Thorvaldsen’s Museum

Only one person in Danish history has ever received Copenhagen’s highest civic honor.

By the time Bertel Thorvaldsen returned home in 1838, he had spent more than 40 years in Rome becoming one of Europe’s most celebrated sculptors. His success abroad had made him a source of national pride back in Denmark, and Copenhagen welcomed him accordingly: crowds lined the streets, King Christian VIII joined the celebrations, and Thorvaldsen was granted freedom of the city.

He returned with more than a reputation. Thorvaldsen donated his life’s work, along with his personal collection of European paintings, to Copenhagen, helping set plans in motion for a museum built around them. Architect Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll designed the building, which opened in 1848 as Denmark’s first public museum building.

Thorvaldsen never got to see it finished. He died in 1844, and four years later his coffin was moved beneath the museum’s courtyard, where he remains surrounded by the works of his life. And should you like to visit, admission is free on Wednesdays.