MAPS – KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
Denmark’s dedicated museum for art in public spaces, revealing the sketches, models and stories behind monuments, murals and urban artworks in the heart of Køge.
In the heart of Køge’s old town, MAPS – KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces is Denmark’s only museum devoted entirely to art in the public realm. Housed in a bright, contemporary building on Nørregade, it dives behind the scenes of murals, monuments and large-scale installations, displaying models, sketches and documentation that reveal how public artworks are conceived, debated and realized. Highlights include the original plaster model for Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid and preparatory cartoons for the Danish Queen’s monumental tapestries.
A brief summary to KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
- Nørregade 29, Køge, 4600, DK
- +4556676020
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 1–2 hours, as exhibitions are text-rich and full of sketches and models that reward unhurried reading.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Køge’s old town and harbour to see public artworks and urban spaces echoed in the museum displays.
- Check current exhibitions in advance; themes change regularly and can range from historic monuments to contemporary street art projects.
- Use the forecourt plaza as a vantage point to pause and observe how locals move through the square—an urban artwork in its own right.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take a regional train toward Næstved or Nykøbing Falster and get off in Køge; the journey typically takes 35–45 minutes and trains run at least twice an hour during the day. A standard adult single ticket costs roughly 80–110 DKK depending on discounts and time of travel. From Køge Station it is an easy level walk of around 10–15 minutes through the town centre to the museum, suitable for most visitors and stroller-friendly.
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Regional bus within Zealand
Several regional bus lines connect nearby Zealand towns such as Roskilde, Stevns and the smaller coastal communities to Køge, with typical journey times of 30–60 minutes depending on distance and stops. Fares usually fall in the 30–70 DKK range for adults, payable with travel cards or mobile tickets. Buses stop near Køge’s central area; from the main stops it is a short, mostly flat walk through the historic streets to Nørregade where the museum is located.
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Car from greater Copenhagen area
Driving from the outskirts of Copenhagen or the airport to Køge generally takes 30–45 minutes in normal traffic via the main motorway network. Fuel and toll costs vary, but you can roughly expect to spend the equivalent of 50–100 DKK each way in fuel for a standard car. Public car parks are available in and around Køge’s centre; some offer time-limited free parking while others charge hourly rates, so always check local signs. From nearby parking areas, be prepared for a short urban walk over cobblestones that may be less comfortable for some mobility aids.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces 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
Discover more about KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
A Danish pioneer devoted to public art
MAPS – KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces sits just off Køge’s main square, yet its focus extends far beyond the town, tracing how art shapes public life across Denmark and abroad. Founded in 1977 as a sketch collection and later reimagined with its current name, the museum remains the country’s only institution dedicated exclusively to art in public space. That specialism gives it a sharp, almost curatorial x‑ray vision: instead of finished statues on plinths, you encounter the drawings, maquettes and debates that precede them. The museum’s mission is to explore, communicate and question how art behaves once it leaves the white cube and enters streets, squares and stations. Exhibitions range from classic monuments to contemporary interventions, often connecting local commissions in Køge with international projects to show shared themes of memory, identity and democracy.Behind the scenes of iconic artworks
One of the most compelling aspects of MAPS is its collection of preparatory material for some of Denmark’s best-known public artworks. Among the treasures is the original plaster model for the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, allowing you to examine details that are hard to see on the harbour-side bronze. Nearby, large cartoons by artist Bjørn Nørgaard for the Queen’s tapestries in the Danish parliament reveal how a monumental narrative artwork was plotted scene by scene before being woven. Alongside these headline pieces, the museum presents models and sketches for murals, plazas, memorials and integrated architectural works. Texts and visual documentation unpack the often complex commissioning processes, from public competitions to collaborations with engineers, local communities and city planners. You come away with a clearer sense of just how much negotiation lies behind a single sculpture in a square.A light-filled building linked to the town
The museum occupies a modernized building on Nørregade, redesigned in the early 2000s by a local architectural firm. Inside, white walls, generous ceiling heights and controlled daylight create flexible galleries that can handle everything from intimate drawings to large-scale models and multimedia installations. Circulation is simple and step-free across the main levels, with lifts connecting floors. Outside, a striking concrete plaza bridges the museum and the pedestrian streets of central Køge. The forecourt is laid out as a pale, stepped landscape of slabs, podiums and benches, all in bright white concrete. Subtle height differences turn the square into an urban stage, equally suited to sitting with a coffee, hosting performances or extending exhibitions outdoors, echoing the museum’s focus on the public realm.Experiencing Køge through art in public space
A visit here often continues beyond the museum’s doors. MAPS has long been involved in art projects around Køge, and staff can point you toward works in the harbour area and historic centre. In this way, the building functions as both gallery and gateway, encouraging you to read the town itself as an open-air exhibition. Inside, changing shows might spotlight themes such as street art, socially engaged projects or the politics of monuments. Labels and wall texts tend to emphasize context and intention, inviting you to reflect on who public art is for, who decides what gets built, and how meanings can shift over time. Temporary installations sometimes spill into stairwells, windows or the square, further softening the line between museum and city.Practical details for a rewarding stop in Køge
The museum is compact enough to explore in an hour or two, yet detailed exhibitions reward slower reading. A small shop focuses on design objects, art books and thoughtful gifts, while a café area offers a calm pause between galleries. Restrooms, seating and sheltered indoor spaces make it a comfortable stop in any season, whether you drop in between strolling Køge’s cobbled streets or build it into a wider day trip around Zealand. With its focused lens on public art and its blend of national icons and local projects, MAPS offers a clear, well-structured introduction to how artworks migrate from studio to street. For travellers curious about cities, architecture and the stories behind monuments, it is an illuminating complement to simply wandering Køge’s medieval lanes and waterfront.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Køge St.
0.2 km
Experience Skagen’s iconic Det Grå Fyr, an elegant lighthouse offering breathtaking views, unique birdwatching, and local culture at Denmark’s northernmost edge.
Visit
0.2 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Køge Torv
0.3 km
Denmark's largest medieval town square, where seven centuries of history unfold on cobblestones.
VisitKøges selvbetjente turistbureau
0.3 km
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse at Denmark’s northern tip, famed for panoramic views, migrating birds, and immersive maritime and nature exhibits.
Befrielsessten i Køge
0.4 km
A solemn memorial to Denmark's liberation from Nazi occupation, standing in Køge's historic market square.
“Slaget i Køge Bugt”
0.5 km
Harbourfront monument on Køge’s quay, quietly marking the dramatic naval battles once fought in the bay where today only fishing boats and leisure craft glide.
Mindesmærke for slagene i Køge Bugt
0.5 km
Harbourfront monument where stone, sea breeze and maritime symbols keep the naval battles of Køge Bugt and their admirals alive on Køge’s working waterfront.
Comwell Køge Strand
1.3 km
Historic lighthouse and world-class bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with sweeping sea views, immersive exhibitions, and a welcoming café.
Køge Nord
4.6 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Vallø Slotskro
6.7 km
Explore Denmark's largest private engine collection and maritime heritage at Maskinrummet in Skagen.
Roskildekrukkerne
21.0 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
21.0 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
21.4 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Ledreborg Castle
21.9 km
Denmark's most harmonious 18th-century palace, where 250 years of aristocratic life remain beautifully preserved.
Viking Ship Museum
22.3 km
Beautiful sandy beach blending city and sea, with grassy dunes, safe swimming, and a friendly promenade—Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ closest seaside escape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
0.0 km
Discover Køge Church—a late medieval architectural gem, celebrated for its stunning murals, ornate interiors, and centuries of local history in the old town center.
Køge Church
0.1 km
Explore Køge Church: a landmark of Danish Gothic architecture with Renaissance treasures, vibrant frescoes, and a pivotal role in the historic heart of Køge.
the old house
0.1 km
One of Denmark’s oldest dated half‑timbered houses, this 1527 gem in Køge’s old town now hosts a cosy children’s library and atmospheric vaulted cellar.
Køge Museum
0.2 km
Time‑travel through Køge’s past inside a 17th‑century merchant’s house where Viking treasures, buried secrets and a tranquil courtyard meet in one intimate museum.
Vandkunsten - Stationspladsen
0.2 km
A sculptural fountain anchoring Køge’s station square, where moving water, stone and light turn a busy transport hub into an inviting urban meeting place.
Køge Byhistoriske Arkiv
0.2 km
Køge’s documentary memory bank, where quiet shelves of papers, photos and maps reveal centuries of local life to anyone ready to start researching.
Drikkevandpost - Torvet 14
0.2 km
A small but essential drinking water fountain on Køge’s historic Torvet, offering free, clean tap water and a brief pause amid cobblestones and town life.
Lovparken
0.3 km
Experience Køge’s centuries-old Sankt Nicolai Kirke—a showcase of Nordic Gothic architecture, unique artworks, and vibrant local history in the town center.
Brønden på Køge Torv
0.3 km
A German-inspired historic well on Køge’s grand market square, where everyday water, medieval trade and modern town life quietly flow together.
Drikkevandpost - Havnen
0.4 km
Solgårdsparken in Køge is a riverside retreat featuring woodlands, lawns, playgrounds, public art, and event spaces—an ideal escape for families and nature lovers.
Mindesten for Elias Andersen
0.5 km
Historic Gothic church in central Køge featuring an iconic spire, centuries-old interiors, Renaissance woodwork, remarkable maritime artwork, and peaceful churchyard.
Tidsrummet
0.8 km
A compact harbourfront playground in Køge where maritime character, industrial backdrops and inventive landscape design create a free, atmospheric urban pause.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
0.8 km
A peaceful Bronze Age–inspired trail along the wooded ridge of Køge Ås, where manor landscapes, river views and ancient traces meet just outside Køge.
Rhododendronparken
0.8 km
A quietly spectacular woodland garden on Køge’s outskirts, home to one of Denmark’s largest rhododendron collections and an elegant fusion of estate history and landscape art.
Gammel Køgegård
1.0 km
Historic Danish manor on the ridge of Køge Ås, combining a 400‑year house with tranquil parkland, river views and a celebrated rhododendron garden.
Essential places to dine
Milas Pizza Køge
0.1 km
Authentic pizzas and grilled fare in a welcoming Køge neighborhood spot.
Cafe O'Flanagans
0.1 km
Cozy Irish-inspired café-bar in central Køge, serving hearty brunches, burgers and beers from late morning coffee to lively late-night weekend drinks.
Café Liyana
0.1 km
Family-run café-restaurant in Køge’s old town, known for generous burgers, easygoing atmosphere and all-day dining on historic, shop-lined Nørregade.
Bløde Løg ApS
0.1 km
Cozy Danish evening restaurant in central Køge, serving hearty classics, caramelised onions and unpretentious comfort in a warm, town‑center setting.
Odd Fellowgaarden
0.2 km
French‑inspired bistro warmth and homely cooking in a historic Køge townhouse, where homemade bread, hearty plates and a tempting cheese table set the tone for long evenings.
Café T
0.2 km
A snug, retro-furnished tea and brunch café tucked off Køge’s main square, serving homemade breads, cakes and generous brunch plates in true Danish hygge style.
The Green Corner
0.2 km
Fresh-made bowls, kebabs, and sandwiches in Køge's go-to casual take-away spot.
Duevangs Deluxe Spiseri & Catering
0.2 km
Intimate modern Danish dining in Køge’s old town, where a compact seasonal menu, smart wine pairings and warm service turn lunch or dinner into an occasion.
Lucky Star
0.2 km
Waterfront sushi and Asian cuisine in Køge's heart, where simplicity meets authentic Japanese flavour.
Cups 'n Cones Køge
0.2 km
Handcrafted ice cream and frozen yogurt in the heart of Køge's historic town square.
Det Sunde Køkken
0.2 km
Bright, casual salad and bowl bar right on Køge’s medieval market square, serving fresh, customizable healthy meals, juices and easy takeaway all day.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.3 km
Bright, all‑day café dining and prime people‑watching on Køge’s historic market square, with generous plates, cakes and a broad outdoor terrace on Torvet.
Kuruki Sushi
0.3 km
Casual, modern sushi in Køge’s historic center, serving fresh rolls, ad libitum menus and takeaway from a relaxed spot on bustling Vestergade.
Bistro17
0.3 km
Modern bistro and bar in a former 1940s cinema on Køge’s central square, serving generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails in a lively, historic setting.
Halifax Burgers Køge
0.3 km
Casual, contemporary burger hangout on Køge’s cultural square, serving customisable patties, vegan options and drinks with both indoor cosiness and sunny terraces.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mode
0.0 km
A compact clothing boutique on Køge’s historic Nørregade, perfect for a relaxed browse between timbered houses, cafés and the town’s atmospheric central streets.
Noun
0.0 km
Intimate Køge showroom for curated preloved designer handbags, blending Scandinavian calm, sustainability and slow, appointment-based luxury shopping.
Bog & idé - Køge
0.1 km
Bright, well-stocked book and gift shop in Køge’s historic centre, combining Danish reads, games, stationery and clever presents under one cosy roof.
Galleri ARTBEL
0.1 km
Intimate contemporary art gallery on historic Nørregade in Køge, where changing exhibitions and a personal touch make original Danish art easy to explore.
Cosmo
0.1 km
Modern men’s fashion in Køge’s historic center, blending Scandinavian style, attentive service and a compact, easy-to-browse boutique atmosphere.
Marie-lou V/marie Louise Busk Rasmussen
0.1 km
Locally owned women’s fashion boutique in central Køge, offering Scandinavian-inspired styles focused on quality, fit and personal, relaxed shopping.
KLUD
0.1 km
Contemporary Danish womenswear in a cosy multibrand boutique on Køge’s main shopping street, blending personal styling, curated labels and a relaxed Nordic feel.
Outlet Køge
0.1 km
Compact, no-frills outlet in the heart of Køge where rotating discounts and everyday bargains add a practical edge to a day of town-center shopping.
Pure Me
0.1 km
A cosy Køge boutique for carefully chosen lingerie, beachwear, jewellery and perfume, offering calm, personal shopping a few steps from the town’s historic streets.
Tendens Køge
0.1 km
A cosy multibrand fashion boutique in the heart of Køge, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a relaxed, town-centre shopping vibe.
Merkur
0.1 km
Local women’s fashion on Jernbanegade, blending Scandinavian everyday style with the cozy, walkable charm of Køge’s historic town center.
Uldahl
0.2 km
A calm, Scandinavian-style women’s boutique in central Køge, offering curated wardrobe pieces, friendly guidance and an unhurried atmosphere on Jernbanegade.
NYSTRUP & ØSKOV
0.2 km
Intimate women’s fashion boutique in central Køge, offering contemporary Scandinavian style, curated collections and personal styling in a relaxed setting.
Cosmetics La Boutique
0.2 km
Køge's premier destination for curated fragrances, skincare, and beauty accessories.
JACK & JONES
0.2 km
Straightforward Scandinavian menswear in Køge’s Strædet shopping street, with a strong focus on denim, casual basics and easy everyday style.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Slap A
0.1 km
Køge's electric nightlife hub where quality drinks meet vibrant DJ sets and dancing until dawn.
Den høje stue
0.3 km
Cosy sportspub on Køge’s historic Torvet, pairing classic bar vibes with big-screen matches and relaxed small‑town atmosphere late into the evening.
RICHTERs Ølstue
0.3 km
Characterful beer hall in Køge’s historic centre, pouring quality specialty brews and serving hearty Danish smørrebrød in a warm, wood-accented pub setting.
Café Asti
0.3 km
Intimate wine and tapas bar in Køge's heart, where Italian flavors meet European sophistication.
Vinbaren Køge
0.4 km
Intimate wine bar in Køge’s old town, serving well-chosen bottles, tapas-style plates and plenty of Danish hygge from relaxed afternoons to late-night last pours.
Ibsens Pub & Vinbar
0.5 km
Waterfront wine bar and pub where Nordic hospitality meets harbor views and live entertainment.
The Old Irish Pub
0.5 km
Køge's benchmark for weekend nightlife with live music, cocktails, and authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
Ellemarkens Bodega Drøvlen
1.1 km
Unpretentious local bodega and community hangout in Køge’s Ellemarken district, serving inexpensive drinks, sports on TV and a relaxed slice of everyday Danish life.
Grillen
1.6 km
Casual grilled fare in the heart of Køge, open daily for straightforward dining and drinks.
MC 19 Køge
5.3 km
Unpretentious roadside bar on the edge of Lille Skensved, blending motorcycle-club spirit with classic Danish pub hospitality and a relaxed, locals-first atmosphere.
Charlie Chaplin
19.8 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
Vinbaren Muicon
19.8 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
19.8 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Bykroen
20.2 km
Cozy local bar and live music hangout on Haslev’s main street, offering simple drinks, late-weekend nights and an authentic small-town Danish atmosphere.
Roskilde Bodega
20.9 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Flame
0.5 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
0.5 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Bloom Nightclub
0.5 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Tropicana DC
18.6 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Klubhuset
18.7 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Dansebar Roskilde
20.9 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
21.0 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Danseriet
21.3 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Haven - Events
32.6 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
KB3
33.0 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
The Union
33.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Baggen
33.2 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
33.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
Falafelberg
33.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
33.4 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
