Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Hovedstaden
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located north of Copenhagen in Humlebæk, Denmark, is Scandinavia's most visited museum for modern and contemporary art, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually. Established in 1958, it is renowned for its unique integration of art, modernist architecture, and the surrounding natural landscape by the Øresund coast. The museum hosts 6 to 10 temporary exhibitions each year alongside a permanent collection featuring works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Alberto Giacometti, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Louise Bourgeois. Its sculpture park, situated between the museum's wings, showcases masterpieces by Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, and Richard Serra, offering visitors an immersive outdoor art experience. Beyond exhibitions, Louisiana features a restaurant with panoramic views of the sea, a shop specializing in Danish design, and a three-storey Children's Wing that provides daily workshops. The museum is also known for innovative initiatives like the Louisiana Channel, a pioneering online platform presenting art documentaries and interviews, and the annual Louisiana Literature Festival, which celebrates global literary voices. Its architectural design by Jørgen Bo and Vilhelm Wohlert emphasizes harmony with nature, making the museum a modernist landmark and a cultural beacon in Denmark.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or early weekends to avoid crowds and enjoy the sculpture park in pleasant weather. Purchase tickets online or consider the Klubkort for unlimited entry and discounts. The museum is easily accessible by regional train to Humlebæk station, followed by a 10-15 minute walk. Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and workshop schedules, especially for families with children.
Interesting facts
- •Louisiana is Scandinavia's most visited modern art museum, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually.
- •The museum features a sculpture park with works by renowned artists such as Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, and Richard Serra.
- •Louisiana Channel, launched in 2012, is considered the world's largest archive of contemporary art videos.
- •The museum's architecture is a celebrated example of Danish modernism, designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
- •Louisiana is listed in Patricia Schultz's book '1,000 Places to See Before You Die'.
- •The museum hosts an annual Literature Festival featuring international authors.
History
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1958 by Knud W.
Jensen, who transformed a villa originally built in 1855 into a museum dedicated to modern art.
The villa's name, Louisiana, was inspired by the three women named Louise married by its original owner, Alexander Brun.
Architects Jørgen Bo and Vilhelm Wohlert designed the museum with a focus on blending art, architecture, and nature, marking it as one of Denmark's early modernist architectural landmarks.
Over the decades, the museum expanded through several renovations, maintaining its vision of creating a soulful space where art engages directly with visitors.
Since 2000, under director Poul Erik Tøjner, Louisiana has established a prominent global profile with a dynamic program of exhibitions and cultural events, including the Louisiana Literature Festival and the Louisiana Channel.
Place Guide
Sculpture Park
An expansive outdoor area between the museum’s two wings featuring large-scale sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and Jean Arp, set against the backdrop of the Øresund coast.
Permanent Collection Galleries
Exhibition spaces housing modern and contemporary artworks from World War II onwards, including pieces by Alberto Giacometti, Louise Bourgeois, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Yayoi Kusama.
Children’s Wing
A three-storey facility dedicated to engaging children with art through daily workshops and interactive activities, fostering creativity and learning.
Louisiana Channel Studio2012
The base for the Louisiana Channel, a non-profit web TV channel producing art documentaries, interviews, and educational videos that reach a global audience.
Restaurant with Øresund View
A dining venue offering scenic views of the Øresund strait, complementing the cultural experience with quality cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere.
Contact
Phone: 49 19 07 19
