Thorvaldsen's Museum

Thorvaldsen’s Museum is the first public museum in Denmark, and it houses the art and collections of the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.

Thorvaldsen’s Museum is the first public museum in Denmark, and it houses the art and collections of the great Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. Experience Thorvaldsen’s art in the one of the city’s most remarkable and impressive architectural settings.  

What we’re about

Thorvaldsen’s Museum is the first public museum in Denmark, it opened in 1848 and it houses the art and collections of the great Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770 – 1844).The building itself is a piece of art and truly one of the city’s most remarkable and impressive architectural settings. A visit at the museum is like stepping into another world. A walk through the museum corridors offers a veritable orgy of colours – brightly coloured walls, richly decorated ceilings and mosaic floors, all of which have Bertel Thorvaldsen’s marble sculptures as the natural centre of attention. Bertel Thorvaldsen was a master in the neoclassical art, and his talent and hard work made him famous all over Europe. He lived in Rome for 40 years before returning to his home city, Copenhagen, in 1838. Upon his return he testamented all of his sculptures as well as his collection of antiquities and paintings to the people of Copenhagen, thus giving Denmark it’s very first public museum. Thorvaldsen is buried in the courtyard of the museum, surrounded by all of his creations. 

Throughout the year the museum offers special exhibitions, talks, concerts, workshops and guided tours as well as a creative workshop for the children where they can test their sculpting talents. 

What we have to offer

Thorvaldsen himself moved to Rome at a young age and had to adjust to a new culture, so it is very much in the DNA of the museum to have an international profile. The museum offers a quiet and beautiful place in the center of Copenhagen, where you can easily immerse yourself in the art and thoughts. Venture through the small colourful rooms and enjoy the atmosphere, or take a rest with a drink in the sunny courtyard where nineteenth-century artists have created a peaceful framework. All of the communication about the artworks in the museum is available in English via our app. We offer English guided tours as well as the opportunity to be a part of our workshops in drawing and sculpting, where the teacher will be happy to accommodate to any students not speaking Danish. We also host concerts throughout the year, have yoga classes in our beautiful courtyard and occasionally we offer talks conducted in English.  

How people can get involved

We are happy to house events or meetings at the museum and we are always open for a talk about your ideas. If you should wish to host an event or get involved as a volunteer at the museum, please contact us via email.   

How to engage?

Our events will be announced through our website. Should you wish to attend one of the events, you must buy tickets online via our website or through our Facebook page. The entrance to the museum is to the right of the museum building. Please be aware that there are currently no elevators in the building, making it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair. Children are welcome at the museum and we have buggies available to borrow. 
Visit Thorvalsen's Museum's official website, or
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