting the art provide the drama. Works are usually hung with generous spacing, encouraging you to slow down and focus on individual pieces rather than rush through. In some rooms you may find a single strong sculpture holding the centre of the floor; in others, a rhythmic series of canvases guides you along a wall. Discreet wall texts or printed lists provide essential details without overwhelming the visual experience.

A meeting point for artists, collectors and the curious

Despite its high-end surroundings, the gallery cultivates an approachable atmosphere. Staff are typically present in the main room, ready to answer questions about techniques, themes or the artists’ backgrounds. The space functions both as a commercial gallery and as a small cultural venue, hosting openings, artist talks or informal gatherings when new exhibitions launch. Even if you are not looking to buy art, you can spend time here simply absorbing ideas and following the threads that link different works. For collectors, the gallery offers guidance on acquisitions and often presents works with clear provenance from a carefully selected group of artists, many of whom are based in Denmark or the wider Nordic region.

Part of a wider Bredgade art walk

One of the pleasures of visiting Davis Gallery is how easily it fits into a broader day of exploration. Bredgade is lined with other galleries, design showrooms and auction houses, which together create a natural route for an informal art walk. Just steps away, you can move from contemporary installations to classic furniture, from ceramics to Danish painting. Outside, the architectural rhythm of the street, with its mansard roofs, cornices and ornate doorways, adds another visual layer to the experience. Whether you stay for a short look or linger over each piece, the gallery offers a compact but rewarding window into Copenhagen’s contemporary art scene, framed by one of the city’s most elegant streets.