Copenhagen Contemporary (CC) occupies a cavernous former welding hall on Refshaleøen, the post-industrial island across the harbour from central Copenhagen. This independent art center specializes in large-scale installations, immersive environments and performance by international names and emerging talent, the kind of work that needs room most galleries cannot offer.
The building once belonged to the Burmeister & Wain shipyard, and its industrial bones remain visible. Soaring ceilings, steel girders and raw concrete floors frame installations that often fill entire halls with light, sound or video. Programming rotates through the year and extends into education. Its open-studio concept, CC Create, launched in 2025 with British performance artist Monster Chetwynd in an 800-square-meter workshop space (source: [e-flux](https://www.e-flux.com/announcements/656763/exhibition-program-2026)). An on-site café offers a pause between halls.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit. Weekends draw crowds, especially in summer when the neighbouring Reffen street-food market brings heavy foot traffic to the island. Check CC’s website for current opening hours, ticket prices, guided tours and family activities, because the schedule changes between exhibitions. Membership pays off if you plan repeat visits. The harbour bus to the Refshaleøen stop gives the most scenic approach, and city bus 2A also serves the area. Allow time afterward to wander the island’s breweries, studios and waterfront.
