Copenhagen Contemporary
A vast former shipyard hall turned cutting-edge art centre, where immersive installations, performance and video transform Copenhagen’s industrial waterfront.
Copenhagen Contemporary (CC) is Copenhagen’s international art centre, housed in a vast former B&W shipyard welding hall on Refshaleøen. Across 7,000 m² of raw industrial space, it presents large-scale installations, immersive environments, performance and monumental video works by global names and emerging talents. The surrounding waterfront district mixes gritty dockland heritage with creative studios, food markets and harbour views, making CC both an art destination and a vibrant cultural 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
-
Mixed
- 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
- Plan at least 1.5–2 hours to explore; large-scale installations and darkened rooms reward slow looking and time to adjust your eyes and senses.
- Visit on a Thursday evening when the centre stays open later, offering a quieter atmosphere and more time to experience light- and sound-based works.
- Bring a light layer: the vast industrial halls can feel cool in colder months, especially in darker, immersive installations.
- Check current exhibitions and event programming in advance so you do not miss performances, talks or family workshops linked to your interests.
- Combine your visit with a stroll around Refshaleøen’s waterfront and food market to experience the area’s evolving mix of industry, culture and cuisine.
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
-
City bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take city bus 2A towards Refshaleøen; the ride from Nørreport or City Hall area typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Standard single tickets cost around 24–30 DKK within the city zones, and buses run frequently throughout the day. From the Refshaleøen stop it is a short, level walk on former industrial roads, generally suitable for wheelchairs and prams, though some surfaces can be uneven.
-
Harbour bus across the inner harbour
In good weather, use the harbour bus routes that connect inner Copenhagen with Refshaleøen; the crossing usually takes 15–20 minutes from central piers. A regular public transport ticket or city travel card, costing roughly 24–30 DKK for a single journey, is valid on these boats. Services are less frequent than land buses and can be affected by strong winds or winter conditions, so check timings in advance. From the quay, expect a 5–10 minute walk along the waterfront on mostly flat terrain.
-
Cycling from the inner city
Copenhagen Contemporary lies about 15–25 minutes by bicycle from the historic centre, depending on your starting point and pace. The route uses a mix of dedicated cycle lanes and quieter streets, typical of Copenhagen’s bike-friendly network. There is usually ample informal bike parking near the entrance, but no secure storage. The area is exposed to wind and weather, so conditions can feel markedly cooler along the harbour, especially outside summer.
-
Taxi or ride-hail within Copenhagen
Taxis from central Copenhagen to Refshaleøen generally take 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic, and cost in the region of 120–200 DKK one way. Cars can usually set passengers down close to the entrance, which is convenient for visitors with limited mobility. Parking in the surrounding industrial area is paid by app, and spaces may be busier during major events, so allow extra time if you plan to drive yourself.
Copenhagen Contemporary location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Copenhagen Contemporary
Industrial shipyard reborn as an art powerhouse
Copenhagen Contemporary occupies a former B&W welding hall on Refshaleøen, once part of Copenhagen’s shipbuilding heart. The original concrete floors, exposed steel beams and soaring ceilings have been preserved, giving the centre a raw, cavernous character that suits large-scale contemporary work. The building’s immense volumes create room for ambitious projects that would overwhelm a typical white-cube gallery, turning the hall itself into part of the experience. Step inside and the sense of scale is immediate: long perspectives, shafts of daylight cutting through high windows, and vast walls that become screens, stages and support structures. The industrial architecture is not just a backdrop; it frames every artwork, highlighting the tension between heavy engineering heritage and the often ephemeral language of installation art.Immersive installations for the whole body
CC focuses on installation art, performance and monumental video pieces that are designed to be entered, wandered through and sensed with the whole body. Here, art is spatial and often multi-sensory: light works that bathe entire rooms in colour, soundscapes that echo through the hall, or sculptural environments that invite slow exploration. Many exhibitions unfold as sequences of rooms, encouraging you to drift from one atmosphere to another rather than simply viewing objects on walls. Because of the generous floor area, artists can experiment with technically demanding setups, large projections and complex structures. It is common to encounter pieces that shift as you move, respond to your presence or envelop you in darkness or dazzling light. This emphasis on immersive formats makes CC particularly engaging for visitors who may not usually seek out contemporary art; the experience is physical and immediate, as much about mood and sensation as about theory.A creative hub in Copenhagen’s new cultural district
The centre sits at the heart of Refshaleøen, a former industrial peninsula now transforming into one of Copenhagen’s most creative quarters. Around the hall you will find a mix of experimental restaurants, laid-back bars, workshops, event spaces and one of the city’s most popular street-food markets. The harbour is ever-present: from outside CC you can look across the water towards the city, with cranes, chimneys and wind turbines punctuating the skyline. Despite the area’s industrial bones, there is a surprisingly green feel, with open plots, patches of wild grass and informal seating along the waterfront. This contrast between rough docklands and new cultural life gives a distinctive atmosphere; visiting CC often becomes part of a longer exploration of Refshaleøen, combining art with food, a harbour dip or a stroll along the quays.Programs, events and family-friendly creativity
Beyond the main exhibitions, Copenhagen Contemporary runs a broad programme of talks, performances, concerts and workshops that keep the halls busy throughout the year. A dedicated workshop space hosts creative activities, particularly at weekends and during school holidays, encouraging children and adults to experiment with materials and ideas related to current shows. This educational strand is woven into the building, so that making, discussing and experiencing art happen side by side. On the ground floor, the café serves as an informal meeting place, while the design-focused shop offers Scandinavian objects, books and exhibition-related editions. Together they underline CC’s role as a social venue as much as an exhibition space, somewhere to linger over a coffee, browse a publication and watch the flow of visitors between halls.Accessible, inclusive and easy to explore
The art centre is designed to be accessible, with step-free entrances via ramps, automatic doors and lifts connecting the different levels. Wide circulation routes and mostly flat floors make it straightforward for wheelchair users and visitors with prams to move between halls, though distances inside can be considerable due to the building’s size. Accessible toilets are available on multiple floors, and assistance dogs are welcome, reflecting a clear focus on inclusive visiting. Signage is simple and bilingual, with texts in Danish and English, and information points help you orient yourself among the different exhibition halls. Cloakrooms and free lockers near the entrance keep the vast spaces uncluttered, allowing you to experience the installations without carrying bags or coats, and reinforcing the sense that CC is a generous, thoughtfully organised place to discover contemporary art.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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern 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
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
