3 Days of Design 2025 ultimate guide

Hey! You’ve made it!

Welcome to my ultimate, very personal guide to the 3 Days of Design 2025.

It’s based on my past experiences (it’s my fourth time joining the event), my absolute devotion to design, and love for Copenhagen. Shake it & stir and you’ll get – the perfect guide not to be overwhelmed (and believe me, the vast number of options can be daunting), to be on the lookout for true gems, and to enjoy Copenhagen in its full glory.

3 Days of Design is a very unique event - if you’ve ever participated in any architecture or design event, you probably are familiar with a certain level of exclusivity – I personally hate it and feel like it’s not serving anyone. For young professionals, it’s hard to get through; for design enthusiasts, very often, this “can’t sit with us” energy is enough to give up.

But design is inclusive, it’s democratic, and for all. And this is exactly what you’re going to experience during 3 Days of Design. Grab a drink or some food – this is going to be a long one. Let’s dive in!

I’ve divided the brands, showrooms, exhibitions, and districts into chapters that make sense to me based on my experiences during past editions and travels to Copenhagen.

Showrooms  you  cannot  miss

Paustian
Niels Hemmingsens Gade 24

This is a 19th-century bank (yes, bank, with wall decorations, vault and all) made into a modern space to showcase design. The place is vast, you feel free to explore, yet it’s cosy and makes you feel welcomed.

This is also the place where I got introduced to Warm Nordic - now, one of my forever favourites.

GUBI
Orientkaj 18-20

It is a trip, but oh so worth it.
Every year, GUBI’s space opens its doors to welcome design lovers - and every year they deliver. The exhibition is designed in detail and with amazing taste. And the location is insane - you experience design pieces while staring at the sea, ships & amazing architecture around. Speaking of architecture - GUBI is COBE’s neighbour, and this is important because COBE serves amazing coffee in their cafe (yes, the architectural studio has its own cafe spot). Even more reasons to travel to Nordhavn.

Audo
Aarhusgade 130

If you make it to Nordhavn, you absolutely need to visit Audo - a concept store, residences, co-working space, exhibition space - you name it. Audo wraps it all into a tasty design package and serves it to you with amazing pastries and coffee. There’s always a line at the door, and I’m not surprised - their attention to detail, hospitality, and openness all contribute to the fact that people just want to hang out there. As do I, every year.

This year Audo is joined by Norm Architects (another treat!) in collaboration around their exhibition – Monuments.

Louis Poulsen
Kuglegårdsvej 19 - 23

I mean, it wouldn’t be me, talking about design and all, and NOT mentioning Louis Poulsen.

Their absolutely iconic space is undergoing a renovation right now, and they are supposed to open their doors just in time for 3 Days of Design. The brand is such an icon and integral part of Danish design heritage - and they always manage to build beautiful storytelling around it – with publication launches, immersive art installations, or re-introducing iconic pieces with new finishes. This year, along with the newly opened space, you’re about to experience an installation by Henrik Vibskov - Circle Dome Square. I cannot wait!

Fritz Hansen
Valkendorfsgade 4
& Kronprinsessegade 13

Every year this brand delivers big time. From exhibitions in the Royal Academy of Art to an iconic pavilion in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects in 2023, the stories they tell resonate with me so deeply.
This year you can experience the brand in two locations – in their flagship store & in Restaurant Orangeriet where they are doing a pop-up. You won’t regret it!

Gems  worth  looking  for

Rockfon
Sundkaj 163

While in Nordhavn, it’s worth diving a little bit further down the Orientkaj line and visiting the Rockfon showroom.

I find it very interesting that even if you’re an absolute design nerd (guilty as charged), some things can still really surprise you. Last year, that prize was won by brands dealing with sound.

Rockfon created a truly artistic space - not overwhelming, but clear in its message - and allowed guests to really experience their products (with really soothing sounds!). Since brand communication is something I work with, I always try to notice when brand messaging is done right - and this was exactly that. I left educated about the brand, liking it, and, most important, I still remember how it sounds. A truly design-y immersive experience.

Søuld
Esplanaden 8b

Yes, you all know this brand by now, as I’m sure I’ve talked about it to everyone I know and posted about it on socials several times.

Søuld absolutely won me over last year with the most consistent, beautiful, truthful, and compelling brand story I’ve ever seen. When people ask me if I did learn anything new about design itself last year, I always talk about Søuld.

This year the brand joins forces with Rye, Motarasu & We Do Wood and invites us to Studio Retreat. Judging by last year’s experience, this will be an absolute treat.

Paper Collective
Bredgade 71

Well – I’m an illustrator after all.
If you don’t know Paper Collective, you’re missing out – it’s all about a curated collection of art prints, manufactured with true dedication to detail.
If you love anything printed, this is the brand to visit during this event. This year, together with Sancal, both brands curate an exhibition in the historic apartment-showroom just opposite the iconic Designmuseum Danmark (which you need to visit as well!). I love both brands deeply – I cannot wait to see what they have prepared for this year’s edition.

Fischersund
Hotel Cecil, Niels Hemmingsens Gade 10

My absolute highlight of visiting Reykjavik, Fischersund, will be part of 3 Days of Design this year. I mean, pinch me.

The sensory experience was so strong I still remember it vividly (all of Iceland will stay in my mind forever, but this was next level). If you ever get a chance to experience this brand - don’t think twice.
For 3 Days of Design, the brand composed 30 pieces of music that reflect and play with their ethereal fragrances. If you have time Thursday evening - don’t hesitate.

Montana Furniture
Bredgade 24

Montana is absolutely impossible to miss, as their flagship showroom is located on one of the main streets where 3 Days of Design takes place. So it’s not a hidden gem – but oh my, it is still a gem.

Very often I hear that sometimes design starts to look the same - in colours, shapes, how brands communicate their design. I usually don’t agree, but I’m in a unique position of consuming these brands’ content day and night. So I’m not a good judge. But whenever I’m faced with such a statement, I show Montana as an example - they are the definition of bold use of colour. I absolutely adore their bravery - their showroom always stands out and stays with me for a long time. If you find yourself in need of some colour – this is the place.

Craft  taking  the stage 

There is an entire section of brands that build their storylines around craft - my favourite part of 3 Days of Design is the fact that craftsmen take the stage. It’s impossible to forget that more often than not, these pieces are made by hand, by skilled artists, craftsmen, and designers. Craft is the core of it all.

Carl Hansen & Søn
Bredgade 21-23

Their showroom is always re-arranged for the event a little, with the main topic in mind. I remember very vividly the first one I ever experienced – The Sound of Design. The measures they take to tell their stories are very subtle but manage to deliver a very powerful message. It’s a mix that I very rarely experience anywhere else. And, of course, the design pieces are to die for.

In 2024 they had a wood workshop in the actual showroom and you were able to work with the materials yourself. Hopefully that will happen again this year?

House of Finn Juhl
Gothersgade 9

Hard to say that something is the definition of elegance in this group of brands, as they are all extremely elegant, but if I had to pick one, it would be House of Finn Juhl.

The showroom I visited last year made such an impression that people actually talked quieter, as if we were in an art gallery or a museum. A beautiful space filled with clear, warm light - do not miss it.

This year it’s a true treat - the brand is organising an installation with aged originals, going against the trend of launching something new for the event. Old Finn Juhl pieces & an art installation to display the furniture were designed by the brand together with private collectors. A very rare occasion to experience these pieces.

Linie Design
Palægade 2

Something from a different category - textiles. There are a few brands that take part in 3 Days of Design that deal with textiles, but I’ve never seen rugs being elevated to nothing less than art. Linie Design’s showroom is an art gallery, no less. The design pieces are treated as art, and it immediately sets the dynamic between the audience and the showcased designs. A very interesting thing to experience.

BRDR Krüger
Bredgade 28B

Again, a brand with a huge focus on craft. I will never forget the exhibition that took place at their showroom – Modern Makers, during one of the past editions. It felt very real – the wood was worked with in front of me, the stories were being told, and the entire space was filled with the smell of wood, wood pieces, and sawdust. It was very palpable.

Brands  reimagining  icons 

One of the things I love in the design space is when brands are brave enough to play around with the design they sell. It’s easier said than done - when you’re dealing with absolute design icons, it can be daunting. I can imagine being afraid to do anything with a design of such magnitude. That’s why it’s worth celebrating every time a brand decides to reimagine or reintroduce a design piece - no matter if it’s a small or big initiative, I’m always drawn to these small premieres.

GUBI and F300
Orientkaj 18-20

GUBI is re-launching the F300 lounge chair. Designed by Pierre Paulin and first introduced in 1965, it became an icon. Thanks to GUBI, it’s making its reappearance. I love the fluid form and bold shape.

Warm Nordic and Fried Egg Chair
Niels Hemmingsens Gade 24

Another icon (and one of my favourites – this piece has been on my wishlist for such a long time now!) is the Fried Egg armchair (the name!), designed by Hans Olsen in 1956. Warm Nordic is reintroducing the design with new colours and patterns. It doesn’t seem like much, but I don’t agree – it’s so easy to fall into a pattern of “not messing with icons.” I treat this as an act of bravery and cannot wait to see the results!

Brands I’m only learning about now 

It’s still possible to learn something new, even if you go to 3 Days of Design every year. The vast options available are one thing, but every year new exciting designers join the line-up or simply emerge on the design scene. Here are a few that I’m very excited to experience first-hand, for the first time ever:

Studio About
Frederiksgade 1

I’ve mentioned before how I’m in awe of Montana’s boldness when it comes to colour use – Studio About has that same bravery. If you’re drawn to strong colours, check them out!

Kjellerup Væveri
Frederiksgade 1

It seems that textiles are something of interest to me lately, as I gravitate towards brands and exhibitions like Kjellerup Væveri. This one is the last textile mill in Denmark, focusing on local manufacturing and preserving Danish cultural craft. During 3 Days of Design, Kjellerup Væveri is planning to showcase its full design process and craft – I cannot wait!

Still in for more?

Still in for more?

Spots you cannot miss if you’re in Copenhagen  

Louisiana Museum
Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk

This is a controversial take – when I’m asked by people, “what to see if I have only one day in Copenhagen,” I always end up sending them outside of Copenhagen – and tell them you need to go to Louisiana.

I have a theory that there’s a secret ratio between the number of art pieces, the scale of the space, and the flow of the exhibition that allows you to truly experience art. If any institution has succeeded in finding that golden ratio, it’s Louisiana.

I’ve been to some major art spaces – MoMA, Guggenheim, The Met – and nothing has allowed me to experience art the way Louisiana does every time I’m there. It’s magic, and I’m sure I’m lost for words to convey this to you here – you just need to experience it. It’s worth the trip, the ticket, even if you end up spending the entire day there (which is easily doable) – I promise, you won’t regret it. I’ve been there so many times now and only become more and more in love.

Design Museum Danmark
Bredgade 68

If you are a design nerd – this is a must. It is quite popular, so pick a weekday if you can. The museum takes you through different storylines – modern design solutions, design icons, older heritage.
What impresses me most is how they manage to build those storylines. The last time I was there, I was fortunate to see an exhibition about Irma – a high-end chain of supermarkets, first established in 1886 and closed in 2023. If you think there’s no way to build a design-centric, compelling, and relatable story around a supermarket chain – you’re wrong. And the Design Museum really pulls these kinds of topics off, making design the core of it all.
No matter what display is on right now, it’s really worth a visit – if only to learn that everything can, or maybe should, be about good design.

Finn Juhl House
Vilvordevej 110, 2920 Charlottenlund

There’s no shortage of places in Copenhagen where you can experience design and architecture at the same time, but the Finn Juhl House is a unique experience. The designer’s own house, built in 1942, is his ultimate creation - he worked on the smallest details of the interior right up until his death in 1989.

Filling the house with furniture pieces of his own design, he supposedly once claimed: “When I build a house, I don’t like others to come and spoil it.”

A radical approach - and definitely something to experience.



Danish Royal Library
Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1


You probably know this one by the name The Black Diamond. For me, this is the definition of playing with contrast - from the outside, the building is very dark, monumental, and (do I dare say?) uninviting. But just one step inside, and you experience the biggest “hug” that large-scale architecture can give you.
Don’t get me wrong - the interiors are monumental as well, just in a very different way from the façade.

Opera Parken & Operaparken Pavilion
Ekvipagemestervej 18


Ah, finally - my personal favourite. If there is a secret recipe for the ideal scale for urban green spaces, made with minimal means but maximum effect, it’s hidden in Operaparken. I cannot put my finger on it, but if I had to name the emotion it makes me feel, it would be: perfect balance.

During our stay last year, we visited the space multiple times - from the first excitement, taking it all in and photographing like crazy, to calm evening strolls, in silence, just experiencing the greenery move with the wind. A true zen garden in the middle of Copenhagen.

To finish it all up – a list of food places, as this is something I constantly get asked about:

For coffee & pastries go to:

  • Juno Bakery

  • Hart Bageri

  • Andersen Bakery

  • Lille Format

For breakfast go to:

  • Sonny Cph

  • Apollo Bar

For lunch/dinner go to:

  • Bæst (best pizza I’ve ever had – including all the pizzas eaten in Italy, sorry)

  • POPL Burger

If you made it this far - WOW and thank you.

3 Days of Design has a way of reminding me why I fell in love and want to work with design in the first place. It’s not about the over-hype or exclusivity, it’s about storylines, palpable materials, amazing craft, courage, and democratic, accessible connection. About people building things with intention & care. About ideas made tactile. And about how space, colour, light, and silence can shape the way we live, think, and feel.

So let yourself wander, I as I let myself every year. Get lost in the details. Skip things if your feet hurt. Stay longer where something moves you.

See you out there,
Zuza