Thorvaldsen Samlingen på Nysø

Thorvaldsen Samlingen is a small art museum at the manor Nysø near Præstø Fjord. The museum holds the works that sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844) created in his final years, when he frequently lived and worked with the Stampe family at Nysø Estate. The collection comprises more than 50 original plaster sculptures as well as drawings and unique clay models that provide insight into the artist's creative process — among the key works is Thorvaldsen's life-size self-portrait statue. Baroness Christine Stampe had a studio built for him in the estate's garden in 1839, and the museum opened to the public in 1926. During the Golden Age, Nysø was a gathering place for the great artists and writers of the time, including H.C. Andersen, N.F.S. Grundtvig and B.S. Ingemann. The museum is housed in the estate's eastern wing; the main building and studio are private residences and not open to visitors. It is typically open during the summer season and to groups by arrangement — see current opening times and prices on the museum's website.