The David Collection

Overview

The David Collection is a spectacular, completely free museum located near the King's Garden. It houses one of the most comprehensive, exquisitely displayed collections of Islamic art in the Western world, alongside fine European art.

Highlights

• Islamic Art: Three expansive floors showcasing ceramics, textiles, and intricate metalwork spanning the 7th to mid-19th centuries from Spain to India.
• European Art: Important collections of 18th-century French furniture, Danish Golden Age paintings, and exquisite porcelain.
• The Setting: The museum is housed in the elegantly restored neo-classical townhouse of the founder.

History

The museum is based on the private collection of prominent Copenhagen lawyer C.L. David. He opened his home to the public in 1945, and the collection of Islamic art was massively expanded in the later decades by the museum's foundation, making it globally significant.

Visitor Tips

• Cost: The museum is delightfully free of charge.
• Audio Guides: Free iPads acting as incredibly detailed and well-produced audio guides are provided to all visitors.
• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours; the Islamic art collection alone is vast and intricate.
• Crowds: Often surprisingly quiet compared to the major state museums.