Rasmus Rask (1787-1832) founded the science of comparative linguistics. N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783- 1872) founded the Folk High School movement which has since been introduced in many countries. Søren Kierkegaard (1813-55) was the predecessor of existentialism. Hans Christian Andersen (1805-75) has enchanted children and adults in more than 80 countries with his fairy tales. Carl Nielsen (1865- 1931) continues to grow in stature as a composer. Karen Blixen (1885-1962) wrote her immortal tales and "Out of Africa".

In pictorial arts, Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1840) recreated classical sculptures and Asger Jorn (1914- 73) is today considered one of the world's leading non-figurative painters. Danish schools of painting, the Golden Era artists, the Skagen painters and "Fynboerne" have attracted growing attention among collectors and museums.

Today the laurels (and Oscars) go to names like Gabriel Axel for Karen Blixen's "Babette's Feast" and Bille August for Martin Andersen Nexø's "Pelle the Conqueror".

The torch is being carried on in all branches of science and art, including architecture. Jørn Utzon (1918-) was the creator of the Sydney Opera House, Piet Hein (1905-) produced the super ellipse which has found application in buildings, Olympic sports stadiums and applied art, while one of the latest and most striking constructions of the age, the new archway in the La Défense section of Paris also bears the name of a Dane - Johan von Spreckelsen (1929-87). In the 1990s, Peter Høeg (1957-) has captured a world-wide audience with his book "Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow".