Cubo Nero: Denmark's Premier Glass and Ceramics Museum
Historic glass factory turned museum celebrating two centuries of Scandinavian design mastery and innovation.
Cubo Nero is a world-class glass and ceramics museum housed within the original Holmegaard Glass Factory, a historic industrial site dating back to 1825. Located in the scenic town of Holmegaard near Svendborg, the museum showcases Denmark's rich heritage of glass and ceramic artistry. Visitors can explore masterpieces of design, learn about traditional glassmaking techniques, and discover how this iconic factory shaped Scandinavian design for nearly two centuries.
A brief summary to Cubo Nero
- Svendborg, 5700, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to fully appreciate the collection and the historic factory spaces. The museum rewards slow, attentive exploration of both the objects and the architectural context.
- Visit the gift shop to purchase authentic Holmegaard pieces or contemporary items inspired by the factory's design heritage—a meaningful way to support the museum.
- Check for special exhibitions or demonstrations of traditional glassmaking techniques, which are occasionally offered and provide unforgettable insight into the craft.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions in Svendborg, including the Svendborg Museum and waterfront dining, to create a full day of cultural exploration.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Local Bus
From Svendborg train station, take a regional bus service toward Holmegaard (approximately 20–30 minutes depending on service). Buses operate regularly throughout the day with reduced frequency on Sundays. The museum is within walking distance of the Holmegaard bus stop. Cost is approximately 40–60 DKK per journey. Service is reliable but plan ahead using local transport apps to confirm schedules.
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Car Rental
Rent a car in Svendborg and drive to Holmegaard, approximately 15–20 kilometers away via regional roads (25–35 minutes depending on route). Parking is available at or near the museum. This option provides flexibility for exploring the wider South Funen region. Daily car rental costs range from 300–600 DKK depending on vehicle type and rental company.
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Guided Tour from Svendborg
Book a guided tour or excursion from Svendborg that includes transportation to Cubo Nero and museum entry. Many local tour operators offer half-day or full-day packages (typically 400–800 DKK per person including transport and entry). Tours often include expert commentary on the factory's history and design significance.
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Bicycle
Rent a bicycle in Svendborg and cycle to Holmegaard via regional cycling routes (approximately 15–20 kilometers, 1–1.5 hours depending on fitness and route). The South Funen region is well-suited to cycling with relatively flat terrain and scenic landscapes. Bicycle rental costs approximately 80–150 DKK per day. This option suits visitors with moderate fitness and time flexibility.
Cubo Nero location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Cubo Nero
A Legacy of Glass and Design Innovation
Cubo Nero occupies the original Holmegaard Glass Factory, an industrial landmark that has stood since 1825. This historic site represents one of Denmark's most significant contributions to European decorative arts and design. The factory's legacy extends far beyond its walls—Holmegaard glass became synonymous with Scandinavian modernism and continues to influence contemporary design worldwide. Walking through the museum spaces, you encounter not just objects, but the story of an entire industry that transformed raw materials into works of art. The museum's setting within the original factory buildings preserves the authentic industrial atmosphere where craftspeople once worked. The architecture itself tells a story of 19th and 20th-century manufacturing, with original kilns, workshops, and production areas integrated into the visitor experience. This integration of location and collection creates an immersive understanding of how glass and ceramics were produced at scale while maintaining artistic integrity.Masterpieces of Scandinavian Craftsmanship
The collection at Cubo Nero spans centuries of glassmaking and ceramic production, featuring both utilitarian objects and artistic masterpieces. Visitors encounter iconic designs that defined Scandinavian aesthetics—clean lines, functional beauty, and innovative use of materials. The museum displays pieces ranging from early 19th-century production to contemporary works, illustrating how design philosophy evolved while maintaining core principles of quality and elegance. Special attention is given to the work of renowned designers who collaborated with Holmegaard throughout its history. These partnerships resulted in pieces that balanced commercial viability with artistic ambition, creating objects that were both beautiful and accessible. The ceramics collection complements the glass displays, showing how different materials were explored and mastered within the same creative framework.Understanding Traditional Techniques and Modern Innovation
Cubo Nero provides insight into the technical mastery required for glassmaking and ceramic production. Exhibits explain traditional techniques—hand-blowing, molding, firing, and finishing—that remain largely unchanged from the factory's earliest days. Interpretive displays demonstrate how artisans achieved specific effects, from color variations to structural innovations, and how these techniques influenced design possibilities. The museum also contextualizes Holmegaard's role in industrial design history. The factory was not merely a production facility but a laboratory for experimentation. Designers and craftspeople collaborated to push the boundaries of what glass and ceramics could express aesthetically and functionally. This spirit of innovation is evident in pieces that challenged conventions and established new standards for Scandinavian design.The Holmegaard Story in Regional Context
Located in the scenic South Funen region, Cubo Nero sits within a landscape rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. Holmegaard's position in this area connected it to broader networks of artistic and commercial activity. The museum contextualizes the factory within Denmark's industrial development and its emergence as a design powerhouse. Visitors gain understanding of how geography, resources, and cultural values shaped the creation of objects that achieved international recognition. The surrounding town of Holmegaard retains character from its industrial past, and the museum serves as an anchor for understanding the area's transformation. The factory's evolution from a 19th-century production center to a contemporary cultural institution reflects broader changes in how societies value craftsmanship, heritage, and artistic expression.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Nicolai's Church
0.5 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Damestenen
16.2 km
Denmark's colossal 1,200-tonne ice-age boulder, transported from Sweden 18,000 years ago.
Tranekær Castle
17.0 km
A red-plastered island fortress turned noble family home, Tranekær Castle crowns a hat-shaped hill on Langeland, blending medieval power, romance and working estate life.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
23.0 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Ærøfærgerne
23.1 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
23.1 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Hotel Ærøhus
23.2 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
På Torvet
23.3 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Danish Island Weddings
23.3 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
Andelen Guesthouse
23.4 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
23.7 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
25.8 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
26.8 km
A hilltop peace memorial with sweeping Baltic views, uniting island heritage and contemplative solitude.
Ærø
26.9 km
Experience the serene charm of Ærø, Denmark's enchanting island, with its picturesque towns, rich maritime heritage, and stunning natural beauty, perfect for all travelers.
Rise Kirke
26.9 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Unmissable attractions to see
Naturama
0.3 km
Denmark's most immersive natural history museum, where dramatic design and living collections reveal nature's interconnected wonders.
Anne Hvide's House
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's rich glass and ceramic heritage at Holmegaard Værk, featuring extensive collections and live artisan demonstrations.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
0.6 km
Step inside Northern Europe’s best‑preserved poorhouse in Svendborg and explore 100 years of Danish welfare history told through original rooms, objects and human destinies.
Danmarks Museum for Lystsejlads
0.6 km
Denmark’s dedicated yachting museum in Svendborg Harbour, showcasing 150 years of pleasure sailing through classic boats, living workshops and rich maritime stories.
Ørkild Slots Voldsted
0.8 km
One of Denmark’s largest medieval castle mounds, where grassy ramparts and deep ditches reveal the ghost of a lost fortress above the outskirts of Svendborg.
Valdemars Slot
5.2 km
Seaside baroque manor on Tåsinge where royal ambition, naval heroism and intimate family life meet amid gardens, shoreline paths and characterful historic interiors.
Ambrosius's Oak
5.3 km
A 400‑year‑old oak in Tåsinge’s Nørreskov forest, where poetry, castle history, and quiet woodland atmosphere meet beneath one vast crown.
Beautiful Beach
6.5 km
Sheltered island sands, shallow waters and simple seaside fun on Thurø’s Smørmosen Beach, just off Svendborg in the heart of the South Funen Archipelago.
Elvira Madigan og Sixten Sparre
6.6 km
A modest forest memorial in Nørreskoven on Tåsinge, where a quiet clearing and simple stone mark the dramatic 1889 fate of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Tåsinge
7.5 km
Romantic South Funen island of skipper villages, castle landscapes, hilltop views and the enduring love story of Elvira Madigan and Sixten Sparre.
Vornæs havn
9.1 km
Small, scenic harbour on the Vornæs peninsula where woodland meets the South Funen coast, offering quiet moorings, coastal walks and peaceful fishing waters.
Gorilla Park Svendborg
9.2 km
High‑rope thrills in a South Funen beech forest, with eight treetop courses, long zip‑lines and a Big Swing blending outdoor adventure, views and shared laughs.
Egeskov Castle
14.8 km
A storybook Renaissance water castle on Funen, where historic halls, award‑winning gardens, playful museums and forest adventures create a full day in the Danish countryside.
Camping Outdoors Museum
15.0 km
A nostalgic journey through tents, caravans and holiday dreams, the Camping Outdoors Museum at Egeskov celebrates the simple freedom of life on the road.
Langelands Museum
15.8 km
Compact island museum in Rudkøbing tracing Langeland’s story from Stone Age barrows to world wars, GDR plastics and everyday life on a Baltic outpost.
Essential places to dine
Kong Volmer Svendborg
0.3 km
Cosy Danish lunch spot on Svendborg’s Møllergade, serving classic smørrebrød, cold beer and aquavit in a narrow oak‑lined dining room with a sunny terrace.
Thude's Restaurant & Vinbar
0.4 km
Intimate seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar in central Svendborg, pairing seasonal Danish cooking with thoughtful wines and a charming hidden garden terrace.
Salig Simons Gaard
0.5 km
French-inspired bistro flair in a historic Svendborg courtyard, where candlelit beams, local Funen produce and relaxed service turn meals into lingering occasions.
Frederiksøens Madbar
0.5 km
Casual harbourfront burger and seafood bar on Svendborg’s old shipyard island, pairing organic burgers and fried fish with laid-back maritime views.
Restaurant Svendborgsund
0.5 km
Classic Danish cooking and hearty portions served right on Svendborg’s harborfront, with wide views across Svendborgsund and a relaxed, maritime atmosphere all day long.
Jettes Diner
0.6 km
Cozy harbor-side diner in Svendborg serving generous burgers, changing daily specials and comforting Danish-style dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Restaurant Hotel Ærø i Svendborg
0.6 km
Historic harborfront restaurant serving traditional Danish cuisine in a colonial-styled setting steeped in maritime heritage.
Restaurant Børsen
0.6 km
Central Svendborg gastropub blending Danish comfort cooking, specialty beers and a colourful terrace under floating umbrellas in a set of characterful vintage rooms.
Under Uret
0.6 km
All-day café and brasserie under the clock on Svendborg’s main pedestrian street, serving cozy comfort food, quality coffee and relaxed drinks from morning to late night.
Pams African Restaurant
0.6 km
Ghanaian warmth, jollof rice and slow-cooked stews bring a slice of West Africa to the historic streets of Svendborg’s compact old town.
Christians madhus
0.7 km
Handcrafted sandwiches and daily hot meals with genuine Danish hospitality in central Svendborg.
Restaurant Resumé
0.8 km
Gourmet cuisine rooted in South Funen, delivered at remarkable value in Svendborg's finest restaurant.
Restaurant
1.5 km
Waterfront hotel restaurant in Svendborg serving seasonal Danish cuisine with a strong seafood focus, framed by wide sea views and a spacious terrace by the beach.
Restaurant Øret
1.6 km
Unpretentious Danish dining where fresh local ingredients and skilled kitchen craft create honest, memorable meals.
Stella Maris
3.0 km
An intimate seaside boutique hotel on Svendborgsund, blending Nordic design, gourmet dining and tranquil garden-and-water views on the edge of South Funen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kop & Kande
0.5 km
Warmth, comfort, and inspiration for your home in the heart of Svendborg
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.5 km
Colourful, low-cost Danish design and quirky gifts in the heart of Svendborg’s main shopping street, ideal for quick souvenirs, party supplies and everyday essentials.
Phigo, Fine Luxury
0.5 km
A three-floor Scandinavian fashion house in central Svendborg, showcasing refined designer clothing, accessories and leather goods in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Thi Ti Ting
0.6 km
A cozy little gift shop on Korsgade in Svendborg’s old town, where playful Danish design and easygoing small-town charm meet on every shelf.
Shop Dot & Flower Corner Svendborg
0.7 km
Svendborg's premier florist and lifestyle boutique, where fresh blooms meet curated gifts and fine wines.
Storms Hjørne
4.0 km
A volunteer-run village gem where Danish tradition, local pride, and waterfront views converge.
Høkildegård
9.5 km
Family-run South Funen farm and country shop overlooking Syltemade Valley, where free-range animals, quality meat and gentle rural landscapes meet in one stop.
Dansk
15.4 km
A contemporary clothing boutique in Rudkøbing offering wearable Scandinavian style, seasonal collections and practical wardrobe updates in a relaxed, local setting.
Kaj Hansen
15.4 km
Intimate goldsmith’s atelier and art-filled gallery in Rudkøbing, where handcrafted jewellery and local creativity capture the quiet spirit of Langeland.
Shop Louise Mary
15.4 km
Charming gift shop on Rudkøbing's central square, offering curated Scandinavian home décor and souvenirs.
Skovhus Keramik
15.5 km
Handcrafted Nordic ceramics inspired by Langeland's natural beauty, created by artist Trine Steffensen.
Købmandsgården-Tingstedet- v/Torbjørn Brun Madsen
15.5 km
Characterful antique shop in an 18th‑century merchant’s house in central Rudkøbing, where Langeland’s history is stacked on shelves, tables and timeworn beams.
Butik Knag I/S
15.6 km
Cosy Rudkøbing specialty shop with liqueurs, gourmet treats and beautifully arranged gift baskets that add local flavour to your Langeland visit.
Books & Paper Rudkøbing
15.6 km
Cosy island bookshop on Rudkøbing’s main street, combining Danish literature, games and stationery with local-flavoured gifts and practical supplies for everyday life.
Imerco
15.6 km
Compact Danish homeware store on Rudkøbing’s main street, blending everyday kitchen essentials, stylish tableware and gift ideas for locals and island visitors.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ørkild
0.3 km
Authentic Danish beer hall where locals gather for genuine hospitality and convivial atmosphere.
Hemingway's Svendborg
0.4 km
Late-night Nordic bar in historic Svendborg's medieval heart, open weekends until dawn.
The Drunken Sailor
0.4 km
Cozy nautical pub in Svendborg’s harbor quarter, pouring affordable drinks, hearty Danish tartlets and a generous measure of maritime atmosphere late into the night.
Vinsted
0.4 km
Intimate Svendborg wine bar with shelves of bottles, simple seasonal plates and a warm, candlelit atmosphere on historic Klosterplads.
Den Høje Stue
0.5 km
Cosy, inexpensive neighbourhood bar in central Svendborg, blending daytime calm with intimate, pub-style evenings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Kahytten Svendborg
0.5 km
Dimly lit, smoky and disarmingly honest, Kahytten is Svendborg’s cabin-like pub where cheap beers, local regulars and harbor-town character meet under one low ceiling.
Trier's Corner
0.5 km
Intimate non-smoking bar on Svendborg’s Klosterplads, serving specialty beers, wine, cocktails and coffee in a warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Rasmus
0.5 km
Intimate live music, specialty beers and a relaxed, bohemian bar atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s old town.
Loftet
0.5 km
Late-opening neighborhood bar in central Svendborg, blending pool, darts and affordable drinks with an easygoing, social atmosphere into the small hours.
Bogholderiet - Ølbar på Værftet
0.5 km
Industrial shipyard heritage meets one of Denmark’s biggest beer selections and organic burgers in a characterful harborfront bar on Frederiksø in Svendborg.
Strandbar
0.5 km
Harbourside beach bar on tiny Frederiksø, pouring sunset drinks, live music vibes and laid-back island atmosphere in the heart of Svendborg’s working waterfront.
Svendborgsund Bryghus - Svendborg
0.5 km
Family-run South Funen microbrewery in a compact Svendborg tasting room, serving small-batch beers and organic lemonades with a relaxed, local feel.
Spillestedet Kammerateriet
0.6 km
Creative cocktail bar and live venue in a converted harbor warehouse on Frederiksø, blending industrial charm, Nordic drinks and Svendborg’s waterfront nightlife.
Strandlyst Svendborg ApS
0.6 km
Cozy, maritime-flavored bar in central Svendborg, known for its spirits, live music nights and intimate courtyard that comes alive on long summer evenings.
HANSTED
0.6 km
Cozy neighborhood bar and intimate live stage bringing late-night music, craft drinks, and local Svendborg atmosphere together on lively Vestergade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
0.4 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Ommel
22.8 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Ærø Golf Klub
27.9 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Muzirkus
28.9 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
30.0 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
35.0 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Carlsens Kvarter
39.1 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
Den Brølende And
39.6 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
39.7 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
BUTCHERS Odense
39.7 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
The Flower and the Bee
39.7 km
Odense's vibrant weekend dance bar where the city comes alive after dark.
Dansebar Odense
39.7 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Boogie Dance Café
39.8 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Grand Bar & Lounge
39.9 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
Sir Club
40.0 km
Sir Club in Odense blends classic Danish bar atmosphere, lively open mic nights, and friendly pool competitions, making it a top choice for sociable evenings downtown.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Cultural Heritage
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly