Nikolaj Copenhagen Contemporary Art Center

The Nikolaj Copenhagen Contemporary Art Center is Copenhagen's primary exhibition space for contemporary art.

There are between seven and nine annual exhibitions of Danish and international art that allow visitors to get acquainted with unusual, experimental and innovative art. There is also an annual children-focused exhibition, as well as one per year that focuses on an artist from a previous generation who has had a strong impact on the work of today's artists.

The Nikolaj is a non-profit institution owned by the City of Copenhagen and has only three permanent installations. All the rest of the exhibits are constantly changing in an attempt to present the most contemporary art.

As a central representative of Copenhagen's art appreciation, the Nikolaj aims to have an international perspective that presents the diversity of contemporary art. This way, locals from Copenhagen as well as international visitors will be able to get to know the vast field of new and experimental art. So, the Art Center thus serves as a meeting ground between visitors and the art.

A visit to a contemporary art museum is always fascinating. This kind of art often calls for the audience to play an active part in appreciating the art, and to explore it themselves, either physically or conceptually.

The exhibitions usually feature single artist presentations and exhibitions based on a theme by several artists. The Nikolaj, Copenhagen Contemporary Art Center also hosts concerts, performances and lectures, often as an adjunct to the ongoing exhibitions.

The three permanent installations are The Crying Space, The Jukebox and SLEEP.

There is a well-stocked bookstore on site that offers some excellent art books to visitors.

The art centre is housed inside the old church of St. Nicholas, which dates back to the 13 century and is Copenhagen's third oldest church.

Opening times:

Tuesday - Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Thursday 12pm - 9pm

Monday closed

Admission / Access

Adults: DKK 20.-

Pensioners: DKK 10.-

Children under 15: Free admission

Wednesdays free for all