Review: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
Founded in 1958 by Knud W. Jensen as a shrine to Danish modernists, the Louisiana fast evolved into a true international museum, featuring works from artists around the globe. Located 25 miles north of Copenhagen, its coastal location promises dreamy views of Sweden across the sound. Designed by architects Jørgen Bo and Wilhlem Wohlert, the structure, on the grounds of an old villa, is as much a celebration of the outdoors as the art inside.

Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How is it?
Spanning 1945 to the present, the Louisiana’s collection includes some 4,000 pieces, representing movements like European Nouveau Réalisme, American Pop Art, and Minimalism. The majority of the Louisiana’s massive collection is in rotation, but sculptures in the Giacometti Gallery and paintings in the Asger Jorn Gallery are always on display.

And what about the temporary exhibits?
From the beginning, the Louisiana has delved into modern art through exhibitions devoted to the likes of Jackson Pollock, Yves Klein, Arne Jacobsen, and Louise Bourgeois. Themes from the moon to war and conflict have also been explored.

What did you make of the crowd?
Louisiana fans are passionate and have built a dynamic community. Doubling as a cultural center, the museum stays open until 10 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, and keeps patrons engaged through a slate of programming that includes chamber music concerts and visual arts workshops.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?
It’s an excellent ode to Scandinavian design, from fashion to furniture, with an especially remarkable stash of architecture, art, and design books.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
Stop in for the homey buffet lunches and dinners, if only for the panoramic views of Sweden. In the summer, head for the terrace.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Vassily Kandinsky, and Francis Bacon are among the heavyweights represented at the Louisiana, so wend your way through the museum to find them, making sure to pop into the mirrored Yayoi Kusama installation, “Gleaming Lights of the Souls.” The Sculpture Park, with around 60 works from artists like Richard Serra, Alexander Calder, and George Trakas beautifully intertwining with nature, is another highlight.