Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art is a must see in Copenhagen for anyone interested in art and architecture.

Den Frie was founded by artists in 1898 and is one of the oldest venues for contemporary art in Denmark. It is in itself a unique and very beautiful wooden building designed by famous artist J.F. Willumsen.

Den Frie’s fundamental aim is to present the very latest in contemporary art. We host exhibitions by national and international artists, all of which address current issues. The extensive programme of exhibitions and events are evidence of Den Frie’s role as an active platform for living art and
art production, and the commitment to contribute to contemporary existence.

With its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, Den Frie is also a popular meeting place for artists, students, tourists and the many locals who pass by. As a visitor you’ll feel welcome and enjoy having your interest in contemporary art stimulated, whether you’re an art connoisseur or a beginner. On top of which the architecture alone is well worth a visit.

Den Frie also houses the café, Polykrom, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or a well-made cup of coffee. 

Den Frie is closed between exhibitions. Please check the website before going.

Exhibitions (denfrie.dk):

Carl Nielsen & Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen’s Grant 2026 - 20.06.26 — 30.08.26

The Carl Nielsen and Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen Grant is Denmark’s largest art prize and is awarded every two years to artists who have made a significant impact on contemporary sculptural art.

This year’s exhibition at Den Frie presents works by Malene Bjelke, Olafur Eliasson, Uffe Isolotto, Henrik Plenge Jakobsen, Pernille With Madsen and Pia Rönicke. Each artist occupies a separate gallery with works ranging from key pieces from their earlier practice to new works created especially for the exhibition.

The exhibition offers an insight into six distinctive artistic practices that challenge and expand the forms, materials and expressions of sculpture today.

OSLO – Senga Nengudi: Sand and Water - 22.05.26 — 27.09.26

Senga Nengudi is a central figure in recent American art history, known for a practice that moves between sculpture, performance, dance and poetry.

Sand and Water is her first solo exhibition in Denmark and the Nordic region. Developed in close collaboration with the artist, the exhibition presents a new site-specific installation created for Den Frie’s exhibition space OSLO.

The installation includes sand, metal, glass, rubber, textiles, colour pigments, sound and found objects, exploring themes such as memory, loss, labour, nature and transformation.

The exhibition also presents Nengudi’s water sculptures, where coloured water is enclosed in transparent plastic. The works balance between the organic and the artificial, offering a sensory insight into an artistic practice that challenges the boundaries between body, material and space.