Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art
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):
OSLO – Senga Nengudi: Sand and Water, 22.05.2026 - 27.09.2026
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.
Nervetråde, 12.09.2026 – 01.11.2026 (the exhibition opens on 11 September 2026 from 5–9 PM)
The exhibition explores the grotesque, connecting the nervous mood of literature around 1900 with the unease and strangeness of contemporary life. Danish and international artists use distortion, contrasts and the absurd to challenge our perception of reality. The exhibition is accompanied by a performance programme featuring dance, music and language.
Related Attractions
Opening Hours
01.01.2026 - 31.12.2026:Monday: closed
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 12:00 - 18:00
Thursday: 12:00 - 20:00
Friday: 12:00 - 18:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Location
Oslo Plads 1
2100 København Ø
Café
Wheelchair Accessible
