Scandinavian Summer

 We picked a great weekend to head to the beautiful city of Copenhagen, Denmark.  The long summer nights of Scandanavia invite outdoor events such as the 2-week long Annual Jazz Festival in Copenhagen.

Located in the back garden of the Kong Arthur Hotel, where we stayed, this was just one of many jam sessions taking place on the streets and in pubs across the city.

Our hotel was located along the banks of this beautiful canal - one of many throughout the city.

Tivoli, the second oldest amusement park in the world, opened in 1843.

The much beloved children's book author, Hans Christian Anderson, was born in Denmark in 1805 and was famous for such fairytales as "The Little Mermaid" (seated on the rock on the right), "Thumbelina," "The Little Match Girl," and "The Ugly Duckling."

Nyhavn is a colorful 17th century waterfront where all sorts of boats are anchored including sailboats and

houseboats.  Makes me wonder if these people live here year-round.  Brrr!

No trip to Copenhagen is complete without taking a canal tour and exploring it's waterways, as it has been by locals and tourists for more than a century.

Christiansborg Palace, originally built more than 800 years ago, has long been the state's center of power.  Today, the palace includes several institutions of central importance such as the Prime Minister, the High Court, and the Royal Reception Rooms.  

The Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, just celebrated her 40th anniversary on the throne.  Unfortunately, no photos were allowed besides this stunning portrait. 

There are loads of beautiful historical buildings but Denmark is known for their modern architecture and there were plenty of examples for us to see like the Copenhagen Opera House that opened in 2000.  

A plethora of ultra-modern buildings were dotted around the landscape.

Two things were immediately evident to me when we arrived in Copenhagen: 1) the streets were immaculately clean and 2) this city is one for bicycling and walking.  Bicycles were EVERYWHERE!  This is a rack located just outside their underground metro station.

I loved the fact that they have made it easy and encourage people to ride their bicycles by having special bicycle lanes across the city.  They are almost as wide as another lane on the road.  As a walker, you really have to watch the cyclists because some of them are coming as fast as cars but they obey the traffic lights just as cars do so it's just a matter of getting used to it.

I like the juxtaposition of the modern artwork on the building in the foreground against the old architecture in the background.

The Danes are also famous for their china - the Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted design has been around since 1775, though this is an updated version.

The gorgeous jewelry from Georg Jenson was hard to pass by (but I did!).

Even the street buskers have to take a break sometimes!  This "statue" is smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer.

Okay, this one really stumped us.  It's a little difficult to see from this picture but it "appears" that the only thing holding up the man on the top is a stick.  We walked around and around to see if there were any invisible wires but couldn't find any.  We never did figure it out. 

Sunday, we took a train to this station in Humlebæk and strolled about a half mile to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.  What a treat it was.

"Louise, Louise and Louise"

"Louisiana takes its name from the villa from which the museum has grown over the years. The house was built and named in 1855 by the Master of the Royal Hunt Alexander Brun, who was so fortunate as to be married to no fewer than three women in the course of his life – all called Louise."

The original villa (where we entered) pictured above doesn't give a sense about the true expanse and modernity of the museum.  We thought we were at the wrong place it was so deceiving!  Enjoy the pictures below of just an inkling of the works that were on display.

     

In the background is Sweden!  Is lies across the narrow strait known as the Sundet that separates the Danish island Zealand from the southern Swedish province of Scania. 

No, I don't need to adjust my camera.

Kind of funny!  Maybe I shouldn't say that - it could mean something very serious.  Sometimes, it's hard to tell with modern art.

An iconic Andy Warhol.

Children and adults alike were enjoying the beautiful day.

Henry Moore would be pleased with this setting for his sculptures.

A special interactive special exhibit called "New Nordic, Architecture & Identity."

A colorful masterpiece by Asger Jorn, one of the most acclaimed Danish artists of the 20th century.

I couldn't resist taking pictures inside this brilliantly lit, constantly changing "room"! 

Contemplating the art in this tranquil setting, I've decided this museum is definitely a worthwhile visit if you're ever in this land of old and modern Copenhagen.