The Cisterns of Søndermarken: Copenhagen's Surreal Underground Art Museum
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Deep beneath Frederiksberg’s leafy Søndermarken Park lies the Cisterns, a mesmerizing subterranean museum carved from an old water reservoir. Once Copenhagen’s hidden lifeline, this moody, cavernous space now hosts cutting-edge art installations, light, and sound exhibitions that play upon its perpetual twilight, echoing chambers, and dripping stone. A rare blend of industrial history and contemporary creativity, it offers an immersive sensory world unlike any standard museum above ground.
A brief summary to Rytterstatuen
- Amalienborg Slotsplads, København K, København K, 1257, DK
- +4533954200
Local tips
- Bring a light sweater or jacket—temperatures stay cool underground even in summer months.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes; parts of the floor can be wet or uneven due to the constant humidity.
- Photography is welcome, but flash is generally discouraged to preserve the ambiance.
- Check the current exhibition schedule—the experience can vary dramatically depending on the artist.
- Combine your trip with a walk through Frederiksberg Gardens or a picnic in Søndermarken for a full day out.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Copenhagen’s central station, frequent S-tog trains or Metro lines connect conveniently to Frederiksberg. Disembark near the Frederiksberg or Carlsberg city districts; the entrance sits in the heart of leafy Søndermarken Park, close to the Frederiksberg Palace. Buses departing major city terminals also serve stops near the park boundaries. Single-zone tickets for S-tog, Metro or buses are typically DKK 24. From each transport hub, a walk through the park—often under the shadow of grand chestnut trees—leads you toward the glass museum pavilion.
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Walking
If exploring central Frederiksberg or venturing from the vibrant Vesterbro neighborhood, the Cisterns can be reached via a relaxed stroll through wide boulevards and tranquil parkland. Søndermarken’s sprawling green lawns and pathways provide an inviting and scenic approach—plan for a 10–20 minute walk, depending on your starting point and pace.
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Taxi
Taxis from central Copenhagen cover the distance to Søndermarken in about 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and starting location. Typical fares range from DKK 80–140. Designated drop-off points sit by the park’s edge, with clear signs marking the Cisterns’ entrance nearby.
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Car
Parking is available around Søndermarken and Frederiksberg Palace area, but spaces can be limited, especially on weekends and during special exhibitions. Hourly rates generally run DKK 24–26 in municipal lots. There are no tolls or special fees for approaching the park itself.
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