Nikolaj Church, Copenhagen

A popular contemporary art center today, Nikolaj Church in Copenhagen first came into existence in 1200. This old church building is historically significant. During the medieval period, two large churches, The Church of Our Lady and Nikolaj Church, served the citizens of the city.

After the great fire ravaged Copenhagen in 1795, the original church was completely destroyed and the tower building was the only structure that survived. This church has not ever been used for Christian services since 1805. Through the years, the tower was used as a watchtower and a market grew around it.

Called Nikolaj plads, this market square was used by small merchants to sell their vegetables, meat and groceries. Today, you will find some of the oldest shops dating back to the 1840s still functioning from here.

A fine copper spire was donated by Carl Jacobsen, founder of Carlsberg Brewery and it was installed on the tower. This spire is today a famous landmark of the city. Enjoy the exquisite view of this spire as a silhouette against the Copenhagen skyline.

Nikolaj Church has a total of three galleries and the Nikolaj Copenhagen Contemporary Art Center operates from here. This church is just a short walk from Stroget, the popular pedestrian street.

Operation hours from October 24 - April 13: Tuesday - Friday: 11 am - 6 pm; Saturday,Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm