SMK – Denmark’s National Gallery: Artistic Heart of Copenhagen
Denmark’s national gallery showcasing centuries of Nordic and European art, iconic masterpieces, modern creativity, and interactive cultural experiences in Copenhagen.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s preeminent art museum, housed in a grand neoclassical building in central Copenhagen. Its extensive collection spans seven centuries, featuring masterpieces by Danish Golden Age painters, European giants like Matisse and Rembrandt, and provocative modern installations. Visitors are immersed in both the country's artistic heritage and international creativity in atmospheric galleries and contemporary wings.
A brief summary to Mølleparken
- Møllegade 1, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- Visit website
Local tips
- Admission is free to the museum’s permanent collections for visitors under 27 and on select weekdays year-round.
- Arrive early to enjoy a quieter experience—weekends and late afternoons are busiest, especially for special exhibitions.
- The café serves excellent lunches, but picnic-friendly Østre Anlæg park is steps away if you prefer outdoor relaxation.
- Lockers are available for bags and coats; large bags are not permitted in the galleries.
- Check the calendar for free guided tours in English, typically offered on weekends or during major exhibitions.
Getting There
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Walking
From Copenhagen’s central square or the iconic city lakes, it's a pleasant 10–20 minute walk toward the leafy parkland fringe of the city center. The museum’s stately facade is visible across the gardens of Østre Anlæg, making it easy to spot as you approach through this peaceful green space.
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Public Transport
Buses from key city hubs, such as Nørreport Station or Kongens Nytorv, run frequently to stops bordering the city's museum district. Expect a 5–10-minute ride (typical single ticket DKK 24). From the nearest stop, SMK is clearly signposted along the park boundary, just a short stroll away.
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Taxi
Taxis from central Copenhagen reach SMK quickly—usually within 5–10 minutes, with typical fares around DKK 75–120 depending on traffic and time of day. The museum entrance is well known, and drivers can drop visitors directly at the accessible entryway.
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Driving/Parking
Limited public parking is available close to the museum and within the nearby park zone. City parking meters typically charge DKK 24–38 per hour. Due to frequent events and the popularity of the area, parking spaces may fill up, so public transport is often more convenient.
Discover more about Mølleparken
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Den Svangre
0.5 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
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.
Endless Connection
0.8 km
Experience the dynamic interplay of art and water at Aarhus's Endless Connection, an interactive fountain by Jeppe Hein.
Frederiks Plads
0.9 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Aarhus waterfront
0.9 km
Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.
Botanical Garden
1.0 km
Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
1.0 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Steno Museum
1.1 km
Explore the Steno Museum in Aarhus, where science and history come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
1.4 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
1.9 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
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
2.1 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
2.9 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Aarhus Culture Walk
0.1 km
Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.
Møllestien
0.1 km
Pastel cottages, cobbled stones and climbing roses – a tiny historic lane where centuries of Aarhus history live behind colourful facades.
Kunsthal Aarhus
0.1 km
Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.
Museumsbroen
0.2 km
Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus offering hands-on astronomy, guided stargazing, and a unique glimpse into Denmark’s pioneering scientific past.
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
0.2 km
Ten floors of Danish and international art crowned by a rainbow‑coloured skywalk, ARoS turns Aarhus’s skyline into part of a bold, immersive museum experience.
Sherlock Holmes Pub
0.3 km
Discover Aarhus’ charismatic Latin Quarter—a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively cafés, creative boutiques, and historic charm at the city’s vibrant core.
Flodhestefontæne
0.3 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.
Flodhesteungen Frederikke
0.3 km
A small granite hippo resting in the middle of Frederiksgade, Flodhesteungen Frederikke adds a playful, tactile pause to the busy streets of central Aarhus.
Our Lady Church
0.4 km
Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.
Musikhuset Aarhus
0.4 km
Northern Europe's largest concert hall delivering world-class performances in stunning Scandinavian architecture.
Strøget
0.4 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.
Vadestedet
0.4 km
Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
Klostertorvet
0.4 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Salling ROOFTOP
0.4 km
Sky-high city park, glass-floored skywalk and stylish café-bar rolled into one panoramic rooftop above Aarhus’ main shopping street.
Ismael
0.5 km
A poised bronze boy with bow and arrow brings quiet drama and historic artistry to the intimate city square of Klostertorvet in central Aarhus.
Essential places to dine
AmoRomA
0.2 km
Neighbourhood-style Italian restaurant in central Aarhus serving generous pizzas and pastas in a cosy, candlelit room on lively Vestergade.
Restaurant Amalfi
0.2 km
Authentic Italian pasta and pizza in central Aarhus, where skilled cooking and warm service meet reasonable prices.
Møf
0.3 km
Inventive new Nordic cuisine, inspired by local ingredients, served in a lively and intimate setting in central Aarhus.
Bardok
0.3 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.
SYV NI 13
0.3 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.
Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub
0.3 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
0.3 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.
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.
Lydmar Restaurang
0.3 km
Intimate, modern dining on lively Vestergade in the heart of Aarhus C, pairing relaxed Scandinavian ambience with simple, well-crafted seasonal dishes.
Restaurant L'øst
0.4 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.
Gastro & Vino
0.4 km
Discover exquisite Danish cuisine and thoughtfully paired wines in an intimate, backyard setting at Gastro & Vino, one of Aarhus’s most celebrated culinary gems.
Den Lille Kro
0.4 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a timeless neighbourhood setting, where tradition meets quality ingredients.
Raadhuus Kafeen
0.4 km
Aarhus's most authentic Danish kitchen, serving generations with generous portions and timeless Nordic flavors.
Keyser Social
0.4 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.
Restaurant Malt - Mad, Øl & Vin
0.4 km
Experience innovative Nordic-Thai cuisine in Aarhus' historic Ceres Brewery at Restaurant Malt.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
1 + 1 Textil & Design
0.3 km
Intimate Aarhus boutique showcasing handpicked Danish ceramics, textiles and jewellery, curated by textile designer Helene Vonsild in atmospheric Grønnegade.
Epic Panda
0.3 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.
UNIQ
0.3 km
Compact, curated vintage in the heart of Aarhus, blending sustainable fashion, Scandinavian style and an easygoing boutique atmosphere on lively Frederiksgade.
CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
0.3 km
Luxury fragrance and beauty in the heart of Aarhus, with personalized consultations and CHANEL's complete cosmetic collection.
Blue Caviar
0.4 km
Curated fashion boutique in Aarhus city center offering distinctive clothing and contemporary design pieces.
SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS
0.4 km
A bright, modern Sephora on Magasin’s ground floor, bringing international beauty brands, fragrance and skincare to the very heart of downtown Aarhus.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.4 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.
Magasin Aarhus
0.4 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.
Hørlyck Aarhus
0.4 km
Intimate shoe and fashion boutique on atmospheric Vestergade, blending Scandinavian elegance with curated footwear, clothing and a relaxed Aarhus city-centre vibe.
Royal Copenhagen - Aarhus
0.4 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage at Royal Copenhagen Aarhus, a refined destination for iconic tableware, handcrafted designs, and timeless design inspiration.
Bog & idé - Aarhus, Svend A. Larsen
0.4 km
Classic city-center book and stationery store where shelves of novels, notebooks, games and gifts offer a cozy cultural pause in the heart of Aarhus.
& Other Stories
0.4 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.
Darling Inspire
0.4 km
Intimate Aarhus clothing boutique in the Latin Quarter, where Danish design, slow fashion and a calm studio-like atmosphere invite unhurried browsing.
Vintage Divine
0.4 km
Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s–1970s, expertly curated and restored in central Aarhus.
Collage the Shop Womens Aarhus
0.4 km
Minimalist luxury boutique showcasing curated women's accessories in a beautifully designed historic space.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mundhæld
0.2 km
Discover the charm of Mundhæld, a cozy bar in Aarhus offering a delightful selection of craft beers and a unique ambiance for every traveler.
V58
0.2 km
Courtyard-hideaway bar and music spot in central Aarhus, blending crafted cocktails, Mediterranean flavours and intimate live performances late into the night.
Vesterlauget
0.2 km
Cozy madbodega on Vestergade serving simple Danish comfort food, strong coffee and great beer in a relaxed, communal bar-restaurant setting.
Die kleine Bierstube
0.3 km
Cozy German-style pub on lively Frederiksgade, pouring classic Bavarian beers and serving hearty schnitzel in a wood-paneled corner of central Aarhus.
Hjorten
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Aarhus nightlife at Hjorten, a lively bodega with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
Oops - Bar, lounge og Rombar i Århus
0.3 km
Discover Oops Bar in Aarhus - a vibrant cocktail haven blending style and comfort with an exquisite drink menu and light bites.
Waxies
0.4 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.
S'vinbar
0.4 km
Intimate Aarhus wine bar where more than 300 carefully chosen bottles, sunlit pavement tables and relaxed expertise turn Klostergade into a cosy vinous living room.
Barstart
0.5 km
Discover Barstart, Aarhus' premier cocktail bar offering vibrant drinks, small plates, and a unique Tarantino-themed ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Two Socks Ginbar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting ambiance of Two Socks Ginbar, a haven for gin lovers in the heart of Aarhus, Denmark, where expert mixology meets local charm.
Fairbar
0.5 km
Experience the perfect blend of bar and cafe culture at Fairbar in Aarhus, offering a cozy ambiance and a diverse drink menu.
Vinstuen
0.5 km
Experience the cozy charm of Vinstuen, a beloved bar in Aarhus, offering refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Clemens Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.
Bar Smil Aarhus
0.5 km
Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
SWAY
0.5 km
Central Aarhus bar with affordable drinks, attentive staff, and vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
equalclub
0.2 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Bernhardt Natklub
0.5 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
0.6 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
GBAR
0.7 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
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at LA Tequila Bar, offering an extensive tequila selection and energetic ambiance in the heart of Midtbyen.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
0.7 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
