Copenhagen's Contemporary Art Scene: A Comprehensive Guide
Copenhagen stands out as a prominent European hub for modern art, fusing both local and global influences. In 2025, Gammel Strand will mark its 200th anniversary with Rirkrit Tiravanija's installation 'A MILLION RABBIT HOLES'. Nikolaj Kunsthal features cutting-edge exhibitions and offers free admission on Wednesdays. Key galleries include Galleri Susanne Ottesen, Martin Asbaek Gallery, and Hans Alf Gallery. At Copenhagen Contemporary, visitors can experience James Turrell's 'Aftershock'. Established in 1986, Overgaden has championed artists such as Kirsten Justesen and Olafur Eliasson. V1 Gallery operates across three locations in Kødbyen, while Wilson Saplana gallery showcases Sophie Calle. The Von Bartha gallery is located in the Carlsberg district, and Cisternerne hosts Jakob Kudsk Steensen's 'Psychosphere' until November 2025. Kunsthal n focuses on up-and-coming artists, and Art Hub Copenhagen has relocated to Nordvest.
Key facts
- Gammel Strand celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2025 with a new annual immersive installation format, starting with Rirkrit Tiravanija.
- Nikolaj Kunsthal is housed in a deconsecrated 13th-century church with free entry on Wednesdays.
- Copenhagen Contemporary (CC) is located in a former ship welding hall renovated by Dorte Mandrup and features James Turrell's permanent 'Aftershock'.
- Overgaden, founded in 1986, has launched careers of Kirsten Justesen, Pia Arke, and Olafur Eliasson.
- Cirkelbroen bridge was designed by Olafur Eliasson.
- Wilson Saplana gallery, founded in 2022, represents Sophie Calle and Inuuteq Storch, who represented Denmark at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
- Cisternerne hosts annual immersive installations; Jakob Kudsk Steensen's 'Psychosphere' runs through November 2025.
- Superkilen park was inaugurated in 2012 by BIG, SUPERFLEX, and Topotek1.
- Ordrupgaard includes extensions by Zaha Hadid and Snøhetta, and Finn Juhl's house.
- ARKEN houses Denmark's largest contemporary art collection.
Entities
Artists
- Rirkrit Tiravanija
- James Turrell
- Kirsten Justesen
- Pia Arke
- Olafur Eliasson
- Sophie Calle
- Inuuteq Storch
- Per Kirkeby
- Terry Haggerty
- Ursula Reuter
- Marina Adams
- Ricardo Alcaide
- Taryn Simon
- Chiharu Shiota
- Tomás Saraceno
- SUPERFLEX
- Jeppe Hein
- Jakob Kudsk Steensen
- Danielle Mckinney
- Bjarke Ingels
- Dorte Mandrup
- Zaha Hadid
- Finn Juhl
- Gotfred Tvede
- Wilhelm Hansen
- Henny Hansen
- Hans Christian Amberg
Institutions
- Gammel Strand
- Nikolaj Kunsthal
- Copenhagen Contemporary (CC)
- Overgaden
- V1 Gallery
- V1 Salon
- Eighteen
- Wilson Saplana
- Gas9Gallery
- Von Bartha
- Cisternerne
- Kunsthal n
- Nicolai Wallner
- Nils Staerk
- Art Hub Copenhagen (AHC)
- Thoravej 29
- Louisiana Museum
- Ordrupgaard
- ARKEN
- Galleri Susanne Ottesen
- Martin Asbaek Gallery
- Hans Alf Gallery
- BIG
- Topotek1
- Snøhetta
Locations
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Gammel Strand
- Slotsholmen
- Christianshavn
- Kødbyen
- Carlsberg
- Nørrebro
- Nordvest
- Kongens Nytorv
- Havneholmen
- Søndermarken
- Amalienborg
- Nyhavn
- Øresund
- Basil
- Switzerland
- Torino
- Italy
- Venice
- Scandinavia