Statens Museum for Kunst: Denmark’s Majestic National Gallery
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s largest art museum, showcasing works from the Renaissance to contemporary times. Located in central Copenhagen beside the Kings’ Garden, the museum’s striking blend of historic and modern architecture houses masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Danish Golden Age painters, and modern icons. With special exhibitions, lush park views, and tranquil galleries, SMK is a cultural cornerstone for art lovers and curious travelers alike.
A brief summary to Botanical Garden
- Peter Holms Vej, Aarhus C, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4587155415
- Visit website
Local tips
- Admission is free to the permanent collections; special exhibitions require a paid ticket.
- The museum café offers excellent park views and is perfect for a relaxing break.
- Large lockers are available free of charge—ideal if you arrive with luggage.
- Check the museum's programme for family workshops, especially during school holidays.
- Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited throughout the galleries.
Getting There
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Walking
From the heart of central Copenhagen, set out toward the lush stretches of The King’s Garden, a beloved city park. SMK stands directly at the park’s edge, its striking white façade visible amid the greenery. The stroll from the central pedestrian zone is leisurely and typically takes 10–20 minutes. The route passes historic monuments and lively city squares, making the walk itself part of the cultural experience.
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Public Transport
Frequent city buses link Copenhagen Central Station and the city center with stops near the museum, usually within 10–15 minutes. A standard adult ticket for buses or metro is 24–30 DKK. After alighting, visitors make their final approach with a brief walk along the perimeter of Østre Anlæg Park, with the museum clearly signposted from the park’s edge.
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Taxi
A taxi from central Copenhagen brings you to SMK in around 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic and city events. Fares usually range from 80–130 DKK. The museum’s entrance sits just beside the green expanse of The King’s Garden, easily identifiable upon arrival.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen is famously bike-friendly, and dedicated cycling lanes lead right up to the museum from the central city. Typical cycling time is about 5–10 minutes from main sights such as City Hall Square. Ample bike parking is available at the museum, free of charge, but be aware spaces fill up quickly on sunny weekends.
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Driving
Parking near SMK is limited; pay zones average 24–38 DKK per hour. Arriving by car is feasible, but many visitors find public transport or cycling easier, especially during busy museum hours or special exhibitions.
Discover more about Botanical Garden
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
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Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Møllestien
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Odense Cathedral (St. Canute’s Church) blends Gothic grandeur, royal tombs, and centuries of history in the vibrant heart of Denmark’s fairytale city.
Mølleparken
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Denmark’s national gallery showcasing centuries of Nordic and European art, iconic masterpieces, modern creativity, and interactive cultural experiences in Copenhagen.
Flodhesteungen Frederikke
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Denmark's national gallery fuses historic masterpieces with contemporary Nordic art in a striking architectural setting at the heart of Copenhagen.
Agnete og Havmanden
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Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
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A groundbreaking museum in Aarhus dedicated to gender, identity, and equality, featuring interactive exhibitions in a historic building near the city’s iconic cathedral.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
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Frederiks Plads
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A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
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Trøjborg Beboerhus
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Marselisborgmonumentet
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The Infinite Bridge
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Unmissable attractions to see
Stenpartiet
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Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
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Møllen i botanisk have Århus
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Urban beach escape south of Aarhus city center, offering clean sands, gentle waters, and year-round access beside forest and royal palace grounds.
Danish Poster Museum
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Discover the harmonious blend of Danish landscape design and university life at University Park, Aarhus – a peaceful green haven in the city’s academic core.
The Old Town
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Museumsbroen
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Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus offering hands-on astronomy, guided stargazing, and a unique glimpse into Denmark’s pioneering scientific past.
Steno Museum
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An inviting sandy beach just south of Aarhus’ center, Marselisborg Strand blends tranquil city seafronts, recreational opportunities, and Nordic nature views for all seasons.
Aarhus Culture Walk
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Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
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Our Lady Church
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Sprawling lawns, iconic yellow-brick university buildings, lakes, and tree-lined paths create a tranquil oasis at the heart of Aarhus' academic and cultural life.
Kunsthal Aarhus
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The Latin Quarter in Aarhus beckons with historic cobbled streets, vibrant cafés, creative boutiques, and a rich, bohemian atmosphere in Denmark’s oldest neighborhood.
Mindrebæltsbroen
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Aarhus waterfront combines striking modern architecture, bustling harbor life, and vibrant social spaces, creating a must-see hub where city energy meets coastal serenity.
Klostertorvet
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Aarhus waterfront is a vibrant synthesis of modern Nordic architecture, historic harbor heritage, lively promenades, and captivating sea views in Denmark’s urban heart.
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
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Aarhus University Park blends scenic green spaces, serene lakes, and iconic architecture—offering a tranquil escape and vibrant academic atmosphere in Aarhus' city heart.
University Park, Aarhus
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Malt - Mad, Øl & Vin
0.6 km
Nordic culinary craft, local brews, and Danish heritage converge at Restaurant Malt, where history and inventive cuisine create a must-visit Aarhus experience.
Møf
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Den Lille Kro
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Gastro & Vino
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Lupo
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Keyser Social
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Bardok
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Restaurant Komfur
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Langhoff & Juul
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Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Kolo
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Bernth & co
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Gusto
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Restaurant Dauphine ApS
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SYV NI 13
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L'estragon
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magpie Lane Vintage
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Aarhus’ go-to vintage boutique for unique, handpicked fashion finds and classic accessories in an inviting, sustainability-focused setting.
Weekday
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Experience Scandinavian street style and innovative fashion at Weekday Aarhus, a contemporary hub for trendsetting men’s and women’s clothing in vibrant central Aarhus.
Magasin Aarhus
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LÏST Store
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Jooma Aarhus
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Royal Copenhagen - Aarhus
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Bruuns Galleri
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Luna Hvid
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Ancher
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SecondLux
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Aarhus Antik
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Mols Haven
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Molsløbet
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Hjorten
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Mundhæld
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S'vinbar
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Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
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Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
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Fairbar
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Two Socks Ginbar
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Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub
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Oops - Bar, lounge og Rombar i Århus
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Waxies
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Barstart
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Clemens Bar
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