Cisternerne, Copenhagen tickets and visitor information
- Thor
- Jan 19
- 4 min read
Cisternerne is a former water reservoir turned underground art space beneath Søndermarken in Frederiksberg, just west of central Copenhagen. You walk into a dark, cold, humid cavern where the architecture and the current installation shape the whole visit.
Last update: 2026
Quick overview and key details
Quick facts for planning
Location and area: Søndermarken park, Frederiksberg (opposite Copenhagen Zoo)
Best for: Contemporary art in unusual spaces, architecture lovers, rainy day plans
Typical time needed: 45 to 75 minutes
Booking need: Recommended in weekends and during school holidays
Ticket type: Single entry ticket or Frederiksberg Museum Pass
Peak crowd risk: High on sunny weekends and Thursday evenings
Accessibility snapshot: Not wheelchair accessible, low light, uneven and sometimes wet walkways
Why this is a hidden gemCisternerne sits under a city park, so many visitors never realise it exists. You do not just view art here, you move through it in near darkness with strong acoustics and dripping stone formations. Because it is seasonal and a bit demanding physically, it stays quieter than the big city icons.
Tickets, prices, and how to book
What you should book in advance
You usually buy tickets through Frederiksbergmuseerne.
Adult ticket listings commonly show DKK 120.
Students and under 27 listings commonly show DKK 90.
Under 18s have free entry.
If you plan to visit more than one Frederiksbergmuseerne venue, consider the Frederiksberg Museum Pass. The official webshop has shown the pass at DKK 175, while some listings show DKK 180, so check the webshop price before you pay.
Two planning notes matter for 2026:
Cisternerne is closed in winter and reopens for the season on 14 March 2026.
The 2026 exhibition season runs from 14 March to 30 November 2026.
Expert voices you can trust“Cisternerne is one of the most unique spaces I’ve ever exhibited in.” Marina Abramović, performance artist.
“We look forward to presenting an intense and captivating experience.” Tine Vindfeld, Chief Curator at Cisternerne.
Opening hours and best time to visit
How to avoid crowds
Cisternerne is seasonal and typically closed from December to mid March. When it is open, most listings show opening from Tuesday to Sunday, with a later closing time on Thursdays.
To keep the experience calm:
Go right after opening on a weekday.
Avoid sunny weekend afternoons, when Søndermarken and the Zoo area pull more people.
Choose late afternoon on Tuesday or Wednesday if you want a quieter walk through the chambers.
Crowd trend to keep in mindDenmark recorded 66.2 million tourist overnight stays in 2024, up 2 percent from 2023, with hotel overnight stays reaching 20 million. More visitors can push up queue times at smaller venues in peak months.
How to get there
Best routes from the city center
Cisternerne sits in Søndermarken in Frederiksberg.
Practical ways to arrive:
Metro: Ride the Metro to Frederiksberg station, then walk through Frederiksberg toward Søndermarken.
Bus: Several local buses stop near the park, and some venue guides point to routes 7A and 4A.
Bike: Bike to the edge of Søndermarken and lock up outside the park paths.
Car: Use paid parking near the Zoo and walk a few minutes.
Rules, accessibility, and security
What you can bring and what you cannot
Cisternerne is dark, cold, and humid. Parts of the experience can be on sparsely lit walkways without a railing and close to shallow water.
What to bring
A warm layer, even in summer
Shoes with good grip
A small bag you can keep close
What you cannot bring or do
Strollers and prams inside
Flash photography or tripods
Touching stalactites or other dripstone formations
Loud conversation, the echo is long and carries
Non service animals
Access limits you should know
Wheelchair access is not available and there is no lift.
There is no toilet inside the venue, so plan a stop in the park before or after.
What to do nearby
Easy add ons for the same day
You can turn this into a strong half day in Frederiksberg.
Nearby options that fit well:
Walk Søndermarken for a quiet park loop before or after your visit
Continue to Frederiksberg Garden for wide lawns and canal views
Pair with Copenhagen Zoo if you are already in the area
Add another Frederiksbergmuseerne stop, such as STORM or Bakkehuset, if you bought the Museum Pass
Finish with a coffee on Værnedamsvej, a small street known for cafes and food shops
FAQ - Cisternerne Copenhagen tickets
Common questions
Is Cisternerne open year roundNo. It is seasonal and typically closes from December to mid March.
Is it cold insideYes. The space is underground and feels chilly even on warm days, so bring a jacket.
Can you visit with a wheelchairNo. Official visitor information notes that wheelchair access is not possible.
Can you bring a strollerNo. You can usually park it at the entrance, but it cannot go inside.
Can you take photosYes, but without flash and without a tripod.
Is it included in the Copenhagen CardIt has been included in some recent listings, but you should check the current Copenhagen Card attraction list before you go.
Useful links
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