Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Humlebæk · Denmark · Founded 1958
Good for: Art Lovers · First-timers · Families
3,000+
Works in Collection
1958
Founded
3–4 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark — louisiana opened in 1958 in a 19th-century villa at Humlebæk, 35 kilometres north of Copenhagen on the coast of the Øresund strait. Open Tuesday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed Mondays. Admission: ✓ DKK 175 standard adult admission (approx. €23); children under 18 free. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (3–4 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art opened in 1958 in a 19th-century villa at Humlebæk on the Danish coast, 35 kilometres north of Copenhagen. The museum grew organically over decades — interconnected whitewashed gallery wings designed by Jørgen Bo and Vilhelm Wohlert threading through a clifftop park overlooking the Øresund strait toward Sweden.
The permanent collection of over 3,000 works centres on post-war and contemporary art from Europe and America. Louisiana holds an exceptional group of Giacometti sculptures, major works by Calder (hanging mobiles in the garden), Henry Moore, Max Ernst, Asger Jorn, and Andy Warhol. The sculpture park — open year-round — is one of the finest in Europe.
The museum's setting is integral to the experience — art is displayed in rooms that open onto the landscape, and the coastal walk through the park between gallery wings is as memorable as the art itself. On clear days, Sweden is visible across the strait.
Louisiana is consistently ranked as Denmark's most visited art museum and one of the finest in Scandinavia. Friday evenings until 10 PM offer extended hours with a calmer, more atmospheric experience.
3–4 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art without museum fatigue. · 3–4 hours
- 1
Walking Man I
📍 Gallery 2, Permanent Collection
One of Giacometti's iconic elongated figures — a walking man rendered in the artist's signature attenuated style.
- 2
Little Janey
📍 Sculpture Park, Outdoor
A hanging mobile in the sculpture garden — Calder's kinetic forms moving with the coastal breeze.
- 3
Two Piece Reclining Figure No. 5
📍 Sculpture Park, Outdoor
A bronze reclining figure set against the Øresund backdrop — Moore's organic forms in dialogue with the Danish coastline.
- 4
Self-Portrait in Green
📍 Gallery 4, Permanent Collection
Warhol's ghostly self-portrait in green and black — one of the artist's late self-examinations.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Louisiana Museum of Modern Art — and why they matter.
Walking Man I
Alberto Giacometti · 1960
📍 Gallery 2, Permanent Collection
One of Giacometti's iconic elongated figures — a walking man rendered in the artist's signature attenuated style. Louisiana holds one of the finest Giacometti collections outside Paris.
Little Janey
Alexander Calder · 1958
📍 Sculpture Park, Outdoor
A hanging mobile in the sculpture garden — Calder's kinetic forms moving with the coastal breeze. Louisiana's outdoor Calder collection is among the best in Europe.
Two Piece Reclining Figure No. 5
Henry Moore · 1963
📍 Sculpture Park, Outdoor
A bronze reclining figure set against the Øresund backdrop — Moore's organic forms in dialogue with the Danish coastline. The sculpture park holds multiple Moore bronzes.
Self-Portrait in Green
Andy Warhol · 1981
📍 Gallery 4, Permanent Collection
Warhol's ghostly self-portrait in green and black — one of the artist's late self-examinations. Part of Louisiana's strong collection of American Pop art.
Collections & highlights
- • Giacometti sculptures — one of the finest collections in Europe
- • Calder mobiles — hanging works in the garden
- • Henry Moore bronzes — sculpture park overlooking the sea
- • Asger Jorn and CoBrA movement — Danish avant-garde
- • Warhol, Rauschenberg, and Pop Art — American collection
- • Max Ernst — surrealist paintings and sculptures
- • Sculpture park — 25 hectares of outdoor art
- • Coastal setting — views across the Øresund to Sweden
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Louisiana from Copenhagen?
Take the regional train (S-tog or Øresund line) from Copenhagen Central Station toward Helsingør and exit at Humlebæk. The museum is an easy 10-minute walk from the station. The journey takes about 40 minutes and trains run frequently.
Is Louisiana better than other Danish museums?
Louisiana is consistently ranked as Denmark's most visited museum of art and one of the finest in all of Scandinavia. Its combination of coastal setting, permanent collection, and world-class temporary exhibitions makes it exceptional by any standard.
Why is it called Louisiana?
The villa was built in 1855 by Alexander Brun, who named it Louisiana after his three successive wives — all named Louise. The name stuck when the museum opened in 1958.
How long should I spend at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Louisiana Museum of Modern Art best known for?
Louisiana opened in 1958 in a 19th-century villa at Humlebæk, 35 kilometres north of Copenhagen on the coast of the Øresund strait. The museum grew organically over decades, with interconnected whitewashed gallery wings threading through the landscape of the clifftop park — creating one of the most harmonious relationships between art, architecture, and nature of any museum in the world. Key highlights include Giacometti sculptures — one of the finest collections in Europe, Calder mobiles — hanging works in the garden, Henry Moore bronzes — sculpture park overlooking the sea.
How do I get tickets for Louisiana Museum of Modern Art?
✓ DKK 175 standard adult admission (approx. €23); children under 18 free Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://louisiana.dk/en/
Can I visit the sculpture park without a ticket?
No — the sculpture park is inside the museum grounds and requires admission. However, the park is included with the standard ticket and is an essential part of the visit. Allow at least 1 hour for the outdoor collection.
Louisiana or SMK (National Gallery of Denmark) — which first?
Louisiana for the setting and post-war art (Giacometti, Calder, Moore); SMK in Copenhagen for older art (Matisse, Hammershøi, Danish Golden Age). Louisiana requires a half-day trip from Copenhagen; SMK is in the city centre. If you have time for only one, Louisiana offers the more unique experience.
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