Kunstforeningen, on the charming Gammel Strand, has an excellent view over the canal and Christiansborg. The restored building has a very beautiful yard, and more importantly holds rotating exhibitions of work by Danish and international artists. There is a special tradition of showing modern Norwegian, Swedish and other Nordic art from 1906, when the world-famous Edward Munch had an exhibition here. In 1941, there was an exhibition of Icelandic art, in 1964 a show by the Norwegian Reidar Auli, and in 1969 an exhibition of the remarkable Finnish painter Helene Schjerfbeck.

This museum is a monument to the famous Danish sculptor, Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) that is located in a beautiful building close to Christiansborg and Gammel Strand. In 1838, the artist donated all his magnificent sculptures to the city of Copenhagen. He financed the building of the museum, designed by Gotlieb Bindesbøll, from 1838-48. Outside, you will see a couple of friezes that depict the homecoming of Thorvaldsen from Rome in 1838, made by Jürgen Sonne. The original friezes were replaced by copies in 1948-58. The interior of the museum was inspired by the old Pompeii and the wonderful frescoes were created by artists living at that time. In the cellar you can see Thorvaldsen's own drawings and model sketches, as well as some of his personal belongings. He is buried under the museum's yard.

The Charlottenborg Palace was constructed in 1672-83 in Dutch Baroque style for Ulrik Frederik Gyldenlve. Queen Dowager Charlotte Amalie bought the palace in 1700 and gave it its present name. The main building facing Kongens Nytorv was built in 1827 by C.F. Hansen, and contains the Fest and Antiksalen Halls. Charlottenborg is home to the Royal Danish Academy of Art, as well as a library with a sizable collection of literature on art. First and foremost, this is the place for new and established artists to have their exhibitions, and houses the contemporary art repository Kunsthal Charlottenborg. Charlottenborg is also famous for its spring show, Forårsudstilling, an open, censored exhibition of work in painting, crafts and architecture.

Tobacco factory owner, H. Hirschsprung and his wife Pauline created this collection of figurative art, exhibited in a building designed by H.P. Stock and built in 1907-11 in a Classical style. Here you will find Danish art from the 1800s, together with interiors and furniture from the homes of artists such as C.W. Eckersberg, Christian Kbke and Wilhelm Marstrand. Also, the Skagnes painters are represented by Michael and Anna Anker and P.S. Krøyer.

The name Den Frie, literally translates to Free, and it aptly sums up the ethos of this gallery located on Oslo Plads 1. Den Frie Udstilling (The Free Exhibition), is an association of Danish artists that was established in 1891 challenging the restrictive exhibition policies of the Royal Danish Academy of Art. One of the first such groups in the country, it rose to prominence quickly in the art circles for breaking away from the norms and exploring new forms. Today, its eponymous gallery is a leading space showcasing leading and upcoming names in contemporary art. There are just eight exhibitions each year, with a focus on group shows.