Copenhagen Contemporary welcomes school classes to discover contemporary art on a grand scale in our spacious industrial halls on Refshaleøen
For schools and education
Copenhagen Contemporary welcomes school classes to discover contemporary art on a grand scale in our spacious industrial halls on Refshaleøen
Through our educational programmes
… students explore the themes, materials, and formats of contemporary art together with our experienced educators. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery – asking questions, interpreting, analysing, discussing, and connecting art to the world around us and to our own lives.
CC’s educational approach is grounded in sensory, embodied, and dialogical learning. We invite children and young people to engage with art through the body and the senses, fostering a deeper understanding of what is being explored. In a unique and inspiring learning environment, we aim to strengthen students’ confidence in their own experiences and perceptions of art – supporting them in discovering contemporary art’s potential to inspire creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, openness, and engagement.
Our dialogue-based teaching caters to all age groups – including adults.
All sessions balance conversation, reflective exercises, and input from the educator, and may include extended creative activities in our workshop.
Book an educational programme by submitting the form below.
1-hour session: 600 DKK
Students are guided through a selected exhibition by one of our art educators.
2-hour session: 950 DKK
Students spend the first hour exploring a selected exhibition with an art educator. The second hour takes place in our workshop, where the educator facilitates creative activities connected to what the students have seen and experienced in the exhibition.
CC offers free admission to
- Daycares and kindergartens
- After-school recreation schemes/before-and-after-school care (SFOs)/Youth clubs
- Groups of children accompanied by their teachers – either to take part in a pre-booked learning programme or to experience an exhibition on their own
- Groups of young people aged 18 or above attending upper secondary education accompanied by their teachers – either to experience the exhibition on their own or take part in a pre-booked learning programme at CC.
- Students in higher education programs: Art History, programs at the Royal Danish Academy, and all Danish art academies.
CC does not offer free admission to
- User-funded educational institutions such as non-formal residential schools (‘højskole’ or ‘dagshøjskole’), evening schools, etc.
- Higher education programs (This does not apply to Kunsthustorie, programs at the Royal Danish Academy, or any Danish art academies).
These groups can enter at a reduced admission price of 115 DKK per person.
For booked learning programs, admission is free.
Topics: Light, perception, senses, phenomenology
Subjects: Physics, visual art
The artist James Turrell is part of the American art movement called Light & Space from the 1960’s. At CC, we showcase James Turrell’s monumental light installation, which students can experience and work with in this educational program. They will gain insight into light and installation art and can feel how light and colors influence emotions, the body, and the perception of space. The program explores questions such as: What is light? How do we see colours? What do light and perspective mean for our experience of space?
Note: This program can only be booked Tuesday to Friday from 09:00-11:00.
Subjects:
Social Studies, History, Media Studies, Craft and Design, Danish, Visual Arts
In what ways can contemporary art connect our past, present, and future?
When is something considered art?
What can contemporary art tell us about the world we live in today?
In the learning program Contemporary Art, your students will encounter large-scale contemporary and installation art. Together with an art educator, the students will explore contemporary art and its relationship to ourselves and the world we live in.
Contemporary art can often be surprising, strange, innovative, provocative, varied, and exciting. It encourages reflection, curiosity, and the inclusion of personal thoughts and experiences. Together, we will explore selected exhibitions, ask questions, and reflect on the meaning and relevance of contemporary art – its materials and media.
Subjects:
Danish, Visual Arts, Media Studies, Craft and Design
In the learning program Creativity, Body and Process, your students will have the opportunity to dive into some of the fascinating creative processes and questions that contemporary art involves.
Together with an educator, students will explore selected exhibitions. Here, they are encouraged to think big, be imaginative, and explore art in new ways – where familiar ways of thinking can be turned upside down.
We will explore art with your students through the senses, dialogue, and creative methods, thereby strengthening their powers of observation and imagination, critical thinking, and confidence in their own abilities when engaging with art.
Subjects:
Social Studies, History, Media Studies, Craft and Design, Danish, Visual Arts
In what ways can contemporary art connect our past, present, and future?
When is something considered art?
What can contemporary art tell us about the world we live in today?
In the learning program Contemporary Art, your students will encounter large-scale contemporary and installation art. Together with an art educator, the students will explore contemporary art and its relationship to ourselves and the world we live in.
Contemporary art can often be surprising, strange, innovative, provocative, varied, and exciting. It encourages reflection, curiosity, and the inclusion of personal thoughts and experiences. Together, we will explore selected exhibitions, ask questions, and reflect on the meaning and relevance of contemporary art—its materials and media.
Subjects:
Danish, Visual Arts, Media Studies, Craft and Design
In the learning program Creativity, Body and Process, students are invited to engage deeply with the creative processes and complex questions that contemporary art often raises.
Together with an art educator, students will explore selected exhibitions, where they are encouraged to think critically, imaginatively, and experimentally. The program challenges conventional perspectives and opens up space for new ways of experiencing and interpreting art.
Through sensory engagement, reflective dialogue, and hands-on creative methods, students will strengthen their observational skills, imagination, and critical thinking. At the same time, the process supports the development of artistic confidence and personal expression in their encounters with contemporary art.
Topics:
Space, light, perception, senses, phenomenology
Subjects:
Physics, visual arts
The artist James Turrell is part of the American art movement Light & Space. At CC, we showcase James Turrell’s monumental light installation, which students can experience and work with in this educational program. They will gain insight into light and installation art and feel how light and colors influence emotions, the body, and the perception of space. The program explores questions such as: What is light? How do we see colors? What do light and perspective mean for our experience of space?
Our programs for children in daycare are designed for ages 4-6. All our programs are tailored to the children’s age, and we are happy to develop programs in collaboration with you.
The price for daycare institutions is 900 DKK for a 2-hour program and 600 DKK for a 1-hour program
- Art with All Senses
Topics: Art, Senses, Play
Together, we take a tour of the large exhibition hall. The children’s observations and thoughts form the basis of the program. We take our time to investigate the artworks, be curious, and explore. We talk about what we experience along the way, focusing on our senses, colors, play, and motor skills.
We have, for example, designed special programmes in collaboration with the sixth-form college Det Frie Gymnasium, the artist collective vontrapp, Live Art Danmark, the art school Københavns Kunstskole, Aalborg University, the housing association Bo-Vita, and the citizen’s activity centre Aktivitetscentret Sundholm.
We have also designed extensive thematic programmes for primary and lower secondary schools.
Please contact us for a chat if you have special needs and requirements. We will be pleased to design a programme together with you.
ccstudio@cphco.org or by phone +45 29 89 72 88.
You are welcome to visit the art center independently to experience the exhibitions.
Here are the rules for your visit:
- We can accommodate you for a self-guided visit during regular opening hours.
- We can only host a free self-guided visit if you have notified us of your arrival at least one week in advance using the request form.
- We will respond to your request with a confirmation.
- For daycare groups, there must be one adult per six children.
- For elementary school groups, there must be one adult per 12 students.
- For groups of young people aged 16 and older, there must be at least one adult per 20 youths.
- Children under 14 years old must not wander through the exhibitions alone.
If you decide not to come, please cancel as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to others.
OBS: CC does not offer free admission to
- User-funded educational institutions such as non-formal residential schools (‘højskole’ or ‘dagshøjskole’), evening schools, etc.
- Higher education programs (This does not apply to Kunsthustorie, programs at the Royal Danish Academy, or any Danish art academies).
These groups can enter at a reduced admission price of 115 DKK per person.