27/08/2025: Nice art gallery, with changing exhibitions. The one we saw was several artists, one of which was a Swedish painter of high quality. While the rest was old industrial waste and cheese chips on the windowsill, it was hard to see the amazingness in this.
30/07/2025: #Gammel Strand, a non-profit art institution founded in 1825 and formerly known as Kunstforeningen, now primarily exhibits modern art and revitalizes historic buildings, becoming a local cultural hub and platform for contemporary art.
📖History and Architectural Features
• Founding: Co-founded by key figures in the Danish Golden Age art world, such as C.W. Eckersberg and J.L. Lund, with the goal of bridging the gap between the Royal Academy of Arts and the public and promoting public art appreciation.
• Architectural Features: The current site is an 18th-century town house designed by architect Philip de Lange in 1750. Building 48 survived the Great Fire of Copenhagen in 1795 and remains remarkably well-preserved, showcasing the elegant townscape.
• Name Change: Joined GL STRAND in 2004, it was officially renamed "Gammel Strand" in 2024 and underwent a comprehensive renovation, adding an open-air bookstore, lecture space, and exhibition hall.
🎨Art Exhibitions and Public Events
• Exhibition Format: No permanent collection. Approximately 6–8 exhibitions are held throughout the year, focusing on emerging Danish artists, international contemporary art trends, and engaging with art history and social issues.
• Cross-disciplinary Events: Guided tours, lectures, literary readings, musical performances, and discussions will be held concurrently with the exhibitions, providing a connecting function beyond the works.
• Bookstore and Café: The Lille Fugl Café is located on the ground floor, serving natural wines, desserts, and light meals. The first floor houses a selected bookstore and a design merchandise sales space. Discounts are available to members and visitors.
ℹ️Visitor Information
• Opening Hours:
• Tuesday–Wednesday & Friday–Sunday: 10:00–17:00
• Extended hours until 20:00 on Thursdays
• Closed on Mondays
• Ticket Prices:
• Adults: Approximately DKK 100
• Under 27: DKK 75
• Under 16: Free
• Groups (10+ people): DKK 75
• Free admission with the Copenhagen Card
• Accessibility: An elevator is available at the rear, at Læderstræde 15, to access all floors, making it convenient for strollers and wheelchairs.
🎡 Cultural Values and Surroundings
• Promoting Contemporary Art: As one of Denmark's oldest art associations, the museum is dedicated to promoting new artistic perspectives and integrating art into public discussion. • Historical Links: Gammel Strand, once Copenhagen's oldest natural harbor, later served as the site of a fish market, run by the "Skovser fishmongers" until the market closed in 1958. Archaeological excavations in the area have revealed the harbor's history and architectural remains dating back to the 16th century.
• Memorial Sculpture: The streetside tile sculpture "Fishwife" (Fiskerkone), a symbol of the fish market's past, commemorates the Skovser women who once peddled fish there. Unveiled in 1940, the sculpture returned to its original location in 2018 following urban renewal.
📒Visitor Experience and Recommendations
• Visitor Experience: The venue is moderately sized, and the exhibitions are experimental, making it suitable for those who enjoy exploring contemporary issues and artistic experimentation. • Suggested itinerary:
1. Start by viewing the seasonal exhibition in the exhibition hall.
2. Then browse the bookstore and design shop on the first floor.
3. Finish by relaxing in the courtyard or at Lille Fugl Café.
• Nearby Attractions: Christiansborg Palace, Thorvaldsens Museum, Nyhavn, and the city's riverfront are all within walking distance, making it ideal for a half-day or cultural stroll.
Gammel Strand is a cultural space in Copenhagen that blends historic architecture with vibrant contemporary exhibitions. Not only does it offer access to the Danish art scene, but it also allows you to experience the depth and vitality of the city's culture in an elegant setting that fosters social interaction and dialogue. If you're a fan of contemporary art, public cultural discussion, or simply want to spend an afternoon in a relaxed artistic setting, this is definitely worth a visit.
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