Nivaagaard’s Malerisamling (The Nivaagaard Collection)

An intimate North Zealand art museum where Renaissance masters, Dutch Baroque painters and Danish Golden Age canvases meet in a romantic garden by the Øresund coast.

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Nivågård’s Malerisamling

Set in a romantic garden on the Øresund coast, Nivaagaard’s Malerisamling is an intimate art museum with a remarkably rich collection of European painting from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Founded by landowner and collector Johannes Hage in the late 19th century, the museum brings together Italian Renaissance masters, Dutch Baroque painters and highlights from the Danish Golden Age in a compact, easily explored setting. Seasonal rhododendron displays, a tranquil park and a bright café add fresh-air charm to a visit, while changing special exhibitions introduce contemporary and modern art in thoughtful dialogue with the historic collection.

A brief summary to Nivågård’s Malerisamling

Gammel Strandvej 2, Nivå, 2990, DK
+4549141017
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 11 am-8 pm
Wednesday 11 am-8 pm
Thursday 11 am-8 pm
Friday 11 am-8 pm
Saturday 11 am-5 pm
Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

Plan at least one visit between late May and early June if possible, when the rhododendron garden is typically in full bloom and the grounds are at their most colourful.
Take advantage of the late opening hours Tuesday to Friday to enjoy the collection in a calmer atmosphere and combine your visit with an early dinner in the museum café.
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the exhibition halls, so bring a smaller day bag or be prepared to use designated storage areas.
Check the museum’s exhibition calendar in advance if you are interested in specific special shows, lectures or concerts, as access to parts of the collection can be limited during events.
Combine your visit with a short walk in the surrounding neighbourhood towards the Øresund coast to appreciate how the museum sits within the wider North Zealand landscape.

Getting There

Train and walk from central Copenhagen

From central Copenhagen, take the coastal rail line towards Nivå or Helsingør; trains typically run around six times per hour and the journey to Nivå takes about 30–40 minutes. From Nivå Station, allow roughly 10–15 minutes to walk along pavements through a residential area to the museum, on mostly flat terrain suitable for most visitors. A standard adult single ticket for this regional journey usually costs in the range of 40–80 DKK depending on ticket type and discounts.
Regional bus from North Zealand towns

Regional bus line 388 connects several North Zealand towns, including Lyngby and Helsingør, with a stop directly by the Nivaagaard Collection, making it convenient if you are already in the area. Travel times vary from about 20–30 minutes from Helsingør and 30–45 minutes from Lyngby, depending on traffic and intermediate stops. Expect to pay approximately 30–60 DKK for a single adult ticket, with buses running at regular intervals during the day but less frequently in late evenings and on weekends.
Car from Copenhagen or Helsingør

By car, the museum lies off the coastal road in North Zealand, generally a 30–45 minute drive from central Copenhagen and about 20–30 minutes from Helsingør in normal traffic. The route uses major roads followed by local approaches through built-up areas. There is a dedicated parking area directly in front of the museum, including spaces for disabled visitors and charging points for some electric vehicles. While entrance to the museum requires a separate ticket, parking itself is typically free, though spaces can be tighter on weekends and during major exhibitions.

Nivågård’s Malerisamling location weather suitability

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Discover more about Nivågård’s Malerisamling

From Private Passion to Public Treasure

Johannes Hage, a wealthy landowner at Nivaagaard, assembled his art collection between the 1890s and early 1900s, driven by a passion for European painting and a desire to bring great works to Denmark. In 1908 he transformed his private collection into an independent foundation and opened it to the public, cementing the Nivaagaard Collection as a serious cultural institution rather than a country-house curiosity. The museum’s original building, designed in a temple-like style by architect Johan Schrøder, still anchors the site, though the complex has expanded over time. Later extensions, including a modern wing from the late 20th century, have been carefully integrated so that the museum feels both historic and contemporary. The result is an intimate, human-scale art space that can be explored in a single visit without feeling rushed.

Masterpieces Across Five Centuries

Inside, the focus is squarely on European painting from roughly the 14th to the 19th centuries. Italian Renaissance works introduce visitors to artists such as Giovanni Bellini, whose refined portraits and religious scenes exemplify the era’s elegance and depth. Dutch Golden Age rooms feature landscapes, genre scenes and portraits, with names like Rembrandt, Jan van Goyen and Salomon van Ruysdael represented among others. Danish Golden Age art forms a second pillar of the collection. Here you encounter painters such as C.W. Eckersberg, Christen Købke, Johan Lundbye, Wilhelm Marstrand and Martinus Rørbye, whose works chronicle everyday life, travel, nature and faith in 19th-century Denmark. Rather than overwhelming with sheer volume, the galleries present a tightly curated selection that encourages close looking and quiet contemplation of individual canvases.

Nordic Light, Landscapes and Faith

Thematically, many rooms are organised around landscape and religious imagery. You move from misty rivers and coastal scenes to meticulously observed forests, from intimate devotional paintings to grand altarpiece-like compositions. The cool northern light of Danish and Dutch landscapes contrasts with the warmer glow of Italian panels, highlighting how geography shapes artistic mood. Portraits provide another thread, tracing shifting ideas of status, personality and self-image across centuries. Modest merchants, confident nobles and introspective artists all appear on the walls, inviting you to compare their worlds with your own. Informative labels and wall texts outline key historical points while leaving space for personal interpretation and discovery.

Living Museum: Exhibitions, Events and Café

Beyond the permanent collection, Nivaagaard typically hosts two or three special exhibitions each year, often devoted to modern or contemporary art, design or focused historical themes. These shows might spotlight a single artist, explore a topic like forests or wetlands, or bring international perspectives into dialogue with the core collection, ensuring that returning visitors always find something new. The on-site café, overlooking parts of the garden, extends the experience. Seasonal menus often reflect Danish culinary traditions, with open sandwiches, soups and cakes making it an inviting stop for lunch or an early evening meal. Combined with talks, concerts, workshops and family activities scheduled throughout the year, the museum functions as a dynamic cultural hub for North Zealand rather than a static gallery.

Gardens, Rhododendrons and Coastal Air

Outside, the park designed in the early 20th century offers a gentle counterpoint to the formal galleries. Mature trees, lawns and paths create an almost English-style garden atmosphere, while a striking rhododendron garden bursts into colour in late spring and early summer. Sculptural installations and occasional sound works bring a contemporary note to the landscape. The museum’s setting near the Øresund coast lends an airy, maritime feel, especially on breezy days when you can sense the sea just beyond the trees. Benches dotted around the grounds invite you to linger with a book or simply let the artworks you have seen settle in your mind before you step back into everyday life.

Practical Comforts and Accessibility

Despite its historic origins, the Nivaagaard Collection is designed with modern visitors in mind. The building is fully accessible for guests with mobility challenges, with level entries or ramps and appropriate facilities. A cloakroom solution ensures that large bags and backpacks are kept out of the exhibition halls for safety and conservation reasons. Clear signage, a staffed information point and thoughtfully arranged galleries make the museum straightforward to navigate even on a first visit. With reasonable opening hours stretching into the evening several days a week, it lends itself equally well to a dedicated art excursion from Copenhagen or a relaxed cultural stop within a longer exploration of North Zealand.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hørsholm Slotshave

5.7 km

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Henriksholm

8.2 km

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Country Market

9.1 km

Experience the charm of Fredensborg at Country Market, a vibrant marketplace offering local delicacies, artisan products, and a cozy café atmosphere in the heart of town.

Hillerød St.

12.5 km

North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.

Hillerød Rectory

12.8 km

Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.

Old town hall

12.9 km

A dignified brick landmark on Hillerød’s main square, the Old Town Hall anchors the town’s civic heart between cobbled streets, cafés and castle views.

Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød

13.0 km

Experience Danish craft beers, global wines, and tasty tapas at Skänk in Hillerød, a cozy spot with castle views and a welcoming atmosphere on Torvet square.

Kulsvierstenen

13.5 km

A modest forest boulder in Gribskov that marks a dramatic World War II resistance firefight, blending North Zealand’s tranquil woodland with powerful memory.

Helsingor

13.5 km

Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.

Elsinore Cemetery

13.5 km

Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.

'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural

13.6 km

A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.

'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural

Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør

13.6 km

A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.

Saint Olai Church

13.7 km

Historic red-brick cathedral with a serene white interior, maritime touches and a charming “baby tree”, telling Helsingør’s story in brick, wood and light.

Geels Skov

13.7 km

Discover Geels Skov: An enchanting forest near Copenhagen with scenic trails, historical sites, and abundant wildlife, perfect for hiking, biking, and nature lovers.

SOUL OF THE WALLS

13.8 km

Vibrant street art celebrating Helsingør's medieval heritage at a historic crossroads

Unmissable attractions to see

Nivå Bugt Strandenge

0.6 km

Low, windswept coastal meadows where Øresund meets the Nivå river, offering tranquil paths, wide skies and remarkably rich birdlife just south of Nivå.

Usserød Å

2.6 km

A gentle North Zealand stream weaving a green, everyday escape through Kokkedal’s neighbourhoods, perfect for unhurried walks, fresh air and simple nature moments.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

5.1 km

An iconic modern art museum where glass pavilions, sculpture gardens and seaside views weave art, architecture and Danish coastal light into one seamless experience.

Rungsted Harbour

5.2 km

Lively Øresund marina where sleek yachts, waterfront cafés, and wide coastal views blend into a relaxed Danish seaside atmosphere all year round.

Karen Blixen Museum Rungstedlund

5.2 km

Intimate author’s home on the Øresund, where Karen Blixen’s preserved rooms, bird sanctuary and woodland grave reveal the world behind Out of Africa.

Arboretum

6.4 km

A tranquil university-run arboretum in Hørsholm, showcasing 2,000 tree and shrub species in a spacious park of winding paths, ponds and seasonal colour.

Jarlens Grund (Strandhave jolleanlæg)

6.4 km

A small, grassy seafront launch beside the Øresund, where swimmers, kayakers and campervans share relaxed sea views between Helsingør and Humlebæk.

Elleskovstien

6.4 km

A raised wooden boardwalk leads you into Hørsholm’s own “mini‑mangrove”: a quiet marsh and lakeside wetland where alder forest, reeds and artful details reward unhurried wandering.

Kongeegen i Vedbæk

7.3 km

A quietly impressive old oak on the edge of Vedbæk’s houses and greenery, offering a brief, grounding pause in everyday surroundings.

Store Donse Dam

7.6 km

A tranquil forest-fringed lake in North Zealand where calm water, simple shelters and soft Danish light invite slow walks, campfires and quiet reflection.

Falkonergården

8.6 km

Intimate falconry shows in rural North Zealand, where eagles, hawks and falcons soar within arm’s reach and centuries of raptor lore come vividly to life.

Kongedyssen

8.8 km

Immerse yourself in Denmark’s most interactive monkey park on the outskirts of Hillerød, offering close encounters, family fun, and a focus on primate welfare.

Flynderupgårdmuseet

9.1 km

A historic North Zealand manor farm where fields, animals and a working kitchen bring everyday Danish country life of the early 1900s vividly back to life.

Egebæksvang

9.3 km

Coastal forest breathing space on North Zealand’s Øresund shore, with a simple plateau campsite where beech trees, sea views and low-key outdoor living meet.

Fredensborg Palace

9.5 km

A tranquil baroque royal residence on Esrum Lake, where radiating avenues, sculpture-filled gardens, and living palace traditions bring Danish court life into sharp focus.

Essential places to dine

MASH Rungsted Havn

5.2 km

Harbourfront steakhouse indulgence at Rungsted Havn, where prime cuts, a serious wine list and a broad terrace meet white sails and Øresund views.

Bistro No. 22

5.2 km

Relaxed harbourfront bistro on Rungsted Havn, serving comforting Nordic brasserie dishes with marina views from light-filled interiors and a lively waterfront terrace.

Gl. Humlebæk Kro

5.4 km

Historic Danish kro since 1740, serving traditional smørrebrød and coastal hospitality.

Lakeside Restaurant

5.5 km

Casual dining on the edge of Simons Golf Club, where generous Danish-inspired dishes meet wide green views and a calm North Zealand countryside setting.

Skipperhuset Fredensborg

10.0 km

Refined Nordic cuisine and panoramic sunsets on the shores of Lake Esrum.

Latini Hjørnet

11.2 km

Casual corner pizzeria and burgerhouse in suburban Hillerød, serving hearty pizzas, pastas and fast‑food favourites for easy eat‑in or takeaway meals.

Restaurant Nysøgaard ApS

11.8 km

Homely Danish cooking in a farmhouse‑style setting on the edge of Hillerød, ideal for relaxed lunches and family meals after exploring Frederiksborg Castle.

Hong Kong Bistro & Grill

11.9 km

Unfussy Chinese‑Thai grill and wok spot in Hillerød serving hearty noodles, curries, steaks and spareribs in a simple, relaxed neighborhood setting.

Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang

11.9 km

Contemporary Nordic dining in the heart of Hillerød, open daily for lunch and dinner.

Kao Gaeng

12.5 km

Unassuming neighbourhood Thai in Helsingør serving generous, flavour-packed curries and stir-fries, ideal for casual evening dinners or easy takeaway feasts.

Cafe Station Pizza Bar

12.5 km

Casual, station‑side pizza and café classics in the heart of Hillerød’s transport hub, ideal for quick bites, easy dinners and relaxed, no‑frills stopovers.

You Sushi

12.5 km

Casual Japanese-inspired sushi spot by Hillerød station, blending open-kitchen theatrics, ad libitum feasts and easy takeaway for locals and visitors alike.

Skovgrillen

12.6 km

Classic Danish grill bar near Frederiksborg’s forests, serving hearty burgers, flæskestegsburgers and the legendary Taxa burger at budget-friendly prices.

Søllerød Kro

12.6 km

Historic thatched Danish inn turned Michelin-starred dining destination, where refined French-inspired cuisine, deep wines and warm village charm meet by a tranquil pond.

Patats Kebab & Grill

12.7 km

Casual Turkish-style kebab and grill in central Hillerød, serving generous, inexpensive plates, pitas and durums just a short walk from the town’s main sights.

Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Oddies Beach Bar

5.4 km

Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.

Kardusen

11.0 km

Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.

Jernstangen

12.5 km

Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.

Crane Brothers

12.9 km

Cosy cocktail bar on Hillerød’s main square, blending inventive drinks, warm design and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere with access to the adjacent Tahonga Lounge.

Tahonga Lounge

12.9 km

Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.

The Old Irish Pub

13.0 km

Lively Irish-style bar and late-night dance venue on Hillerød’s central square, pouring pints, playing hits and catering to a sociable, mature party crowd.

Head/Foam

13.2 km

Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.

Møllen

13.2 km

A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.

12`er Pubben

13.4 km

Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.

Helsingør Musikteater

13.4 km

Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.

Gefion Bodega

13.4 km

Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.

Strandborg

13.5 km

Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.

Banana joe

13.5 km

Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.

Holger

13.6 km

Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.

Pitten Sport Bar

13.6 km

Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub

11.2 km

Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.

Rustik

13.2 km

Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.

Socialz

13.2 km

Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.

Retro

13.5 km

High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.

SIGURD CPH

25.0 km

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Afrobeat Palace Nightclub

25.2 km

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RUST Natklub

26.4 km

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Temple Bar

26.6 km

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Den Dansende Viking

26.7 km

High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.

Falafelberg

26.8 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.

Culture Box

27.1 km

Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.

Moon Club

27.4 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.

Mirage

27.5 km

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.

Arch

27.5 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Mini Bar

27.6 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.

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Nivaagaard’s Malerisamling (The Nivaagaard Collection)

A brief summary to Nivågård’s Malerisamling

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and walk from central Copenhagen

Regional bus from North Zealand towns

Car from Copenhagen or Helsingør

Nivågård’s Malerisamling location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Nivågård’s Malerisamling

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Nivågård’s Malerisamling

From Private Passion to Public Treasure

Masterpieces Across Five Centuries

Nordic Light, Landscapes and Faith

Living Museum: Exhibitions, Events and Café

Gardens, Rhododendrons and Coastal Air

Practical Comforts and Accessibility

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Hørsholm Slotshave

Henriksholm

Country Market

Hillerød St.

Hillerød Rectory

Old town hall

Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød

Kulsvierstenen

Helsingor

Elsinore Cemetery

'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural

Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør

Saint Olai Church

Geels Skov

SOUL OF THE WALLS

Unmissable attractions to see

Nivå Bugt Strandenge

Usserød Å

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Rungsted Harbour

Karen Blixen Museum Rungstedlund

Arboretum

Jarlens Grund (Strandhave jolleanlæg)

Elleskovstien

Kongeegen i Vedbæk

Store Donse Dam

Falkonergården

Kongedyssen

Flynderupgårdmuseet

Egebæksvang

Fredensborg Palace

Essential places to dine

MASH Rungsted Havn

Bistro No. 22

Gl. Humlebæk Kro

Lakeside Restaurant

Skipperhuset Fredensborg

Latini Hjørnet

Restaurant Nysøgaard ApS

Hong Kong Bistro & Grill

Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang

Kao Gaeng

Cafe Station Pizza Bar

You Sushi

Skovgrillen

Søllerød Kro

Patats Kebab & Grill

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Kids Coolshop Helsingør

Prøvestencentret

Kvickly

Dansk

Lumi Op Shop

Shoppen

Mothers' Aid Op Shop

Vinbutikken

Rodes

GEjSER ApS

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