Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the 20th-century section, the collection of early French Modernism is
particularly impressive (with works by Matisse, Picasso, Braque, and more).
This is complemented with works by Danish artists, who, inspired by the
French avant-garde, introduced new, radical forms and colors to Scandinavian
art.
Across the harbor from the old town, Christianshavn is one of the most de-
lightful districts in town to explore. A little background helps explain what
you'll see.
Copenhagen's planned port, Christianshavn, was vital to Danish power in
the 17th and 18th centuries. Denmark had always been second to Sweden
when it came to possession of natural resources, so the Danes tried to make
up for it by acquiring resource-rich overseas colonies. They built Christian-
shavn (with Amsterdam's engineering help) to run the resulting trade busi-
ness—giving this neighborhood a “little Amsterdam” vibe today.
Since Denmark's economy was so dependent on trade, the port town was
the natural target of enemies. When the Danes didn't support Britain against
Napoleon in 1807, the Brits bombarded Christianshavn. In this “blackest year
