Free Museums in Copenhagen (& Art Galleries)
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Looking for the best free museums in Copenhagen? You are in the right place.
Copenhagen is known for its world-class museums and art galleries, but let’s be honest— museum entry ticket prices in Copenhagen can get expensive quickly, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
The good news is that many museums can be visited completely free of cost.
After living in Copenhagen and exploring the city myself, I’ve personally verified and curated this list so you can rely on it while planning your trip.
I’d recommend planning your itinerary around these free-entry days if you want to experience multiple museums without overspending.
Let’s explore all the free museums in Copenhagen that offer free admission without spending a krone.
Always Free Museums in Copenhagen
Several museums offer free entry all year round. From history, architecture, and culture to modern art and design, there’s something for every interest.
I’ve included some of the best free museums in Copenhagen below, along with useful closing-day information to help you plan your visit better.
Opening hours can change depending on the season, so I’d still recommend checking the official websites before visiting.
- The David Collection – Closed on Mondays. Free guided tours every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Register here.
- Megasin Du Nord Museum – Open from Thursday to Sunday.
- Møstings Hus at Frederiksberg Museum – Closed on Mondays.
- Kastrupgårdsamlingen – Closed on Mondays.
- The Royal Cast Collection – Open only for three weekends in December or for special events only.
- Copenhagen Cathedral Museum – Closed during the winter. Open from May onwards.
- O – Overgaden Institut for Samtidskunst – Closed on Mondays.
- Dieselhouse Museum – Open on Thursdays and on the first and third Sundays of the month from February until June. Closed in December and January.
- Villum Window Collection – Open only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
- The Theatre Museum at The Court Theatre (Teatermuseet i Hofteatret) – Free for pensioners on Tuesdays, closed on Mondays.
Free Museums in Copenhagen on Wednesdays
Wednesdays are a great day to explore some of the best free museums in Copenhagen. You can visit museums and art galleries completely free of cost every Wednesday.
- Museum of Copenhagen (Københavns Museum) – Open all days of the week. Free admission for all on Wednesdays and for pensioners (65+ years) on Tuesdays.
- Thorvaldsens Museum – Closed on Mondays. Free admission for all on Wednesdays and for pensioners (65+ years) on Tuesdays.
- Nikolaj Art Gallery (Nikolaj Kunsthal) – Closed on Mondays. Free admission for all on Wednesdays and for pensioners (65+ years) on Tuesdays.
- Kunsthal Charlottenborg – Closed on Mondays. Free on Wednesdays after 17:00 and open until 19:00.
- Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek – Closed on Mondays. Free entry on the last Wednesday of every month.
- Danish Bank and Savings Bank Museum – Closed in December and January.
- Ordrupgaard (located on the outskirts of the city) – Free for people under 26 on Wednesdays between 16:00 and 19:00.
Remember to check the official museum websites before visiting, as opening hours might change depending on the season or special events.
Free Museums in Copenhagen on Weekends
If you’re on a weekend trip to Copenhagen, there are still a few free museums you can visit on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Diesel House – First and third Sundays of the month from February until June. Closed in December and January.
- Danish Bank and Savings Bank Museum – Closed in December and January.
- Livgardens Museum
Did You Know? The Danish National Archives in Copenhagen holds centuries of Danish history, and in the Copenhagen City Archives you’ll find original sources and historical records connected to Copenhagen’s past, from old photographs to local documents. It’s a hidden spot for history lovers.
Visit the SMK Museum for Free
The SMK Museum (Statens Museum of Kunst), also known as the National Gallery of Denmark, is one of the best art museums in Copenhagen.
The SMK museum offers free admission during the popular SMK Fridays from 16:00 to 22:00 only six times a year.
These special evenings are much more than just free museum entry. The museum stays lively with art experiences, music, talks, cultural events, performances, and a great social atmosphere.
Just keep in mind that SMK Fridays are very popular, so expect long queues and large crowds.
Free Art Galleries in Copenhagen
Similar to Copenhagen art museums, several art galleries in the city offer free entry to visitors.
If you are an art lover, you are in for a treat!
- Politikens Forhal – Open all days of the week.
- Galleri Nicolai Wallner – Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- V1 Gallery, V1 Salon, and Eighteen – All three art exhibitions are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- Nilsstaerk at Glentevej is closed on Sundays and Mondays, Nilsstaerk at Holbergsgade is closed from Sunday to Wednesday
- Martin Asbæk Gallery – closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- Galleri Bo Bjerggaard Holding ApS – Open from Wednesday to Saturday.
- Gallery Poulsen – Open from Wednesday to Saturday.
- Andersens Contemporary – Open from Wednesday to Saturday.
- Galleri Christoffer Egelund – Open from Wednesday to Saturday.
- Hans Alf Gallery – Open from Tuesday to Saturday
- Nikolaj Art Gallery (Nikolaj Kunsthal) – Closed on Mondays. Free admission for all on Wednesdays and for pensioners (65+ years) on Tuesdays.
Explore Denmark’s Museums for Free During K7 Week
For 7 days every year, usually during week 37 (the second week of September), young visitors between 18 and 27 years get free admission to more than 200 museums and exhibitions across Denmark.
All you need to do is download the free K7 card. It’s a fantastic initiative designed to make Danish culture, art, and history more accessible to younger audiences.
List of All Art Galleries and Museums in Copenhagen
Final Thoughts: Free Museums in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is an expensive city, and planning well ahead makes a huge difference. If you plan your itinerary around the free admission days, you can visit multiple museums during your trip and save a surprising amount of money.
It is one of the best budget-friendly things to do in Copenhagen, especially during the colder months or on rainy days when you want to discover new places indoors.
I am sure this list of free art galleries and museums in Copenhagen will make your Copenhagen trip more affordable and memorable.
