The New Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen contains the largest collection of ancient art in Northern Europe and a significant collection of Danish and French works from the 19th and 20th centuries. It receives around 350,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most popular art museums in Denmark.
Most of the artworks came from Carl and Ottilia Jacobsen, who created one of the largest private art collections of the time – ultimately to the risk of his brewing business. In the early 1880s, they allowed the public to view the works in their own home but, as the collection continued to grow, they came to an agreement with the Danish State and the City of Copenhagen. They donated their collection of modern art to the Danish people in return for a building in which to house it.
Building a work of art
Wanting a building of a quality to match the artworks, Carl chose the popular architect Vilhelm Dahlerup to design the New Carlsberg Glyptotek. He created an extravagant museum, combining influences from many historical periods and geographical locations. It opened in May 1897.
In 1899, Carl and Ottilia also donated their ancient art collection to the museum. To finance the extension, Carl donated the New Carlsberg Brewery to his father’s Carlsberg Foundation, on condition that the New Carlsberg Foundation was created to support the Glyptotek. The new wing, designed by Dahlerup and Hack Kampmann was inaugurated in 1906.
2006 Centenary Celebrations
The Carlsberg Foundation and the New Carlsberg Foundation continue to be the Glyptotek’s most important benefactors. In 2006, to celebrate the museum’s centenary, the Foundations donated DKK 100 million for renovations and enhancements to the buildings and improved communications and layouts for the collections. The 1970s front entrance has been replaced – with the door originally fitted in the 1920s - and the whole façade has been carefully cleaned to remove 100 years of coal smoke and traffic pollution.
To find out more about the New Carlsberg Glyptotek, visit www.glyptoteket.dk