Copenhagen Contemporary
Immersive large-scale art in a vast former shipyard hall, where Copenhagen’s industrial harbour meets cutting-edge installations, performance, and light.
Copenhagen Contemporary is a vast international art centre set in a former B&W welding hall on Refshaleøen, Copenhagen’s emerging cultural district. Across 7,000 m² of raw industrial space, it presents large-scale installations, immersive light and video works, performance art, and playful interactive pieces by global names and rising Nordic talents. With a café, shop, family-friendly workshops, and harbour views, it is both an art destination and a relaxed social hangout.
A brief summary to Copenhagen Contemporary
- Refshalevej 173A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1432, DK
- +4529898087
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 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
- Aim for a weekday or Thursday evening for a quieter atmosphere and more time alone with the large-scale installations.
- Combine your visit with a stroll around Refshaleøen’s food market and harbourfront for a full afternoon in the district.
- Bring a light layer: the cavernous industrial halls can feel cool even in summer, especially when you spend time in darker light works.
- Check what exhibitions and events are on before you go; shows change regularly and performances or workshops can add extra depth to your visit.
- If you are visiting with children, plan to spend time in the creative workshop spaces where art-making is encouraged and materials are provided.
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, city bus line 2A runs regularly to Refshaleøen and stops a short walk from Copenhagen Contemporary. The ride from the inner city typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. A single-zone ticket bought via app or ticket machine usually costs around 20–30 DKK. Buses are low-floor and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, but services can be busy at peak commuter times.
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Harbour bus
The harbour bus connects various points along Copenhagen’s waterfront with Refshaleøen, offering a scenic route to the art centre. The journey from central harbour stops often takes 15–30 minutes, depending on where you board. Standard public transport tickets and passes are valid, with single trips generally around 20–30 DKK. Services are subject to weather conditions, and seating is limited during sunny weekends.
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Bicycle
Cycling from the inner city to Copenhagen Contemporary usually takes about 10–20 minutes along mostly flat, bike-friendly routes that pass the harbour and old naval areas. There is no extra cost beyond any bike rental fee, which for city bikes often ranges from 60–150 DKK per day depending on the provider. In wet or windy weather, allow a little extra time and be prepared for exposed stretches near the water.
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Car or taxi
Driving from central Copenhagen to Refshaleøen typically takes 10–20 minutes outside rush hours. Paid parking is available close to the art centre, with rates commonly in the range of 15–25 DKK per hour, payable at machines or via parking apps. A taxi from the city centre usually costs around 120–200 DKK one way, varying with traffic and time of day. During major events, parking spaces nearby can fill quickly.
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 halls turned immersive art playground
Copenhagen Contemporary occupies an enormous former B&W shipyard welding hall on Refshaleøen, where cranes, steel, and shipbuilding once defined the skyline. Today, the same 7,000 m² of industrial space has been reimagined as one of Scandinavia’s largest venues for contemporary installation art. High ceilings, exposed steel beams, and long, echoing halls give artworks room to breathe at a truly architectural scale. The building’s raw character is part of the experience. As you move between the vast halls, polished white walls meet scarred concrete floors, and shafts of harbour light filter in through industrial windows. The contrast between delicate light pieces, monumental video projections, and the husk of a working shipyard creates a sense of being inside both a museum and a piece of living urban history.Monumental installations and art you can step inside
The focus here is on installation art that surrounds you rather than hangs politely on the wall. Large-scale light works, immersive sound environments, and room-filling sculptures invite you to walk through, pause inside, and notice how your own body becomes part of the artwork. Some pieces transform entire halls into fields of colour and mist, others choreograph moving images across multi-story screens. Performance art and monumental video works often share the same spaces, so it is common to encounter a live element: a staged action, a soundtrack bleeding softly from a neighbouring hall, or a piece that only reveals itself fully when you slow down and watch. The curatorial approach favours bold, sensory experiences over encyclopedic displays, making the art centre approachable even if you are new to contemporary work.A living cultural hub on Refshaleøen
Beyond the exhibitions, Copenhagen Contemporary functions as a lively meeting place in Copenhagen’s newest cultural district. The surrounding area mixes remnants of heavy industry with creative studios, food markets, experimental restaurants, and harbour bathing spots, all stitched together by open quaysides and long views back to the historic city. Inside, a café serves as an informal hub where visitors, artists, and locals mingle over coffee or a glass of wine between exhibitions. A design-focused shop by the entrance highlights Scandinavian objects, books, and prints that echo the centre’s aesthetic. Throughout the year, the programme expands to include talks, concerts, performance festivals, and special events that spill across the halls and out into the courtyard when the weather allows.Art for families, communities, and curious minds
Copenhagen Contemporary places strong emphasis on access and engagement. Weekend and holiday workshops give children and families hands-on ways to relate to the exhibitions, often using the same materials or themes as the artists on show. Dedicated hosts in the halls help decode works without jargon, turning potentially challenging pieces into open invitations to ask questions and experiment. The architecture makes navigation straightforward, with wide ramps, elevators between floors, and level exhibition spaces designed to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Seating niches punctuate the halls, offering quiet corners to sit back and absorb large installations at your own pace. Language is kept simple and bilingual, with clear wall texts and pocket guides that emphasise ideas and experience over theory.Planning your visit inside the art centre
A typical visit can range from a focused hour with a single exhibition to an unhurried afternoon exploring multiple halls, taking a break in the café, and browsing the shop. The flexible ticketing and open internal layout make it easy to drift back to a favourite work, revisit something that puzzled you, or follow a live performance as it unfolds. On late-opening evenings, the mood shifts into a softer, more contemplative register, with dimmed light outside, illuminated artworks glowing through the industrial windows, and a slower rhythm in the galleries. Whether you drop in for a quick encounter with one celebrated artist or treat it as an anchor for a wider wander around Refshaleøen, Copenhagen Contemporary offers a concentrated snapshot of how today’s artists are stretching the possibilities of space, light, and narrative.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
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Industrial
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- 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
- Roadtrip Stop
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
