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Museums #12 in Copenhagen

National Museum of Denmark

4.5 · 13,896 reviews
Scholarly and expansive.
National Museum of Denmark, Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K, Denmark
Interesting facts
1

The building was originally constructed as a royal residence for Crown Prince Frederik and his wife Louise in the mid-1700s.

2

The museum houses the Trundholm Sun Chariot, a bronze-age artifact depicting a horse pulling a gold-leafed sun disk.

3

The collection includes a permanent display of the remains of the Egtved Girl, dating back to 1370 BC.

4

The museum serves as the center for the Danefæ process, where all archeological finds of historical interest in Denmark must legally be reported.

5

The Prince's Palace extension, designed by C.F. Møller, integrates modern architecture with the historic 18th-century structure.

Overview

The National Museum of Denmark is the country's primary cultural history institution, housed within the 18th-century Prince's Palace. It spans Danish history from the Ice Age through the Viking Age to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and modern times. The collection includes significant archeological artifacts such as the Egtved Girl's grave findings and the Gundestrup Cauldron. It maintains extensive international collections, including ethnographic displays from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The museum manages the Danish Children's Museum, a dedicated interactive space located within the main building. It is the repository for the Danish state's official collection of coins and medals. The facility utilizes the Prince's Palace courtyard as a central architectural feature and gathering space. Ongoing research and preservation of national heritage are core functions of the institution.

Photo spot

The main internal courtyard which features a blend of original rococo architecture and modern glass roof elements.

Insider tips

Download the museum app for digital guides and floor maps before arriving.

Focus on one specific era, such as the Viking collection, as the vast scale makes seeing everything in one visit difficult.

Visit the museum's courtyard cafe to experience the historic setting of the Prince's Palace.

What to avoid

Attempting to view the entire museum in a single session, as the expansive nature of the collection leads to fatigue.

Good to know

Generally closed on Mondays during the winter season.

Etiquette

Large bags and backpacks must be stored in provided lockers; photography is allowed for personal use without flash or tripods.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, particularly in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, to avoid peak school group hours.
Address
National Museum of Denmark, Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K, Denmark
55.674, 12.575
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsTrundholm Sun Chariot, Gundestrup Cauldron, Egtved Girl grave findings, Viking weaponry.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, particularly in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, to avoid peak school group hours..

The main internal courtyard which features a blend of original rococo architecture and modern glass roof elements.

Close by you'll find Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, The Round Tower.