Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art — Copenhagen's Artist-Run Century

At a Glance

Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art (Den Frie Udstilling) sits right outside Copenhagen's Østerport station and is one of Europe's few artist-run exhibition houses with over a century of continuous programming—running since 1891, independently curated by artists throughout.

An Anti-Academy From the Start

In the 1890s, young Danish painters including Vilhelm Bendz and J. F. Willumsen rebelled against the Royal Danish Academy's juried shows and launched "the free exhibition." Architect Thorvald Bindesbøll designed the wooden pavilion in 1898, later relocated to its current site in 1913. That dark-green timber façade with curving gables is now a protected Copenhagen landmark.

Must-See Aspects

• No permanent collection — four to six exhibitions a year reshape the space. Danish and Nordic contemporary artists take the lead, often paired with international guests.
• Artist-curator model — programming is run by an elected artists' committee, which produces an editorial voice distinct from both commercial galleries and state museums.
• The building itself — exposed wooden trusses, skylight-driven daylight, and a dark exterior make for a surprisingly intimate contemporary space.

Visiting Tips

Den Frie is a 30-second walk from Østerport S-tog station. Pair it with Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek or the SMK to contrast large collection-led institutions with a nimble artist-run space. Because the program rotates completely, check the official site for the current show before visiting. Plan 30–60 minutes inside, then extend the afternoon through the Rosenborg Castle gardens or the Thorvaldsens Museum.