The David Collection 

C.L. David – the man behind the collection

The David Collection was founded by Supreme Court lawyer C.L. David. He began collecting Danish paintings and sculptures as early as the 1910s. Later, David expanded his collection to include European crafts from the 17th and 19th centuries. David developed a special love for Danish and European faience and porcelain, and this passion also led to an interest in ceramics from the Islamic world.

A historical setting with soul

The David Collection is located in C.L. David’s former home, a stately house from 1807 in the centre of Copenhagen. The beautifully designed exhibition spaces on the fourth floor of the museum were designed by renowned architects Carl Petersen and Kaare Klint. The house is steeped in history. The museum’s founder, C.L. David, wanted to create a very personal museum experience, which is why several of the museum’s rooms are decorated like home interiors.

Exceptional art

The David Collection comprises three main areas: art from the world of Islam, early European art and early Danish modernism. The collection of art from the world of Islam is one of the most significant in the West, spanning a period of 1,400 years and a large geographical area from India in the east to Spain in the west. European art includes paintings, porcelain and furniture from the 17th-18th centuries, presented in particularly evocative interiors. Finally, the museum features works by significant Danish modernists such as Vilhelm Hammershøi, J.F. Willumsen and Axel Salto, which are displayed on special occasions