The museum and architecture

The exhibition programme at Louisiana has taken its inspiration from MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, which became famous – and notorious – in the first half of the 20th century for broadening the concept of modern art to include architecture, design, photography, film, etc. On its own initiative, Louisiana has from time to time supplemented modern art with exhibitions focusing on cultural history and ethnography.

An International Museum of Modern Art
When Louisiana opened in 1958, the original intention was to create a museum for modern Danish art. A few years after, however, the museum changed strategy, and opened up as a place to showcase International art. The close ties with the International world of art and culture have since then been one of Louisiana’s greatest strengths and one of the main reasons why it has been possible to present exhibitions of International interest and significance.

As the museum has maintained the International view as a premise for its exhibitions throughout the years, Louisiana today is recognised as one of the world’s most respected exhibition venues. This status enables Louisiana to continuosly attract exhibitions and artists of a reputation and quality of which few other Danish – or International – museums are capable.

A Meeting Place and a House of Culture
Louisiana is a house of culture as well as a museum. The Children’s Wing, which provides an ‘art playground’ for our younger and youngest visitors, in itself brings life to the museum; but especially as a venue for social gatherings and discussions Louisiana fulfills its role in the cultural landscape.

The open, home-like welcome of the exhibition rooms, the spaciousness of the park, the option of letting yourself get spoiled in the café and shop, and the many concerts, lectures and debates held in the evening in the Concert Hall: all this aids in creating a lively house – in the broadest sense a house of culture.

Foundation and Management of the Museum
Louisiana is a private, state-recognized museum subject to the Museum Act. The museum receives about one third of its operating support from the state; the rest is funded by the museum’s own earnings and sponsors. Louisiana receives no state support for acquisitions of artworks for its collection, and is thus dependent on private donors and foundations. Current director - since 2000 - is Poul Erik Tøjner.