Copenhagen Cisterns: Opening Hours, Tickets & Exhibitions
We actually hadn’t planned to visit The Cisterns at all. We were waddling through Søndermarken Park when we noticed that entry was included with our Copenhagen Card. So we decided to give it a try, and we’re glad we did!
Once a vast underground reservoir supplying drinking water to Copenhagen, today the Cisterns have been transformed into a truly unique art space, hosting immersive exhibitions and installations. The moment you step inside, the temperature drops, making it the perfect spot to cool down during the summer. The halls are far more spacious than we imagined, with reflections of water creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Just keep in mind there are no toilets inside, a few steps at the entrance, and you’ll need to watch your footing as you waddle around to avoid stepping into the shallow water.
It turned out to be one of the most surprising highlights of our trip. Read on to learn more about this underground gem of Copenhagen.
- How to Get to The Cisterns
- Opening Hours at The Cisterns
- Tickets to The Cisterns
- Facilities & Amenities at The Cisterns
- History of The Cisterns in Copenhagen
- What Makes The Cisterns Special
- Our Waddle Through The Cisterns
- Interesting Facts About The Cisterns
- The Multiple Realities Exhibition
- Are the Cisterns Worth Visiting
- Nearby Attractions to The Cisterns
How to Get to The Cisterns
The Cisterns (Cisternerne) are right under Søndermarken Park in the Frederiksberg district, just across from Frederiksberg Gardens. They’re easy to reach by public transport: the nearest metro stops are Frederiksberg Allé and Fasanvej Station, both about a 10–15 minute waddle away. Several city buses also stop nearby, making it a simple ride from central Copenhagen. If you prefer cycling, the park is easily accessible via Copenhagen’s bike-friendly streets. Driving is also possible, but parking around the park is limited. We recommend arriving by metro or bike for the most stress-free visit.
Opening Hours at The Cisterns
The Cisterns are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 – 18:00, with extended evening hours on Thursdays until 20:00. The site is closed on Mondays. Since times can occasionally change due to special exhibitions or events, it’s always best to check the official website before your visit.
Opening hours at a glance:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 – 18:00
- Thursday: 11:00 – 20:00
Tickets to The Cisterns
If you hold a Copenhagen Card, entry to The Cisterns is already included.
For those without the card, the 2025 ticket prices are:
- Adults: 115 DKK
- Students/ages 18–27: 90 DKK
- Children under 18: Free admission
- Plushies: free entry
You can purchase tickets directly at the entrance, and paying by card is preferred and accepted.
Facilities & Amenities at The Cisterns
- No toilets inside. Plan before your visit.
- Cool underground climate. Bring a jacket, even in summer.
- Steps at the entrance. Accessibility is limited.
- Spacious exhibition halls. Over 4,400 m² of underground space.
- Art installations & exhibitions. Changing throughout the year.
- Guided tours & events. Occasionally available (check the official website).
- Admission is included with the Copenhagen Card, making it easy to fit into your itinerary.
History of The Cisterns in Copenhagen
- 1856–1859. Excavation and construction of the underground reservoirs began under King Frederik VII and took three years to complete.
- 1860s–1933. Served as the city’s primary drinking water supply, holding up to 16 million liters of water for Copenhageners.
- 1933. The reservoirs were taken out of service as modern waterworks replaced them.
- 1981. The cisterns were finally drained after decades of disuse.
- 1996. Converted into an exhibition space for art and cultural events.
- 2001–2013. Operated as the Museum of Modern Glass Art, showcasing contemporary glassworks.
- 2013–present. Became part of the Frederiksberg Museums, hosting immersive exhibitions and site-specific art installations.
What Makes The Cisterns Special
The Cisterns are unlike any other museum in Copenhagen, or anywhere else in Denmark. What makes them special is the combination of history, architecture, and atmosphere:
- They are housed in former underground water reservoirs, creating a raw, cavern-like setting.
- The climate is unique: damp, dark, and cool, with water dripping from the ceilings and even natural stalactites forming over time.
- Exhibitions are designed specifically for the space, often using sound, light, and reflections to transform the underground halls into immersive art installations.
- The vast chambers cover over 4,400 m², making them feel like a hidden world beneath Søndermarken Park.
- Few cultural sites in Europe combine industrial heritage with contemporary art in such a striking way.
Our Waddle Through The Cisterns
Our visit to The Cisterns was rather spontaneous. We hadn’t planned on going, but decided to step inside while waddling through Søndermarken Park. The moment we began descending the stairs, we already knew this would be unforgettable. Outside, it had been a bright, sunny day in Copenhagen, but as soon as we reached the entrance, a blast of cold underground air hit us hard. That sudden chill, combined with the first glimpse of the vast, echoing space below, made the experience feel otherworldly right from the start. It was as if we had slipped through a hidden doorway into an entirely different world beneath the city.
Interesting Facts About The Cisterns
- The Cisterns cover around 4,320 m² and have three equally sized chambers.
- The ceiling height is about 4.2 meters (14 ft).
- The maximum water depth could reach 3.7 meters (12 ft), allowing the chambers to hold up to 16 million liters of water.
- Even though they were drained, water still seeps in from the surrounding sand and soil, maintaining a damp, moody environment.
- The space functions partially like a cave and hosts natural stalactites and stalagmites (dripstones) formed over time.
- It’s the only real dripstone cave in Denmark, thanks to how the concrete structure interacts with moisture and mineral deposits.
- The reservoirs were built to supply Copenhagen with clean water.
- In 1933, they stopped serving as the city’s water reservoir, and in 1981, they were drained entirely.
As we continued to waddle through the dim chambers of The Cisterns, every step felt like an adventure. Here and there, a cold drop of water would land on us from above, sending a shiver down our backs. The ground was damp and uneven, so we had to watch our step carefully to avoid puddles that reflected the soft light of the space. Despite the chill, it was such an atmospheric experience, almost like wandering through a cave. What made it even more special was the current exhibition. It was one of those moments where history and art blended perfectly, making the visit unforgettable.
The Multiple Realities Exhibition
When we visited, the exhibition Multiple Realities by Japanese-born artist Chiharu Shiota was on display. She transformed the underground space into a dreamlike world that felt both haunting and beautiful. Rotating dresses, endless reflections, and intricate yarn structures created a maze-like environment where it was easy to get lost — not just physically, but in deeper layers of the human psyche. It was an incredible experience, almost like stepping into an entirely different reality.
You can find the current exhibitions at The Cisterns on the official Frederiksberg Museums website.
Are the Cisterns Worth Visiting
For us, the answer is a definite yes. We absolutely recommend it. What started as a spontaneous stop quickly became one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to Copenhagen. The chill in the air, the dripping water, the vast underground halls, and the thought-provoking art installations all came together to create something truly unique. It’s not your typical museum visit; it feels more like stepping into another world hidden beneath the city. If you’re looking for something different in Copenhagen, the Cisterns are 100% worth adding to your itinerary.
Nearby Attractions to The Cisterns
We combined our visit to the Cisterns with a day at Copenhagen Zoo and a waddle through the peaceful Frederiksberg Gardens right next door. If you have more time, there are numerous other interesting spots nearby that are worth exploring.
- Frederiksberg Palace. A Baroque palace overlooking the gardens, once a royal summer residence.
- Søndermarken Park. Right above The Cisterns, with scenic walking paths and open green spaces.
- Storm P. Museum. Dedicated to the Danish cartoonist, humorist, and satirist Robert Storm Petersen.
- Vesterbro district. Trendy neighborhood nearby with cafés, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Carlsberg City District (Carlsberg Byen). A historic brewery area transformed into a modern urban quarter featuring shops, eateries, and cultural attractions.
Visiting the Cisterns was one of those spontaneous choices that turned into a highlight of our trip. We came in curious, left a little chilled, and completely amazed, proof that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan.
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