One of Copenhagen’s finest art museums, the Ordrupgaard Museum Copenhagen is located near Dyrehaven Park. When it was built in 1918, the building was designed as a stately country home that would feature some of the best collections of 19th and 20th century Danish and French art found in Northern Europe.
The original collection boasted an extensive collection of works by famous Danish artists coupled with fine french pieces from the personal collection of the founders Willem and Henny Hansen. Later, the Danish state took over and expanded the works.
Contents
- 1 The History of Ordrupgaard Museum
- 2 Ordrupgaard Museum Extension – Zaha Hadid
- 3 Danish and French Art at Ordrupgaard Museum
- 4 Designer Finn Juhl & Ordrupgaard Museum
- 5 Cafe at Ordrupgaard Museum Denmark
- 6 Ordrupgaard Museum Tickets
- 7 Ordrupgaard Museum Opening Hours
- 8 Ordrupgaard Museum Location & How to Get there
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 Related Articles
The History of Ordrupgaard Museum
The original founders were husband and wife team Willem and Henny Hansen, whose love of art drove them to set up the vast collection in their large home.
After purchasing a plot of land near Ordrup Krat they had a huge stately home designed – complete with ornate gardens – and began filling it with art. An insurance representative by trade, Willem declared on the opening of the home in 1918 that the collection would be left to the Danish State, which now runs and oversees the museum.
In 2005 a new extension was built that added a new dimension to the museum. Designed by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, it’s a modern addition to the classical backdrop of the original building. Learn more about Zaha Hadid below.
Ordrupgaard Museum Extension – Zaha Hadid
After both Willem and Henny Hansen died the estate and the art collection was left to the country of Denmark. In 1953 the state opened the collection to the public, and in 2005 a spectacular extension was added.
Designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, the snail-shaped building is made of glass and black lava and successfully blends with the Old World feel of the original neo-classical museum. The space allows the museum to truly open up an exhibition space instead of having everything in the atmosphere of a stately home.
Danish and French Art at Ordrupgaard Museum
This Denmark museum has two permanent collections. First is the French Fine Arts Collection, born out of Hansen’s intention to bring 19th century French Art to the consciousness of the Danes. His first acquisitions were works of impressionists such as Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir.
During Hansen’s lifetime, he did have to sell off substantial portions of the works in order to settle off some of his debts. Some of them can be seen as far afield as Tokyo!
However – once the state acquired the property – through the years the collection has grown and now includes works of other French artists such as Eugene Delacroix, Paul Gauguin, and Edouard Manet among others.
The second impressive collection is the Danish Fine Arts represented by works from artists such as Christen Koble, Wilhelm Marstrand, Johan Thomas Lundbye, along with contemporary artists like L.A. Ring and Theodor Philipsen to name a few. Also on display are furniture and handicrafts from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Designer Finn Juhl & Ordrupgaard Museum
Another addition to the landscape was the residence of the furniture designer Finn Juhl which is also now being used as an extension of the art museum. Although Juhl was an architect by trade, he became better known for his beautiful interior designs.
He lived in the house he designed from its completion in 1942 until his death in the 1980s. Noted as an example of the beginnings of open plan living design, the house can be explored during a visit to the Ordrupgaard Museum. You’ll also notice quite a few of his furniture pieces on display in the old house.
Cafe at Ordrupgaard Museum Denmark
Spending your time wandering this vast museum is sure to warrant a rest stop and what better place than the cafe inside the Zaha Hadid building.
Enjoy a coffee whilst you look over the gardens or perhaps order a more substantial meal over lunch. On nice days you can dine outside, or perhaps you want to treat a special someone to afternoon tea with champagne?
Take a look at the Cafe Chaya website for more information and opening times, which may vary from those of the museum.
Ordrupgaard Museum Tickets
Under 18s go free and adult tickets are 120 DKK. Students and those under 26 can get a reduced entry of 100 DKK. You can book your tickets online in advance on the website here.
Ordrupgaard Museum Opening Hours
| Days | Opening Hours |
| Saturday & Sunday | From 11 am to 5 pm |
| Tuesday-Friday | From 1 pm to 5 pm |
| Monday | Closed |
Ordrupgaard Museum opening hours vary. On Saturdays and Sundays, the museum is open from 11 am to 5 pm. During the week the premises open only at 1 pm, closing again at 5 pm.
So you will need to plan your trip for the afternoon. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
Ordrupgaard Museum Location & How to Get there
The address of the museum is Vilvordevej 110, 2920 Charlottenlund. You can get there easily by public transport from Copenhagen. Take the bus number 169 or 179 to Femvejen, from where it is about a 20-minute walk to the museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s check out the most frequently asked questions we get asked about the museum.
How old is the Ordrupgaard Museum?
The collections were opened to the public in 1953.
Who built the Ordrupgaard Museum in Copenhagen?
Husband and wife team Willem and Henny Hansen started the original collection which has since been added to by the state of Denmark.
How long to spend at the Ordrupgaard museum?
You will need at least 4 hours to explore the collections and another couple to wander the gardens, take in the Finn Juhl house and enjoy a coffee in the cafe.
Which museums are near Ordrupgaard museum?
Head 20 minutes south on the bus back to Copenhagen and explore a long list of Copenhagen Museums.
Conclusion
If you are spending more than 5 days in Copenhagen then we recommend you check out this great museum! Located just outside of the city, it is easily accessible for those who are there for a longer trip. Plan the rest of your trip now by checking out some of our other resources here.
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