Looking for one of the best day trips from Copenhagen? Just 35 minutes north of the Danish capital, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art combines world-class art, striking architecture and spectacular views across the Øresund to Sweden.
Set among sculpture gardens on the coast at Humlebæk, Louisiana is consistently ranked among Europe’s best modern art museums. Whether you’re passionate about contemporary art or simply want an excuse to escape the city for a few hours, it’s an easy and rewarding excursion from Copenhagen.
Why Louisiana?
Louisiana is the leading art museum in Denmark, and it’s likely to be the one that locals will suggest you visit. You may be wondering why Denmark’s most important art museum isn’t in the heart of Copenhagen, but its distance from the city is actually part of the appeal.
Back in the 1950s, Louisiana’s founder Knud W. Jensen specifically bought a large country house on the coast away from the bustle of the city with the idea of converting it into a cultural centre for Danish landscape, architecture and art. Since then the museum has come a long way, and now hosts a huge international collection of modern classics. It also hosts exhibitions featuring big-name artists like Jackson Pollock, David Hockney and Olafur Eliasson.
Even visitors with little interest in modern art often enjoy Louisiana thanks to its sculpture park, coastal setting and beautifully designed buildings.
And just in case you were wondering – no, the museum has nothing to do with the US state with the same name. Oddly enough, the museum inherited the name of the original estate because the villa’s first owner had three wives – all named Louise.
What can I expect to see at the museum?
Louisiana is Denmark’s most visited art museum, and the experience extends far beyond the galleries themselves. Set among sculpture gardens overlooking the Øresund, the museum combines modern art, architecture and nature in a way that few museums can match.
The permanent collection includes more than 3,500 works by leading European and American artists, with highlights ranging from paintings by Danish artist Asger Jorn to sculptures by Alberto Giacometti. One of the museum’s most popular attractions is Yayoi Kusama’s immersive Infinity Room, while a programme of major temporary exhibitions ensures there’s always something new to discover.
A big part of Louisiana’s appeal is the building itself. Designed as a series of interconnected pavilions that blend into the surrounding landscape, it’s often regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful museum settings. Be sure to leave time for a stroll through the sculpture park, where artworks sit among lawns, trees and spectacular views across the water to Sweden.
Is the Copenhagen Card worth buying?
Read this guide to see how much you could save during your trip!
How much does it cost to visit Louisiana?
At the time of writing, an adult ticket for Louisiana costs 145 DKK. Students pay 130 DKK, while under 18s and museum members go free.
What about food and souvenirs?
If you get hungry, you can eat an organic Danish lunch at the Louisiana Café. There’s soup and smørrebrød, and there are also lunch and dinner buffets. The museum also has a shop with postcards, souvenirs and Danish design items.
Is Louisiana Museum worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even if modern art isn’t usually your thing, Louisiana is worth visiting for its architecture, sculpture gardens and spectacular coastal location alone. Combined with its constantly changing exhibitions, it makes for one of the most rewarding day trips from Copenhagen.
What’s the best way to get there?
The easiest way to visit Louisiana from Copenhagen is by train. Regular DSB regional trains on the Øresund coastal line run from Copenhagen Central Station to Humlebæk Station, with the journey taking around 40 minutes. From Helsingør, it’s just a 10-minute train ride.
Once you arrive at Humlebæk Station, it’s an easy 10–15 minute walk to the museum. Keep an eye out for the striking red-brick sculpture outside the station, created by Danish artist Per Kirkeby.
If you’re travelling with a Rejsekort, you’ll usually pay a reduced fare outside peak hours – on weekdays between 11am and 1pm and after 6pm, as well as on weekends and public holidays.
Alternatively, bus 388 stops directly outside the museum at Humlebæk Strandvej/Louisiana, with services connecting Louisiana to both Helsingør and the Copenhagen area via Humlebæk Station and Klampenborg.
If you’re planning to visit several attractions in and around Copenhagen, it’s also worth checking whether the Copenhagen Card works out cheaper, as it includes admission to Louisiana as well as public transport across the region. You can find out whether the card is likely to save you money with this handy guide we put together.
Staying the night
If you want to stay over, your best bet is to head to one of the many hotels in Helsingør, around five miles north of the museum. A closer option is this small, cosy villa, just 20 minutes’ walk south of the museum.
Map showing the location of Louisiana, Denmark
Ready for a day trip from Copenhagen?
With its world-class exhibitions, striking architecture and beautiful coastal setting, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of Denmark’s most rewarding cultural attractions. Whether you spend a few hours exploring the galleries or make a full day of it with lunch overlooking the Øresund, it’s an easy escape from Copenhagen that’s well worth the journey.
Planning a longer stay? Take a look at our guides to the best day trips from Copenhagen, Helsingør and the Danish Riviera for more inspiration.
Be sure to visit the newly opened cafe Hej Humlebæk which is located in the station building just when you exit the train. Grab a coffee to go, a train beer on the way back to Copenhagen or an organic sandwich. Definitely worth a visit.