SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst: Denmark’s National Gallery
Denmark's national gallery fuses historic masterpieces with contemporary Nordic art in a striking architectural setting at the heart of Copenhagen.
The SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s world-class national gallery, located in central Copenhagen. Visitors can discover a rich tapestry of art spanning seven centuries, from Renaissance masterpieces and Danish Golden Age icons to provocative contemporary works. The museum is renowned for its striking architecture—merging neoclassical grandeur with modern Scandinavian design—and its inviting, light-filled spaces make it a leading cultural destination in the city.
A brief summary to Flodhesteungen Frederikke
- 28, C, Frederiksgade 27, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- Visit website
Local tips
- Admission is free for visitors under 18 and often on Wednesdays after 5pm—check for special free hours before your visit.
- Don’t miss the café terrace overlooking the park—perfect for a relaxing break amid your gallery tour.
- The museum coat check is free, making it easy to enjoy your visit unburdened by bags or coats.
- Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest galleries and best opportunities for peaceful contemplation.
- Families will find hands-on creative workshops on weekends and school holidays, ideal for inspiring younger visitors.
Getting There
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Walking
From Copenhagen’s main downtown area or Østre Anlæg park, the museum sits within a 10–20 minute stroll amid historic avenues and green spaces. Copenhagen’s signature cycle lanes make it equally accessible by bike, and the sculpted silhouette of the museum is recognizable upon approach.
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Public Transport
Buses from central city stops and Nørreport Station reach the museum area in around 8–14 minutes. Tickets for city buses or metro cost approximately 24–36 DKK for a single journey. From transit hubs, the museum is a quick, well-signposted walk through the park’s edge.
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Taxi
A taxi from central Copenhagen brings you directly to the museum’s entrance in under 10 minutes (typical fare: 80–130 DKK depending on traffic). Drop-off is right in front of the striking neoclassical facade.
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Driving/Parking
Street parking near the museum is limited and uses municipal pay meters, averaging 24–38 DKK per hour. No tolls apply, but high demand means it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends or during major exhibitions.
Discover more about Flodhesteungen Frederikke
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Agnete og Havmanden
0.5 km
Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
Den Svangre
0.5 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Frederiks Plads
0.7 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
0.9 km
Historic mill at the heart of Aarhus's verdant botanical sanctuary, blending heritage with living gardens.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
0.9 km
Step into a vibrant world of exotic plants, interactive exhibits, and striking glass architecture at Aarhus's Greenhouses—a serene escape for nature lovers.
Steno Museum
1.1 km
Explore the Steno Museum in Aarhus, where science and history come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
1.2 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Botanical Garden
1.2 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
1.3 km
Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.
University Park, Aarhus
1.5 km
Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
1.8 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
1.8 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
1.9 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Tivoli Friheden
2.2 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Flagpladsen
2.8 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Flodhestefontæne
0.0 km
Aarhus waterfront fuses cutting-edge architecture, vibrant public spaces, and breathtaking bay views, offering an essential experience at the heart of Denmark's dynamic cityscape.
Strøget
0.2 km
Aarhus’ 850‑metre pedestrian high street, where shops, cafés and everyday city life line a car‑free spine between the central station, riverfront and cathedral.
Salling ROOFTOP
0.2 km
Sky-high city park, glass-floored skywalk and stylish café-bar rolled into one panoramic rooftop above Aarhus’ main shopping street.
Sankt Clements Torv
0.2 km
Compact, historic and constantly in motion, Sankt Clemens Torv is the everyday crossroads between cathedral, Viking past, riverside cafés and modern shopping Aarhus.
Vadestedet
0.2 km
Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Kunsthal Aarhus
0.2 km
Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.
Sherlock Holmes Pub
0.2 km
Discover Aarhus’ charismatic Latin Quarter—a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively cafés, creative boutiques, and historic charm at the city’s vibrant core.
Viking Museum
0.2 km
Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
Lille Torv
0.3 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
Aarhus Culture Walk
0.3 km
Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.
Store Torv
0.3 km
Centuries-old Store Torv is Aarhus’ historic main square, where cathedral spires, grand facades and pedestrian street life converge in a lively urban living room.
Our Lady Church
0.3 km
Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.
Møllestien
0.3 km
Pastel cottages, cobbled stones and climbing roses – a tiny historic lane where centuries of Aarhus history live behind colourful facades.
Mural - The Seagull Kiss
0.3 km
An iconic Hans Krull mural on a Fiskergade gable, "The Seagull Kiss" fuses fantasy, seafaring spirit and bohemian Aarhus into one unforgettable street-side scene.
Bishop's Square
0.3 km
Marselisborg Castle offers royal heritage, tranquil English-style gardens, and the dramatic changing of the guard—an essential cultural and green escape south of Aarhus city center.
Essential places to dine
Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub
0.0 km
A multi-room Irish gastropub in central Aarhus, blending cosy pub dining, live music and big-screen sport with Irish warmth and Danish hygge under one lively roof.
Restaurant Dauphine ApS
0.0 km
Restaurant Dauphine in Aarhus blends Nordic ingredients with French culinary flair, offering a refined tasting menu and expertly paired wines in a stylish, intimate setting.
Bardok
0.1 km
Discover Bardok in Aarhus—a contemporary small-plates restaurant known for inventive cuisine, social dining, and a lively riverside atmosphere in the city center.
Restaurant L'øst
0.1 km
Modern Nordic bistro flavors and relaxed hotel comfort meet at Restaurant L’øst, a casual yet polished dining room in the very centre of Aarhus C.
Grappa Aps
0.2 km
Modern Italian kitchen and wine bar on Aarhus’ lively riverfront, serving pizzas, pasta and antipasti from brunch to late evening in a warm, social setting.
SYV NI 13
0.2 km
Skyline social dining on the 19th floor of Aarhus’ TRÆ building, where minimalist Nordic plates, global flavours and harbour views come together over shared menus.
Lydmar Restaurang
0.2 km
Intimate, modern dining on lively Vestergade in the heart of Aarhus C, pairing relaxed Scandinavian ambience with simple, well-crafted seasonal dishes.
KöD Aarhus
0.2 km
Riverfront steakhouse in central Aarhus, serving premium cuts, generous sides and bold wines in a warm, low-lit setting made for slow, sociable dinners.
Raadhuus Kafeen
0.3 km
Aarhus's most authentic Danish kitchen, serving generations with generous portions and timeless Nordic flavors.
Lupo
0.3 km
Big‑hearted Italian dining on Frue Kirkeplads, where homemade pasta, good wine and a lively, sociable room turn an evening in central Aarhus into its own celebration.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Aarhus
0.3 km
Classic Danish steakhouse tradition on the Åboulevarden waterfront, pairing expertly grilled beef with polished Scandinavian design and a serious wine and beer list.
Keyser Social
0.3 km
Creative Asian–Nordic social dining in the heart of Aarhus, where multi-course sharing menus, refined cocktails and warm urban design turn dinner into an evening-long experience.
Pho C&P
0.3 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in a cozy Aarhus hideaway—exceptional quality, reasonable prices, reservations essential.
Restaurant Amalfi
0.3 km
Authentic Italian pasta and pizza in central Aarhus, where skilled cooking and warm service meet reasonable prices.
Carlton
0.3 km
A central Aarhus brasserie-style restaurant and bar where polished plates, a strong wine list and warm lighting create an intimate, grown‑up city evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
UNIQ
0.0 km
Compact, curated vintage in the heart of Aarhus, blending sustainable fashion, Scandinavian style and an easygoing boutique atmosphere on lively Frederiksgade.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.1 km
Aarhus C’s most playful gift shop, renowned for quirky Danish design, affordable treasures, and creative finds—perfect for unique souvenirs and cheerful everyday essentials.
Epic Panda
0.1 km
Cozy underground game store in central Aarhus, blending packed shelves of board games and card games with a friendly, late‑night community play space.
CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
0.1 km
Luxury fragrance and beauty in the heart of Aarhus, with personalized consultations and CHANEL's complete cosmetic collection.
Femilet
0.1 km
Scandinavian lingerie boutique in central Aarhus, offering personalised fittings, comfortable essentials and cosy nightwear in a calm setting on busy Søndergade.
Salling Aarhus
0.2 km
Flagship Aarhus department store where fashion, food, design and a panoramic rooftop terrace with glass skywalk and city views all meet under one central roof.
SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS
0.2 km
A bright, modern Sephora on Magasin’s ground floor, bringing international beauty brands, fragrance and skincare to the very heart of downtown Aarhus.
Magasin Aarhus
0.2 km
Experience the stylish pulse of Aarhus at Magasin, a landmark department store with historic roots, Nordic design, fashion, gourmet eats, and city-center charm.
Plakaten
0.2 km
Long‑standing Aarhus poster boutique on Sankt Clemens Torv, blending curated art prints with expert framing services in the heart of the city’s main shopping street.
BESTSELLER Rømerhus
0.2 km
Flagship BESTSELLER fashion house in a historic Aarhus icon, blending classic architecture, modern Scandinavian design and multi-brand style under one roof.
Blue Caviar
0.2 km
Curated fashion boutique in Aarhus city center offering distinctive clothing and contemporary design pieces.
Mrs. P Coffee & The
0.2 km
A cosy Aarhus specialty shop where aromatic coffee, fine teas, chocolates and wines come together in beautifully curated gifts and everyday indulgences.
Royal Vintage
0.2 km
Hidden down a quiet Aarhus lane, Royal Vintage offers a compact, carefully curated selection of pre-loved fashion for travellers who love slow, sustainable style.
Royal Copenhagen - Aarhus
0.2 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage at Royal Copenhagen Aarhus, a refined destination for iconic tableware, handcrafted designs, and timeless design inspiration.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
A bright Scandinavian fashion playground in central Aarhus, blending ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories and beauty into one polished, design-led women’s wardrobe.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Oops - Bar, lounge og Rombar i Århus
0.0 km
Discover Oops Bar in Aarhus - a vibrant cocktail haven blending style and comfort with an exquisite drink menu and light bites.
Waxies
0.1 km
Lively Irish pub and sports bar in central Aarhus, blending cosy wood‑panelled charm with live music, games and big‑screen sports late into the night.
Barstart
0.1 km
Discover Barstart, Aarhus' premier cocktail bar offering vibrant drinks, small plates, and a unique Tarantino-themed ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Vinstuen
0.2 km
Experience the cozy charm of Vinstuen, a beloved bar in Aarhus, offering refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
SWAY
0.2 km
Central Aarhus bar with affordable drinks, attentive staff, and vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Clemens Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.
Bar Smil Aarhus
0.2 km
Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
Die kleine Bierstube
0.2 km
Cozy German-style pub on lively Frederiksgade, pouring classic Bavarian beers and serving hearty schnitzel in a wood-paneled corner of central Aarhus.
London
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at its premier cocktail bar, blending innovative drinks with a stylish ambiance for an unforgettable evening.
Bitter Bar
0.2 km
Experience the lively ambiance and innovative cocktails at Bitter Bar, a must-visit nightlife gem in Aarhus.
Herr Bartels
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Herr Bartels, a premier cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere.
LouLou Aarhus
0.2 km
Glam cocktail bar and 23+ nightclub on Aarhus’ riverside strip, where playful décor, crafted drinks and a pulsing dance floor keep weekends going till dawn.
Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alberts Cocktail Bar in Aarhus, featuring innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing.
The Old Irish Pub
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant spirit of Ireland at The Old Irish Pub in Aarhus, where great food, drinks, and live entertainment await.
Rabalder Bar Aarhus
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Rabalder Bar, where creative cocktails and lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
0.3 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Bernhardt Natklub
0.3 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
0.3 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
equalclub
0.4 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
GBAR
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
LA Tequila Bar Aarhus
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at LA Tequila Bar, offering an extensive tequila selection and energetic ambiance in the heart of Midtbyen.
Lounge 8000
0.4 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
