Copenhagen, Denmark, Day 2

Our second day of sightseeing in Copenhagen proved just as delightful as the first. I especially enjoyed revisiting spots that I had visited as a student in 1985 such as the Little Mermaid statue.

First stop: Those many years ago my History of European Art class visited the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek art museum. Brian and I started our day here, waiting in line with the other art enthusiasts. It was not crowded inside at all.

We've learned throughout our travels that we need to pace ourselves with art museums. We do not try to see a museum's entire collection. We usually try to see artwork by the country's artists and favorite genres. 

Above: Van Gogh's "Mountainous Landscape behind Saint Paul Hospital." 

Below: "Little Dancer of Fourteen Years" by Edgar Degas.

Next stop: One place I did not visit in 1985 was the Copenhagen Botanical Garden partly because while I was there, January through May, Europe was experiencing the worst winter in recent history. I'm sure everything at the Garden lay dormant then, especially the desert-dwelling, yellow-flowered agave poking its head out of the green house.

Such a unique, old fashioned greenhouse. The unique glasshouses date back to 1874 and are quite extensive.

One of the greenhouses is home to a lovely butterfly garden.

Such a wide variety of plants and garden designs.

Brian and I took part of this busy summer day in 2019 to wander and relax in Copenhagen's Botanical Garden oasis.

Next stop: The Danish National Gallery where we happened upon this mermaid sculpture. She looks a bit surprised, not quite as peaceful as the Little Mermaid.

This 1912 painting by Danish artist J.F. Willumsen titled "A Mountain Climber" caught my eye. The subject looks like an adventurous woman.

Next stop: Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Royal Danish family below. Here you can see two of the four identical palaces built around a central courtyard. Construction was finished in 1760.

We did not go inside but enjoyed walking around the square and observing the guards. It is possible to visit Amalienborg's Gala Hall and other rooms, as well as watch the changing of the guard.

In the same neighborhood as Amalienborg, a surprise! Who knew a replica of Michelangelo's "David" can be found in Copenhagen?