Experimentarium in Hellerup is Denmark’s largest science center, a hands-on temple to curiosity housed inside an old Tuborg brewery. After years of dragging visiting relatives here, I can confirm it ranks among the best rainy-day saves in the Copenhagen area.
Why Experimentarium Is a Must-Visit Near Copenhagen
I have lived in Denmark long enough to see most attractions twice. Experimentarium is one of the few I keep returning to without complaint.
The science center sits in Hellerup, just 6 km north of central Copenhagen. It is a non-profit foundation, founded in 1991, dedicated to making science feel like play. According to VisitCopenhagen, it is one of the capital region’s top family destinations.
What sets it apart is its commitment to touch, push, pull, and try. Nothing here is behind glass. The exhibits are designed to be used, not admired from a respectful Danish distance.
A Quick Snapshot of the Science Center
The facility spans roughly 11,500 square meters across three floors and a rooftop. It hosts around 16 interactive exhibitions, all presented in both Danish and English. That bilingual approach matters for expats and tourists, and it works seamlessly in practice.
The center receives hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. School groups, families, and curious adults all share the same exhibits without it feeling crowded. There is enough space, and enough to do, to absorb the rush.
The History Behind Experimentarium
Experimentarium opened in 1991 inside a former Tuborg brewery bottling hall. The choice was symbolic. Tuborg is Danish industrial history, and the building gave the science center a hefty industrial soul from day one.
The original concept came from Danish physicist and educator Asger Høeg. As reported by Wikipedia’s entry on Hellerup, the neighborhood has long mixed industry with affluent residential life. The center fit right in.
The 2017 CEBRA Renovation
The big shift came in January 2017. Danish architecture studio CEBRA reopened Experimentarium after a complete overhaul. The result felt like a different museum entirely.
The centerpiece is the helical staircase. It uses 160 tons of steel and 10 tons of copper, stretching about 100 meters when unwound. As detailed by Dezeen, its twisting shape echoes the double helix of DNA.
The new aluminium façade contains 50% recycled content, including old beer and soda cans from the building’s brewery past. The perforation pattern is inspired by fluid dynamics. I think it is one of the most quietly clever pieces of architecture in greater Copenhagen.
The Best Experimentarium Exhibits
The science center refreshes its content often, but a few exhibits have become legendary. Here are the ones I tell every newcomer about.
Bubblearium
The Bubblearium is exactly what it sounds like. You build, stretch, and stand inside giant soap bubbles while learning about surface tension and geometry. My niece, six years old, refused to leave. I cannot blame her.
It is also a sneaky physics lesson. Kids absorb concepts here that they will not formally meet in school for years. That is the entire Experimentarium philosophy in one room.
The Tunnel of Senses and Labyrinth of Light
The Tunnel of Senses pushes your body’s signals to the edge. You crawl, balance, and feel your way through installations that confuse and delight your nervous system. It is unsettling in a good way.
The Labyrinth of Light is its calmer cousin. You bend lasers, mix colors, and play a laser harp suspended in mid-air. According to visitor reviews on Tripadvisor, both consistently rank among the favorites.
The House of Inventions
The House of Inventions is the most Danish exhibit in the building. You program a small robot arm, build with magnetic blocks, and explore the inventions that came out of this country. LEGO gets a deserved spotlight, as do medical and design breakthroughs.
It is also where I have seen the most adults completely forget about their kids. The exhibit hooks engineers, designers, and bored uncles alike. Even Piet Hein, the polymath behind the superellipse, gets honored in Danish inventor culture.
Future Human and the Year 2035
A newer exhibition takes visitors to the year 2035. As described by CIMUSET, it focuses on six technologies expected to reshape daily life. The exhibition was nominated for the CIMUSET Award in 2023.
You meet brain interfaces, genetic editing, AI-driven decision making, and the ethics around them. It is more thoughtful than the usual “future is cool” pitch. I left it slightly worried, which I think was the point.
Miniverse for the Smallest Scientists
The Miniverse is built for kids under six. It is softer, safer, and rich in tactile play. Water, light, mirrors, and gentle mechanics dominate.
Parents tend to exhale here. The pace slows, and small children get their own world that does not require queuing behind older kids. As noted in the wider research on interactive science exhibits, this kind of early exposure shapes long-term curiosity.
Planning Your Visit to Experimentarium
Practical details matter, especially if you are visiting from outside Copenhagen. Here is what you need to know.
Opening Hours and Tickets
Experimentarium is open year-round, generally from 9:30 to 17:00. Hours extend to 18:00 or 19:00 during Danish school holidays and summer peaks. Confirm timings on the official opening hours page before you go.
Adult tickets cost around 255 DKK, and children aged 2 to 11 pay about 159 DKK. Under-2s enter free. Buy online for a 10% discount and to skip the queue on weekends.
How to Get to Experimentarium
The address is Tuborg Havnevej 7, 2900 Hellerup. From central Copenhagen, the easiest route is the S-train to Hellerup Station, then a 10-minute walk. Bus 1A also stops nearby on Strandvejen.
Driving takes about 15 minutes from the city center. Parking sits under the building and at the neighboring Waterfront mall. It fills quickly on weekends and school holidays.
Tips From an Expat Who Has Done This Many Times
After several visits, I have learned what makes the day better. These are my hard-earned rules.
- Go early or go late. Doors open at 9:30, and the first hour is calm. The Bubblearium gets chaotic by 11:00.
- Plan for a full day. Three floors plus a rooftop is more than most people expect. Skipping is fine, but rushing is a mistake.
- Dress for movement. You will crawl, climb, and squeeze. Wear layers and shoes you can actually run in.
- Eat there or bring food. The café is decent but pricey. Picnic areas exist if you bring your own.
- Visit on a weekday off-season. Tuesdays in February are bliss. Sundays in October feel like a Metro at rush hour.
- Take the staircase down at least once. The copper helix is the best free art in Hellerup.
Accessibility
The 2017 renovation made the building fully accessible. Elevators serve every floor, and wheelchairs can be borrowed at reception. Most exhibits are designed at heights that work for seated visitors and small children.
Staff at the front desk speak English fluently. As is normal in Copenhagen museums, English is treated as a default, not a favor.
How Experimentarium Compares to Other Copenhagen Attractions
Experimentarium is not Denmark’s only family-friendly draw, but it occupies a very specific niche. It is the indoor, all-weather, science-first option. Here is how I weigh it against the alternatives.
Tivoli is theatrical and historic, but it is mostly about rides and atmosphere. Copenhagen Zoo is great in good weather, less so in November. Experimentarium wins on rainy days, which Denmark serves generously between October and March.
If your kids love the outdoors, pair Experimentarium with Fælledparken’s tower playground or the Children’s Traffic Playground. For an outdoor science day, GeoCenter Møns Klint is the geological counterpart to Experimentarium’s indoor wonders.
For Bigger Family Trips
If you are road-tripping with kids, the next tier of attractions includes Djurs Sommerland and Sommerland Sjælland. These are summer-only theme parks, very different in flavor from a science center.
For an all-weather alternative outside Copenhagen, the Lalandia Aquadome in Rødby is a strong pick. Experimentarium remains the best in-city, brain-engaging option I have found.
Why Experimentarium Matters in Danish Culture
Denmark loves the idea of learning through doing. This is the country of LEGO, Bang & Olufsen, and a school system that prizes curiosity over rote memorization. Experimentarium fits naturally into that tradition.
The center collaborates with universities, schools, and Danish industry. It runs teacher training, develops curriculum-aligned materials, and ships interactive exhibits abroad. As noted on the official site, its mission is to stimulate scientific awareness across society.
An Expat’s Take
I will be honest. The first time I visited, I expected a tired kids’ museum. What I found was a place where adults learn as much as children, and where Danish design quietly does half the educational work.
The combination of architecture, content, and pacing is rare in Europe. London and Munich have larger science museums, but neither matches Experimentarium’s intimacy. I have brought visiting parents, skeptical teenagers, and a date here. All three categories enjoyed it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Experimentarium
What is Experimentarium?
Experimentarium is Denmark’s largest hands-on science center, located in Hellerup just north of Copenhagen. It opened in 1991 and offers around 16 interactive exhibitions covering physics, biology, technology, and design.
Where is Experimentarium located?
The center sits at Tuborg Havnevej 7, 2900 Hellerup. That is roughly 6 km north of central Copenhagen, reachable in about 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by public transport.
How much does it cost to visit Experimentarium?
Adult tickets cost around 255 DKK, and children aged 2 to 11 pay about 159 DKK. Under-2s enter free. Buying online gives a 10% discount.
What are the Experimentarium opening hours?
The center opens daily at 9:30 and closes at 17:00 on most days. Hours extend later during Danish school holidays and the summer season. Always check the official site before traveling.
How do I get to Experimentarium by public transport?
Take an S-train to Hellerup Station, then walk about 10 minutes. Bus 1A also serves the area via Strandvejen. The station and bus stops are well signposted in English.
Is Experimentarium good for adults without kids?
Yes, especially the Future Human, Tunnel of Senses, and House of Inventions exhibits. Adults often enjoy it more than they expect. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
How long should I plan for a visit to Experimentarium?
Plan for at least 4 to 5 hours, ideally a full day. With three floors, a rooftop, and 16 exhibitions, rushing through means missing the best parts.
Is Experimentarium accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the 2017 renovation made the entire building accessible. Elevators reach every floor, and wheelchairs are available to borrow at reception. Most exhibits work for seated visitors too.
Is there a café at Experimentarium?
There is a café on site serving sandwiches, salads, coffee, and snacks. Prices reflect Copenhagen standards. You can also bring your own food and use the picnic areas.
What is the best time to visit Experimentarium?
Weekday mornings outside of Danish school holidays are quietest. Rainy weekends are the busiest. I recommend arriving at opening time and working upward through the floors.
Final Thoughts on Experimentarium
Experimentarium is the rare Copenhagen attraction that delivers on every promise. It is educational without being boring, family-friendly without infantilizing adults, and architecturally striking without forgetting its purpose.
For expats, it is also a useful cultural primer. You see how Denmark treats children, how it values play, and how it sneaks serious science into a day that feels like fun. I keep going back, and I keep recommending it. That is the highest compliment I give any attraction in this country.
