The David Collection – Islamic art and calligraphy in the heart of Copenhagen

Located in a beautiful old townhouse in the heart of Copenhagen, the David Collection exhibits one of the ten largest collections of Islamic art in the Western world. The museum also holds collections of European 18th-century art and Danish early modern art but, this year, an extensive special exhibition on calligraphy is the absolute main attraction.

Founded in 1945 by the Danish lawyer and art collector C. L. David, the David Collection is not an ordinary art museum. The collection is exhibited within its founder’s old townhouse in Kronprinsessegade and gives visitors a uniquely intimate experience. “David wanted people to feel at home when visiting his collection; he wanted it to be a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and that’s exactly what many people enjoy – the feeling of calm that saturates the many small rooms and different floors of his townhouse,” says curator Anette Lindbøg Karlsen.

Inspired by his godmother Agnes Lunn, a recognised sculptress, David began collecting art at a young age and by the time of his death in 1960 had an impressive collection of European 18th-century art and Danish early modern art as well as, more unusually, Islamic art. After 1960, the C. L. David Foundation and Collection, to which David left his home and collection, decided to focus on expanding the Islamic collection, and it is, today, the largest collection of Islamic art in Scandinavia. Indeed, including a wide range of metalware, ceramics, textiles and miniature paintings from all eras and corners of the Islamic world, the collection has a range and scope that is not matched in many places in the West. “The reach of the exhibition is very wide – the overall aim is to broaden our audience’s knowledge of art from the Islamic world from the year 600 and up until 1900,” explains Karlsen.

The David Collection is known for its relaxed and warm atmosphere.

Alongside, the three collections, the museum presents regular special exhibitions. Opening 24 May, this year’s exhibition Beyond Words. Calligraphy from the Islamic world will present a broad introduction to the geographical, chronological, and material diversity of the use of calligraphy.

“Calligraphy is one of the most important art forms within the Islamic world and it covers numerous materials and work categories,” Karlsen explains.

During the special exhibition, the collection of Danish early modern art will not be on display.

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