Ultimate Guide To Visiting Louisiana Museum Of Modern Art, Denmark 2026

Just north of Copenhagen, where the forest meets the Øresund coastline, you’ll find one of Denmark’s most iconic cultural gems: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. But this isn’t your typical museum visit. Think world-class contemporary art, sculpture gardens that blend seamlessly into nature, and panoramic sea views that are just as captivating as the exhibitions inside.

What makes Louisiana special, though, is how easily it turns into a full day out. Which is why, in this blog I’m not only sharing all the practical details you need to know about visiting Louisiana, but my inside tips and tricks for turning it into the ultimate day trip. From hidden beaches and cosy coffee shops, to nearby historic towns and deer spotting, read on for all my top recommendations. Let’s go!

1. Is the museum worth visiting?
2. About Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
3. Best time to go + opening hours
4. How to get there
5. Entrance tickets + prices
6. Best places to eat + drink around Louisiana
7. Other great things to see + do around Louisiana
8. Top tips for first time visitors

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

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Is Louisiana Museum of Modern Art worth visiting?

First things first, if you only have a short time in Copenhagen, you might be wondering if making the trip to Louisiana is even worth it. My answer would be YES, but it does depend on what you’re looking for…

There’s no doubt that Louisiana is a special place – exhibitions of art created by some of the world’s most influential artists, gallery spaces and even just hallways and corridors that are so architecturally stunning they’re a form art in themselves, sprawling sculpture gardens, and a view out to sea that takes your breath away.

Simply put, if you want to see Denmark’s best modern art gallery, there’s no question that Louisiana is it. Not only for the art, but for the entire experience. And no, you don’t have to be a modern art aficionado to enjoy it, or even have any knowledge of art for that matter!

However, if you already know that modern art isn’t your thing and it’s traditional and classic styles that speak to you, maybe consider one of the other art galleries in the centre of Copenhagen. Here are my favourites:

SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst: Denmark’s national gallery is every bit as prestigious, but filled with more period art and sculpture in the heart of the city.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: For the most stunning classical art and history museum in the centre of Copenhagen, it has to be the Glyptotek.

If it’s the architectural side of Louisiana you’re most interested in, consider heading to the Danish Architecture Center which again is easily accessible in the city centre.

Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget and can’t stomach the higher entrance prices of the galleries above, my favourite forever free art gallery is the David Collection. Again, right in the centre of town, this is not only easy to get to (and free!!) but packed with collections of art and artefacts from around the globe.

About Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Now before we dive into the details and logistics, I just want to give you an overview of Louisiana, the spaces you can explore, and an idea of what you can expect from your visit.

History

While the Louisiana that we see today dates back to 1958, the origins of the gallery actually start 170 years earlier with Alexander Brun. He was a wealthy Danish land owner who built a villa on the site and named the estate Louisiana after his three wives who were all called Louise (yes, this is a true story 😂).

But by the 1950s, one hundred years later, the estate stood derelict. But incredibly, businessman and cheese wholesaler Knud W. Jensen saw an opportunity. Jensen had a vision for a modern art gallery with a difference – he argued the museums of the time were alienating and uninviting with grandiose architecture and sought to create something different.

So he bought the Louisiana estate, kept the unique name, and set about building a modern art gallery that felt more human and was closer to nature. He worked with architects to revitalise the original villa that still stands today as the historic part of the gallery, built new exhibition spaces and connected them all with glass walkways to let the outside in.

The result has been so much more than an art gallery but a cultural and architectural icon that draws visitors from around the globe. So, what can you expect on your visit?

Indoor exhibitions

The indoor part of the museum consists of five main spaces exhibiting art from 1945 to the present. Here’s what you need to know:

Old Villa: As the name suggests, this is the original part of the estate that is used to house more permanent collections of works by Danish optical and constructivist artists like Asger Jorn.

Giacometti Gallery: In the north wing, you’ll find the most photographed spot in the museum – the room with the large picture window you can see above. This is truly the most serene space. Here you’ll find sculptures by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti as well as work from other rotating international artists.

North Wing: In the rest of the north wing, you’ll find the current temporary exhibits. At the time of writing this they include works from Basquiat, Sophie Calle and more.

Kusama Instillation: In the south wing you’ll find my favourite exhibit – ‘Gleaming Lights of the Souls’ by the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. This is a 4x4m room that you step into and find yourself standing on a platform that appears to be floating above the water, surrounded by hundreds of small glowing lights that change colour and reflect across the mirrored walls. The effect is like stepping into a starlight sky with no end – honestly magical. Just get here earlier to avoid queuing for your turn – the slightly less magical part! 😂

The Concert Hall: Don’t skip this events hall that houses a large David Hockney painting as well as a gigantic work by German artist, Michel Majerus.

Outdoor sculpture garden

As you’ll see from the glass corridors connecting the indoor galleries, there’s also a lot of art to see outside too – 50 sculptures to be precise.

These include works by such artists as Jean Arp, Max Ernst, Max Bill, Alexander Calder, Alicja Kwade, Henri Laurens, Joan Miró and Henry Moore. Each of the pieces were chosen and positioned to compliment the architecture and nature of the site.

So once you’ve explored the indoor exhibits, head outside to wander amongst the trees and find each of these sculptures.

Plus, don’t miss a visit to the lake garden – the beautiful space you can see from the Giacometti Gallery. While there are no sculptures here, the lake itself is the most lovely work of art.

Best time to go + opening hours

When it comes to the best times to visit, honestly there’s no bad time, just things to consider.

Firstly – weather. While the main exhibits are mostly indoors, a lot of the charm and beauty to be enjoyed at Louisiana is outside. Which is why if possible I’d avoid visiting the museum on particularly rainy days as you won’t be able to enjoy the grounds, views and outdoor spaces as much. When it comes to seasons, Louisiana is beautiful in them all so there’s nothing to worry about there, it’s just the rain!

Secondly – crowds. In the summer months, particularly on weekends, Louisiana does get busy. So to have a more relaxed experience, I’d recommend visiting on a week day if you can or heading over as the museum opens in the morning or later in the afternoon for a sunset experience.

Louisiana is open Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 10pm and on weekends from 11am to 6pm. Just note, the museum is closed on Mondays and opening hours can differ on public holidays. If in doubt, check the latest information here.

How to get there

Now let’s talk travel. The good news is, getting to Louisiana is really easy and you won’t need a car. The best options are to take public transport or cycle – here’s what you need to know…

By train

By far the easiest and quickest way to get to Louisiana is by train. There are really regular services from the centre of Copenhagen to the closest train station to the museum which is Humlebæk.

The journey takes around 40 minutes depending on which station in Copenhagen you’re catching the train from – I usually go from Nørreport station or Østerport station but Google Maps can quickly help you find the best option. Tickets for this train journey cost around £5 and can be bought online in advance on the DBS website or at ticket machines at each station.

From Humlebæk station, it’s an easy 15 minute walk to the museum. Finding your way is incredibly easy as the museum is signposted and the walk essentially just follows one very straight road so you can’t really go wrong!

By bike

Fancy more of a challenge? Like anywhere in Denmark, cycling is an option too. There are beautiful cycle paths that follow the coast all the way from the centre of Copenhagen up to Louisiana. I’ve cycled this route before and even as a pretty slow cyclist it only took me two hours.

Along the route you’ll not only get plenty of stunning sea views but the chance to admire some of the most beautiful houses in the area. Plus, if you don’t fancy the cycle back, you can get the train back with your bike. Just be sure to buy a bike ticket if you’re travelling on a regional train, bikes travel for free on S-trains. You can buy a bike ticket at the train station ticket machine.

If two hours is still sounding like too much, you can also rent a bike part way along the journey. The best place to pick one up is in Klambenborg from One Way Bike Tours. We’ve used this company before and I’d recommend their service, quality of bikes and easy rental.

This is a great place to rent a bike as it’s far enough north of the city that you won’t have to do any cycling on the often busy Copenhagen streets. You can just pick up the quieter coastal bike paths and be at Louisiana in around 1 hour and 20 minutes – saving 40 minutes of cycling. To get to Klampenborg, just hop on one of the trains from the city centre, these follow the same route as those going all the way up to Louisiana and take around 20 minutes.

Again, just check the DBS website for full timetables and buy your ticket online or at any train or metro station.

Entrance tickets + prices

Once you arrive at Louisiana, of course you’ll need to purchase a ticket to enter. Sadly, this is not a free museum and you’ll need a valid ticket even to enter the café, sculpture garden or shop too.

But there are a range of ticket options to suit different visitors. Here are the main categories and prices.

Ticket type	Price in Danish Kroner	Equivalent price in GBP
Adults (18+)	145 DKK	£16.80
Students with a student card	130 DKK	£15
Louisiana members	Free	Free
Guests of Louisiana members	130 DKK	£15
Children + young adults under 18 years old	Free	Free

When it comes to purchasing your ticket, there’s no need to buy or reserve them in advance. You can just buy your tickets at the ticket desk when you arrive.

Entrance discounts + offers

There are also a couple of schemes and transport links that give you free or discounted access to Louisiana – here are the main options.

FREE ENTRY with a Copenhagen Card: If you’re travelling to Copenhagen and plan to see more of the paid sites like Tivoli Gardens, the Glyptotek museum and Louisiana, and get around mostly by public transport, it usually works out cheaper to buy a Copenhagen Card. This is a one time fee that gives you access to over 80 of the city’s most famous attractions including Louisiana and free use of the city’s public transport including the metro, trains, buses and even the harbour ferries. Learn more and buy your card here.

20% off entry with Molslinjen (ferry between Aarhus and Zealand): If you’re travelling by ferry from Aarhus to the island that Louisiana is on (Zealand) you can get a 20% discount on your entrance ticket to the museum. Read more and book your ticket.

20% off entry with Bornholmslinjen (ferry between Bornholm and Zealand): If you’re travelling by ferry from the Danish island of Bornholm to Zealand you can get a 20% discount on your entrance ticket to the museum. Read more and book your ticket.

Öresundslinjen (ferry between Helsingborg, Sweden and Helsingør, Denmark): If you’re travelling by ferry from Helsingborg in Sweden across to Denmark’s Helsingør, you can get a 20% discount on your entrance ticket to the museum. Read more and book your ticket.

Best places to eat + drink around Louisiana

To fuel your art absorption, you’re going to need the best coffee, pastries, lunches, brunches and even maybe dinners in town. Here are my favourite spots to stop at when visiting Louisiana.

Hej Humlebæk Café

We’re starting strong with my favourite café. Not only does this place serve delicious lunch dishes and sweet treats but it’s right outside Humlebæk station. Which means it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and pastry before you walk over to Louisiana.

Likewise, if you’re heading back to the station after a morning visit to the museum and find yourself hungry for some lunch, you can stop by to grab one of their perfect morning or brunch plates.

If you’re visiting Louisiana during peak lunch hours, particularly on a weekend, it’s worth noting that the on-site Louisiana café is likely to be very busy. So you may have a better chance grabbing a table and eating faster at Hej Humlebæk.

Louisiana Café

For an iconic lunch with the best views, head to Louisiana’s on-site café / restaurant. Here you’ll find classic Danish dishes and flavours with a modern twist. Think fresh seafood, refined open sandwiches and fancy pastries with an incredible sea view. Or if you’re after something more low key, you can absolutely just enjoy a coffee or cold drink here too.

If the sun is shining, try to nab a table outside for the ultimate experience. You can’t book in advance so it’s a first come, first served situation but generally if you’re happy to wait a few minutes, you’ll find a free spot.

Aarstiderne Farm Shop

For the best produce in town, head to Aarstiderne Farm Shop. Nestled in the forest, just a 10 minute walk from Louisiana, you’ll find this little organic oasis. Their original brick farmhouse is home to a farm shop packed with the most beautiful array of colourful fruits and vegetables, while their café turns these raw ingredients into delicious lunches dishes and sweet treats.

Even if you’re not in need of a caffeine hit or snack, it’s worth stopping by just to visit their store and explore their pretty grounds.

Gamle Humlebæk Kro

For something a little more traditional, head to the aptly named Old Humlebæk Inn which dates back to 1740 and still feels like stepping back in time. Here you’ll find excellent quality hearty Danish dishes like pork loin, fish fillets, classic open sandwiches laden with fresh prawns, pickled herring and more. Plus, it’s only a six minute walk from Louisiana!

Other great things to see + do around Louisiana

If you want to turn your trip to Louisiana into a full day of exploring, here are some of my favourite spots to visit.

Lounge + swim on a hidden golden beach

For the perfect post-museum dip, there’s actually a little beach just underneath Louisiana that feels so special (exact location linked above). You can get there by following the path from within the Louisiana grounds down to the shore. Or for free via public access if you continue walking along Gl Strandvej past the Louisiana main entrance to a small park area with benches. Here you’ll find a little staircase down to the beach.

Just note, if you do choose to get here from within Louisiana, you won’t be able to get back in again. So I’d recommend saving your swim for when you’ve finished exploring the museum and grounds.

Just pack your swimming stuff and then you’re ready to hit the bright blue water!

Wander around Humlebæk Harbour

Another sweet spot to visit is Humlebæk harbour. Just a 10 minute walk from Louisiana, you’ll find this picturesque marina with little lighthouses you can stroll out to for the ultimate sea views.

Venture on to historic Helsingør

For a dose of history, head just 30 minutes north by train or bike to reach Helsingør. This cosy coastal city is home to Shakespeare’s inspiration for the setting of Hamlet, Krongborg Castle, as well as some brilliant museums, a very pretty old town, and lots of great coffee shops.

If you’re already travelling up to Louisiana and you have the time, I’d really recommend a stop here. Helsingør is one of the best cities to visit outside Copenhagen to see another side of Denmark without venturing too far.

FULL ITINERARIES: You can find my full guide to day tripping to Helsingør here, and my favourite coffee shops in the city here.

GOOD TO KNOW: You also get free entry to Krongborg Castle and some of the city’s museums with a Copenhagen Card.

Stop off at Jægersborg Dyrehave to spot roaming deer

If you’re looking for a great spot to stop on your way back towards Copenhagen, look no further than Jægersborg Dyrehave. This is a beautiful sprawling deer park just north of the capital where you can stroll leafy paths, spot roaming deer, enjoy a glass of wine in the sun, or even visit the world’s oldest amusement park, Bakken!

Want to know the best part? The deer park and Bakken are both completely free to enter. So you can explore as much as you like without denting your travel budget. Just save a little allowance for a snack, coffee, cold drink or ride ticket as there are some great places to eat and drink in and around the park.

Top tips for first time visitors

Lastly, here are a few extra tips for a seamless trip to Louisiana based on my experience visiting the museum many times.

If you’re on a tighter budget, bring a packed lunch

If you’re travelling to Copenhagen with a little less cash to splash, a trip to Louisiana can seem like quite an expense. But there are easy ways to bring the cost down – one of the best ways is to pack your own lunch and snacks.

While the cafés and restaurants around Louisiana are lovely, they certainly know how to charge. So save more of your budget and seize the chance to enjoy a picnic. There are plenty of places to eat a packed lunch in the Louisiana grounds with benches and grassy banks overlooking the sculptures and sea, or head down to the beach to munch and lounge – what could be better?!

TOP TIP: The cheapest (and tastiest) lunch you’ll find all over Denmark is a BMO. This stands for bolle med ost which translates to bun with cheese. This might sound like a pretty humble snack but trust me, this is an elite cheese roll. Think freshly baked rolls, lashings of salty butter and the creamiest super savoury cheese. A Danish classic for a reason – it’s delicious, usually well under £5, and travels well for a picnic lunch! Find them to go or eat in in almost every café and bakery across the country.

Get there earlier to beat the crowds

Like most famous sights in any country, it’s always better to try and get their earlier. While Louisiana never gets wildly crowded, it certainly fills up as the day goes on. So for prime art viewing in peace and quiet, I’d recommend planning your visit to arrive as they open at 11am.

Plus, that will leave plenty of time for additional stops and sightseeing after your visit!

Allow plenty of time

On the subject of time, like many museums and galleries, there is a lot to see. So unless you’re planning to run through the exhibits, don’t expect to be here any less than a couple of hours, but likely more. So keep your schedule a little flexible so you don’t have to rush your time here.

Don’t skip the gift shop

Lastly, the gift shop is lovely. If you’re wanting to pick up a print, a gift, or a travel token – save a little time for a tour of the museum shop. There’s everything from art and books to ceramics, textiles and more.

That’s a wrap – those are my tried and tested tips for the best experience visiting Copenhagen’s most famous modern art gallery. I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I did and if you have any questions or tips of your own to add, please let me know in the comments box below. Happy travelling!

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