Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

About the museum

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek goes back to the brewing entrepreneur Carl Jacobsen, who used the profits of his Ny Carlsberg brewery to build up an extensive art collection. From 1878 he bought French sculpture, and a year later his first antiquity. In 1882 he opened the collection to the public in the winter garden of his home and called it the Glyptotek – after the Greek word for sculpture.

In 1888 Jacobsen donated his art to the public and had a museum built for it, which was designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup and opened in 1897. After another major donation of ancient works, a wing by Hack Kampmann with the splendid Banquet Hall was added in 1906, and an extension by Henning Larsen in 1996. The heart of the museum is the winter garden with palm trees.

Today the collection comprises over 10,000 works: sculptures from Greece and Rome, finds from Egypt, the Near East, Cyprus, Etruria and Palmyra, as well as French and Danish painting and sculpture of the 19th century. The Glyptotek is a state-recognized, independent museum and is co-supported by the Ny Carlsbergfondet.

A comprehensive restoration of the listed buildings is planned for the coming years. It is expected to begin in 2028; the museum will then close temporarily. Until then it remains open as usual.

Highlights

• Winter garden with palm trees and goldfish
• Banquet Hall in the Kampmann building
• Greek and Roman sculpture
• Funerary portraits from Palmyra
• Egyptian collection with mummies
• French painting and sculpture, including Rodin and Monet

Permanent exhibitions

• Griechische und römische Skulptur – Part of the largest collection of antiquities in northern Europe, with portraits and statues; being rearranged until October 2026.
• Ägyptische Sammlung – Art and cult objects from ancient Egypt, including mummies.
• Französische Kunst 1870–1925 – French painting from the Impressionists to the early 20th century, for example by Claude Monet.

Founded

1882

Operated by

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (selbständige Institution)

Director

Gertrud Hvidberg-Hansen

Visitors per year

approx. 514,608 (2019)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission every last Wednesday of the month

Online DKK 135, at the ticket office DKK 150; reduced online DKK 108, at the ticket office DKK 120. Online tickets are valid for one visit for one year. Free admission with the Copenhagen Card; discounts including with Club BroPas and K7 PLUS. Annual passes are also available for children.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Listed building with many steep staircases; most halls can be reached by elevator or platform lift. Wheelchair access to the Henning Larsen building, winter garden, Banquet Hall and Near East collection via the side entrance at Tietgensgade 25 (doorbell), to the other areas via the entrance at the corner of Dantes Plads/Niels Brocks Gade. Not wheelchair-accessible: Egyptian collection, Greek and Roman sculpture, French and Danish sculpture 1800–1920, and the roof terrace. Loan wheelchairs in the entrance hall; wheelchair-accessible restrooms in the basement and at the entrance to the Henning Larsen building. Sunflower lanyard at the ticket office; participant in the accessibility label (Access Denmark).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities

Family activities every weekend with short tours and creative activities (in Danish). "Glypto Games" for exploring are available at the information desk. Your own strollers are not allowed in the museum; buggies are lent free of charge in the basement, and because of steps a baby carrier is recommended. Changing stations by the coat check and at the Henning Larsen building. Children can get their own annual pass and bring one adult along for free each time.

Getting there & parking

The museum recommends arriving by public transport. Bicycle racks at the museum and on H. C. Andersens Boulevard. On foot from the main train station via Tietgensgade behind Tivoli to Dantes Plads.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café Picnic with a view of the winter garden (kitchen 11:30–15:00, Thursdays 17:00–19:30; with museum ticket only). Museum shop with admission ticket only. Coat check with lockers in the basement (DKK 20 coin or deposit token); large bags and backpacks must stay there. Long tables for food you bring yourself near the coat check.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

Up to 500 guests.

Corporate events such as award ceremonies, gala dinners and receptions for up to 500 guests, for example a reception in the winter garden and dinner in the Banquet Hall. No private celebrations (e.g. weddings, confirmations) and no commercial events such as product presentations or fashion shows.

Plan your visit