Kunsthal Charlottenborg
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Housed in the grand Baroque Charlottenborg Palace on Kongens Nytorv at the mouth of Nyhavn, Kunsthal Charlottenborg is one of Northern Europe’s leading venues for contemporary art. Since 1883 it has showcased ambitious, international exhibitions, from emerging voices to major names, alongside talks, performances, film screenings and the renowned Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition.
A brief summary to Kunsthal Charlottenborg
- Nyhavn 2, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1051, DK
- +4533744639
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-8 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-8 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
- Friday 12 pm-8 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit Tuesday to Friday if you enjoy quieter galleries; weekends can feel livelier with more locals and events in the courtyard.
- Allow extra time for the Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition or the Academy degree show, when the number of works and variety of media increases.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along Nyhavn or Kongens Nytorv to appreciate how the kunsthal’s Baroque architecture anchors this central square.
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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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Kongens Nytorv Station, a journey of about 5–10 minutes from most inner-city stops. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day. A single zone ticket typically costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines or via local transport apps. From the station, expect a short, level walk across the square on paved surfaces, generally suitable for wheelchairs and strollers in most weather.
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City bus connection
Several city buses serve the Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn area from different neighbourhoods of Copenhagen, with typical travel times of 10–25 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Standard bus tickets are in the same price range as metro tickets, around 20–30 DKK for a short journey, and can be purchased on apps or at stations. Buses usually run at least every 10–15 minutes during the day; check route maps to select a line stopping near Kongens Nytorv, from where it is a short, well-signposted walk.
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Cycling in the city centre
Copenhagen is highly cycle-friendly, and many visitors reach Kunsthal Charlottenborg by bicycle in 5–20 minutes from most central districts. Expect dedicated bike lanes on main routes and flat terrain throughout. Public bike-share schemes and rental shops offer hourly or daily rates, often starting around 75–125 DKK per day. Bike parking stands are available around Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn, but they can fill up in peak hours, so allow a few extra minutes to lock your bike securely.
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Walking within Indre By
If you are already in Copenhagen’s historic centre, many key sights lie within a 10–20 minute walk of Kunsthal Charlottenborg. The route is generally flat, over cobblestones and paved pedestrian streets, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Walking offers the chance to combine your visit with stops at neighbouring squares, canals and shops, though surfaces can be slippery in heavy rain or winter conditions, so take extra care in bad weather.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg 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 Kunsthal Charlottenborg
Contemporary Art in a Baroque Palace
Kunsthal Charlottenborg occupies the south wing and exhibition building of Charlottenborg Palace, a Dutch Baroque mansion overlooking both Kongens Nytorv and the colourful facades of Nyhavn. Behind the stately brick and sandstone exterior, light-filled galleries stretch across generous floorplates, creating one of Northern Europe’s largest and most atmospheric spaces devoted to contemporary art. Since 1883, the kunsthal has operated as an exhibition venue rather than a collecting museum, which keeps its program agile and firmly rooted in the present. Entering from the courtyard or Nyhavn side, you move through high-ceilinged halls where crisp white walls and polished floors contrast with glimpses of the palace’s historic structure. This interplay between old and new is part of the charm: bold installations, video works and conceptual pieces unfold within a setting shaped by centuries of royal, academic and artistic life.From Gyldenløve’s Mansion to Art Academy Hub
The story begins in the late 17th century, when Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve, half-brother of King Christian V, commissioned a grand residence on newly laid-out Kongens Nytorv. Inspired by French and Dutch trends, the palace was built between 1672 and 1683 in a restrained Baroque idiom. In 1700 it passed to dowager queen Charlotte Amalie, whose name the building still carries. Over time, the palace shifted from private residence to cultural institution, becoming the home of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in the 18th century. To accommodate exhibitions and teaching, the complex evolved. The main corps de logis facing the square was remodelled in the 19th century, while a dedicated exhibition building was added at the rear, following a French model for purpose-built art halls. This annex, completed in 1883, is today’s Kunsthal Charlottenborg: an architecturally coherent suite of galleries where the academy, palace and contemporary art program intersect.A Stage for Bold, Agenda-Setting Exhibitions
Without a permanent collection, Kunsthal Charlottenborg revolves entirely around temporary exhibitions. Its curatorial focus is on ambitious, often experimental projects that bring together Danish and international artists. Installations might address technology, climate, migration, identity or urban life, explored through sculpture, film, sound, textiles or performance. The scale of the rooms allows for immersive environments and large-format works that can transform the building’s atmosphere from season to season. Alongside solo presentations by established figures, the kunsthal supports emerging voices and cross-disciplinary practices, spanning visual art, architecture, design and craft. The widely recognised Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition uses an open, juried format to present artists selected from public submissions, while the annual MFA degree show from the Academy gives a glimpse of tomorrow’s art scene. The result is a program that regularly shifts from contemplative to provocative, yet remains accessible.Events, Encounters and Everyday Life
Kunsthal Charlottenborg operates as a social and intellectual meeting point as much as an exhibition venue. Throughout the year, its program is enriched by artist talks, panel discussions, workshops, performances, concerts and film screenings that dig deeper into current themes. Some evenings the galleries serve as a backdrop for sound pieces or live interventions; on others, visitors gather for quiet screenings or conversations around a single work. The building opens onto a central courtyard that links Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv, frequently used as an informal extension of the exhibition space. On mild days, people linger here or at the on-site café, surrounded by the brick arcades and large windows of the kunsthal. Inside, seating nooks and generous corridors invite you to pause, reflect or simply watch the flow of visitors navigating between rooms.Art, Light and Views over Nyhavn
Moving up through the levels, long vistas and carefully framed apertures reveal both the architecture and the city outside. In some galleries, tall windows capture the masts and roofs along Nyhavn, turning Copenhagen’s harbourfront into a shifting backdrop for the art on display. At other points, you look back toward Kongens Nytorv, its equestrian statue and surrounding theaters emphasising the palace’s central position in the cultural district. This interplay of art, light and cityscape makes the kunsthal rewarding even for visitors with limited time. Whether you stay for a single exhibition or follow the full circuit of galleries, the experience is a blend of historical setting and forward-looking artistic practice. With varied programming, there is always a sense that the space is mid-conversation with the contemporary world, using a centuries-old palace as its stage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.1 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.3 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.3 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.4 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.
Holmens Bro
0.5 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.6 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Bishop Absalon
0.6 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.6 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Frederik's Church
0.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.6 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
Frederik VII
0.6 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Højbro
0.6 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.6 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Christiansborg Palace
0.6 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Unmissable attractions to see
Memorial Anchor
0.1 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Kongens Nytorv
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s national theatre in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold modern playhouse rising directly above the harbour waters.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.1 km
A tiny 17th‑century townhouse on Kongens Nytorv where Baltic amber, ancient insects and Scandinavian craft turn deep time into a warm, golden museum experience.
Nyhavn
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbour postcard: colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés where maritime history meets modern hygge.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.2 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Bredgade 18
0.2 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Indre By
0.2 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.3 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Havnepromenade
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.4 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
The Playhouse
0.4 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
The Kissing Stairs
0.4 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Hey Captain
0.4 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.4 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Essential places to dine
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.1 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Cap Horn
0.1 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Skipperkroen
0.1 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.
à terre
0.1 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Goldfinch
0.2 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Marchal
0.2 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Bistro Royal
0.3 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Khun Juk
0.3 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.
Llama
0.3 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Frank
0.3 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Den Lille Fede
0.3 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Restaurant Vita
0.3 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
l’Alsace
0.3 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Zane
0.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagenglass
0.2 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Magasin du Nord
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Viking Souvenirs
0.2 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Maritime Antiques &
0.2 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.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.3 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
0.3 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
The Wilde Shop
0.3 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
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.
Storm - design art fashion
0.5 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.
ILLUM
0.5 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.5 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.
Danish Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.6 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
0.1 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Bar Deco
0.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.3 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Balthazar
0.3 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.
1105
0.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
0.5 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.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
K-Bar
0.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Trykbar
0.6 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.
The Dubliner
0.6 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Balderdash
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Eiffel bar
0.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
