Eight thousand years of art are on view at this eclectic museum housed in a historic fortress.

The first artwork that Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of Carlsberg breweries, obtained was a white marble ancient Egyptian sarcophagus. You can see the sarcophagus along with many other priceless treasures in Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, the museum that now houses his private collection.

Jacobsen’s eclectic taste is evident in the breadth of art represented across the collection, covering eight centuries and many different countries. He assembled it carefully over many years, with a particular focus on antique art, French paintings and Danish sculptures. At first he opened the galleries in his home to the public, gradually adding extensions until his vast collection outgrew the available space. He agreed to donate it to the Danish state and the city of Copenhagen on condition that a suitable building could be found to house it. In 1888 the collection moved permanently into a former military bastion close to the Tivoli Gardens.

The building itself is of great historic interest. The oldest part, the Dahlerup Wing, is built in Venetian Renaissance style and now houses the French and Danish collections. The Kampmann Wing comprises a series of neoclassical galleries arranged around a central auditorium. The two wings are connected by the elegant Winter Garden, while the latest extension, which opened in 1996, was designed by celebrated Danish architect Henning Larsen.

The collection of antique art is one of the largest in northern Europe, dating back to 6500 BC. Free guided tours help visitors to learn more about Greek, Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian treasures including marble statues and pottery, as well as ancient artefacts from Mesopotamia and the Near East. Modern European art is equally well represented, with many highlights including paintings by Manet and Degas and sculptures by Rodin.

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is centrally located by the Tivoli Gardens and close to the central station. It’s an easy walk from the city centre and there is paid parking on the streets nearby. The museum is closed on Mondays as well as major public holidays, and there is an admission charge.