In Search of Art, Design and Culture in Copenhagen

Travel Story

Copenhagen is the birthplace of modern architecture. The city gave the world the iconic works of Arne Jacobsen, Jørn Utzon, and Poul Kjærholm that design buffs worldwide admire to this day. When an opportunity to visit presented itself, the art and architecture lover in me could not pass it up. And the city certainly did not disappoint. The beauty of Copenhagen is that it has something for everyone. For those looking for the more traditional history of the Scandinavian royalty, there are countless castles, or borgs to see, from the current residence, the Amalienborg Palace, to the Rosenborg Castle where the crown jewels are kept. If you are like me and have a preference for the contemporary art and design, you are in luck. Start with your home away from home at Nyhavn71 where you can curl up in the iconic Jacobsen chair in your room. Stroll down to the water to admire the Lundgaard & Tranberg-designed New Royal Playhouse and then take a sunny break in one of the modern lounge chairs provided on its waterfront and admire the new Opera House. Afterwards, walk along the colorful waterfront of Nyhavn and make your way to Slotsholmen and the Black Diamond, the spectacular library extension built by Schmidt Hammer Lassen architects. You can also take a peek at the funky Circle Bridge from another of the country greats, Olafur Eliasson. The art lover in me also made the 45-min trip outside of town to the oddly-named Louisiana Museum. It turned out to be an absolute highlight of the trip. Set in the countryside on the water, it offers spectacular views inside and out. With modern sculpture and paintings from the likes of Giacometti, Calder, Kusama, Richard Serra, Picasso, Dubuffet and many others on display around the property, you will not want to leave. If you still didn't get your fill, you can make the trip to the modernist Arken museum or go explore the Ordrupgaard museum's extension by the late great Zaha Hadid. Last, but not least, for the foodie-slash-design lovers, Copenhagen offers a plethora of choices. My trip was relatively short, so I only explored a few places but the Barr restaurant (not to be confused with another good choice I saw, Bror) and the Sea restaurant in my own hotel were all terrific. I have a feeling I will be coming back to Copenhagen!