Immerse yourself in art, beauty, and life at Glyptoteket

By Signe Hansen

Tucked away behind Tivoli Gardens in the heart of Copenhagen, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle. Its glass-domed Winter Garden is an oasis of palms and fountains, while classical antiquities, French masterpieces, ancient mummies, and Danish Golden Age works fill the galleries. Visitors can also unwind with panoramic views from the museum’s elegant rooftop terrace.

Founded in 1888 by Danish brewing legend Carl Jacobsen, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek – commonly referred to as Glyptoteket – is an integral part of Denmark’s cultural and industrial history. Jacobsen envisioned it as an oasis, making art accessible and attractive to the people through beautiful and calming settings.

The Classical Summer Concerts are performed amongst the Roman gods and heroes in Glyptoteket’s atmospheric Central Hall. Photo: Ana Cecilia Gonzalez © Glyptoteket

“He wanted to attract people with something more than art,” explains Sonja Landuyt, head of marketing. “One of the beliefs he expressed was that people were, funnily enough, more interested in plants than sculptures, which is why the Winter Garden became such a central part of the museum.”

Today, Glyptoteket remains true to Jacobsen’s vision, blending classical art, modern French paintings, and green serenity under one roof.

Danish art 1780-1930. Photo: Ana Cecilia González © Glyptoteket

A world of antiquities – and a collection of noses

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek’s classical collection is among the largest in Northern Europe, encompassing Egyptian mummies, Greek statues, and Roman portraits. Walking through its grand marble halls lined with busts and gods is like stepping into antiquity itself. “Visitors often tell us they come for the aesthetic experience as much as for the learning,” Landuyt explains. “It’s a place where everything is allowed to stand and present itself, creating a sensory journey through time.”

One quirky highlight is the museum’s so-called Nose Collection. Tucked away in a glass cabinet, it features detached noses from sculptures gathered over centuries. “It’s actually quite funny,” says Landuyt. “People love seeing this little collection – each nose has its own story, whether it was knocked off in transport or wilfully removed.”

Immerse yourself in art, beauty, and life at Glyptoteket

First Impressions: Paul Gauguin, 2018, by Yuki Kihara (1975-). Photo: Courtesy of Yuki Kihara, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen and Milford Galle

A universe of French impressionists and Danish masters

Beyond antiquity, the Glyptotek is renowned for its French collection, including major works by Monet, Manet, Gauguin, Degas, and Van Gogh. “We have three floors dedicated to French Impressionism, displayed in new ways that encourage fresh perspectives,” Landuyt notes.

One of the highlights is the special exhibition Gauguin & Kihara – First Impressions, showcasing its renowned collection of 58 Gauguin works – spanning paintings, wood carvings, drawings, and ceramics – alongside a powerful contemporary counterpoint: Yuki Kihara’s video installation that creates a cross-cultural dialogue and re-examines Gauguin’s legacy through a Pacific lens.

While best known for its classical and French art, the museum also houses a significant collection of Danish works. “We might not be Denmark’s national gallery, but visitors can still see some of the most important Danish artists here,” Landuyt adds. The Danish paintings, which encircle the Winter Garden on the first floor, provide a rich local dimension to the international collections. All in all, the museum offers an art experience like no other – from ancient mummies to French modernism and Danish Golden Age painting, all under one roof.

An oasis of culture, beauty, and calm

At the heart of Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek lies the vast Winter Garden – a breathtaking space with a soaring 24-metre glass dome, elegant mosaic floors, and towering palm trees that create the feeling of stepping into a grand Mediterranean landscape. But it is not the only place to relax and unwind. During the summer months, the rooftop bar is also a must-visit. On Thursday evenings, visitors are invited to enjoy a French night, bringing a Parisian vibe to Copenhagen with French-inspired delicacies and drinks, French vinyl playlists, and stunning views over the city.

In August and September, a musical dimension is added to Glyptoteket’s many attractions; a series of concerts brings Denmark’s finest classical musicians to perform under the marble columns. “Our summer concerts have been a tradition for over 40 years,” says Landuyt. “It’s a beautiful way to hear world-class music in spectacular surroundings without spending an entire evening or a fortune.”

For families, the museum offers children’s activity sheets and free creative workshops every weekend, making it a welcoming destination for all ages. And for those who want to dive deeper, hidden listening stations throughout the antiquities collection reveal intimate audio stories that bring statues and portraits to life.

From quiet moments under tropical leaves to marvelling at timeless masterpieces and sipping coffee with a rooftop view of Copenhagen’s skyline, Glyptoteket is not just about enjoying art but about enjoying life.