NY Carlsberg Glyptotek

I know, it’s quite an unusual building! Don’t hesitate to cross the road to get a little closer. But first, take a look at the big column in front, in the middle of the street. The statue on top of it is none other than Dante, a great poet, author, philosopher and politician having permanently marked history thanks to his litterary masterpiece “Divine Comedy”. An Italian from Florence, he is often regarded as the Father of the Italian language for choosing to write in Tuscan rather than Latin — a choice that inspired many writers after him to do the same, shaping what we now know as modern Italian. But that’s not all: Dante was very politically engaged in Florence, especially in conflicts concerning inhabitants at the time. While his commitment may have been useful, Dante found himself sentenced to death, forcibly exiled from Florence for the rest of his life. He will die from paludism twenty years later, in 1321. This elegant statue will be installed here 600 years later, in 1921, to honour his life. As you can see, he is represented here in a traditional robe and laurel wreath, quite different from other renowned poets. A great tribute to one of the most famous men in the world! As for the building behind the column, that is Carlsberg Glyptotek over there. Inside, there’s one of the most important museums in Copenhagen! It displays more than 10 000 artworks, from paintings and sculpture of the Danish Golden Age to timeless impressionists such as Monet, Renoir or Cézanne. Its beautiful Renaissance front transports you back into different time periods such as Danish art, Roman Empire, Ancient Egypt or Modern Art. We owe this impressive collection to Carl Jacobsen. He decided to exhibit these works in 1897, and, since then, art enthusiasts love this place! Did you know that Carl Jacobsen was the son of the founder of Carlsberg? That’s why this museum goes under the name of this famous Danish beer brand! Even though it has nothing to do with beer, it’s still a must-see for those who like art! However, if you’re more of a beer person, head to the Carlsberg brewery in Southwest of Copenhagen, where you’ll get to visit and taste some of their greatest beverages!