Museum of Copenhagen
Step inside a restored 1894 landmark to trace Copenhagen’s journey from Viking harbor to vibrant bike city, brought to life through objects, stories and an interactive city model.
Housed in a richly decorated 1894 brick building just behind Copenhagen City Hall, the Museum of Copenhagen traces the Danish capital’s story from Viking roots to cutting‑edge bike city. Immersive galleries, archaeological treasures and an impressive interactive city model reveal 800 years of fires, epidemics, booms and everyday lives. A small café, shop and calm inner courtyard make this compact museum an easy, rewarding stop in the historic center.
A brief summary to Museum of Copenhagen
- Stormgade 18, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1555, DK
- +4521764366
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan 1.5–2 hours to see both the permanent galleries and any temporary exhibitions, plus time to study the interactive city model without rushing.
- Check current admission offers; adults pay a moderate entry fee, while under‑18s enter free and some weekdays may offer reduced or free access.
- Allocate a few quiet minutes just to admire the building itself, especially staircases, ceilings and brickwork that reveal the 1894 craftsmanship.
- Combine your ticket with visits to Thorvaldsens Museum and Nikolaj Kunsthal within 48 hours to make the most of the shared admission arrangement.
- If you enjoy urban history, look out for information about the archaeological workshop nearby, which occasionally opens for special events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen hubs
From major central stations such as Nørreport or the Central Station, take the M3 Cityringen metro to Rådhuspladsen, which typically takes 2–5 minutes of travel time with frequent departures every few minutes throughout the day. From the station, expect a short urban walk on level pavements suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. A single zone ticket costs roughly 20–30 DKK depending on ticket type or travel card, and metro services run from early morning until late evening.
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City bus within the inner districts
Several city bus lines serve the streets around City Hall and Stormgade, with typical journey times of 10–25 minutes from inner neighborhoods depending on traffic. Standard tickets valid on buses and metro in the central zones cost about 20–30 DKK, and buses generally run every 5–15 minutes in daytime. Low‑floor buses and priority spaces make this a practical option for visitors with limited mobility, though peak periods can be crowded.
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Bicycle from nearby city areas
Copenhagen’s dense cycle‑lane network makes it easy to reach the museum by bike from most central districts in about 5–15 minutes of riding. You can use a hotel bike or rentable city bike; short‑term rentals in the center typically start around 75–150 DKK for a day, with helmets usually available on request. Routes use segregated cycle tracks where possible, but be prepared for busy intersections at rush hour and follow local cycling etiquette.
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Walking from City Hall Square and surrounds
If you are already in the historic core around City Hall Square, the museum lies within a pleasant, level 5–10 minute walk through central streets. Surfaces are mostly paved and suitable for wheelchairs, though occasional cobblestones and curbs may require a bit of care. This option is free, flexible and ideal if you want to combine the museum with nearby attractions in a single outing.
Museum of Copenhagen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Museum of Copenhagen
A city’s story inside a historic 1894 landmark
Step through the doors of the Museum of Copenhagen and you arrive in a building that is itself a piece of the city’s history. Completed in 1894 by architect Hans Jørgen Holm as the Public Guardianship office, the corner house on Stormgade and Vester Voldgade is a showcase of late‑19th‑century craftsmanship. Brick façades are animated with carefully grooved surfaces and stone details, while inside, high ceilings, decorative moldings and hand‑painted ornamentation frame the museum’s exhibitions. During its transformation into a museum, layers of plaster ceilings and modern fittings were peeled away to uncover original woodwork, patterns and structural details. This restoration gives the building a warm, historic character that contrasts with the contemporary exhibition design. Corridors and staircases open unexpectedly onto richly decorated rooms and a compact courtyard, so the house feels both intimate and grand as you move between floors.From Viking settlement to modern metropolis
The core exhibition follows Copenhagen’s development over roughly 800 years, arranged as a walk through time. Early sections introduce the area’s Viking‑age trading world with carved antlers, tools and fine metalwork evoking the harbor’s earliest days. Moving forward, you encounter medieval church life, early fortifications and the cramped, timbered city that grew behind its walls. Later galleries focus on the city’s expansion, from royal power on Slotsholmen to new squares and boulevards, industrial harbors and the bridge districts. Fires, sieges, epidemics and post‑war reconstruction appear alongside quieter domestic stories told through household objects, clothing and personal belongings. Short films and soundscapes weave in voices of present‑day Copenhageners, linking centuries of urban change to the lives lived here now.Highlights: shipwreck, wooden bicycle and city panorama
Several standout pieces capture key moments in the city’s narrative. A 600‑year‑old shipwrecked keel, recovered from underwater excavations, anchors the story of Copenhagen as a maritime crossroads. Nearby, an early wooden bicycle hints at the beginnings of the cycling culture that now defines everyday transport in the capital. Perhaps the most striking feature is the large interactive model of central Copenhagen. From a raised vantage point, you can trace streets, canals and rooftops while light and projections illustrate traffic flows, daily rhythms and the evolving skyline. It is a useful orientation tool and a fascinating way to grasp how districts relate to one another before you explore them on foot.Archaeology, hidden details and changing exhibitions
Beyond the main storyline, smaller rooms focus on themes such as Jens Olsen’s astronomical World Clock, urban archaeology and the sounds, smells and textures of past city life. Objects unearthed during metro construction and building projects reveal everything from medieval wells to everyday waste, showing how much of Copenhagen’s past still lies beneath the pavement. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that might spotlight particular neighborhoods, social histories or contemporary urban challenges. These displays typically make inventive use of archival photographs, models and multimedia, drawing connections between long‑term change and current debates about housing, mobility and public space.Café hygge and a quiet courtyard retreat
On the ground floor, a small café and shop extend the visit beyond the galleries. The café serves light snacks and drinks in a relaxed setting that blends historic interiors with simple modern furnishings. Weather permitting, the inner courtyard offers a sheltered outdoor corner where you can pause with a coffee surrounded by brick walls and old masonry details. The museum’s shop focuses on books about Copenhagen, maps, thoughtful souvenirs and locally inspired design pieces, making it a good place to pick up an urban‑themed memento. With its central location just behind City Hall, the Museum of Copenhagen works equally well as an introduction at the start of a stay or a reflective stop after you have walked the city’s streets.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.2 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Lur Blowers
0.2 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.4 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.5 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
The War Museum
0.5 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.5 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.5 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
The Danish Parliament
0.5 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Gammel Strand
0.5 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.5 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Christiansborg Palace
0.5 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Church of Our Lady
0.5 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Strøget
0.6 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
National Museum of Denmark
0.1 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.2 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Rainbow Square
0.2 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.2 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Statue of Andersen
0.2 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.3 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.3 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
City Hall Square
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Marmorbroen
0.3 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Tivoli Gardens
0.3 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Magstræde
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.3 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Essential places to dine
Rio Bravo
0.0 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Karla
0.1 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Puk
0.2 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Noi
0.2 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Spisestedet FEED
0.4 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.4 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.4 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Tight
0.5 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.5 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.3 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
0.3 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.3 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.4 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Audrey Vintage
0.5 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Duck Haven
0.5 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.5 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Akimbo
0.5 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Notre Dame
0.5 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Wasteland
0.5 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.0 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.1 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Southern Cross Pub
0.1 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
The Marble Bar
0.2 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Zefside
0.2 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Centralhjørnet
0.3 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Godt Øl
0.4 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Ruby
0.4 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Proud Mary Pub
0.4 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
Musen & Elefanten
0.4 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
The Scottish Pub
0.4 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
The Shamrock Inn
0.4 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.1 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Dorsia
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Module
0.4 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Miami Bar
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Mirror
0.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Cosy Bar
0.5 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
La Terraza
0.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Den Anden Side
0.6 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Arch
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
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
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
