SMK – Denmark’s National Gallery: A Journey Through Art
Denmark’s premier art museum, SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst captivates with masterpieces from the Renaissance to today in the heart of Copenhagen.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s premier art museum, located in central Copenhagen. Home to a magnificent collection ranging from the European Renaissance to cutting-edge contemporary works, it invites visitors to explore centuries of creativity in a grand, light-filled setting. Renowned for its striking architecture combining classical and modern elements, SMK is both a cultural landmark and a vibrant hub for art lovers, families, and curious explorers alike.
A brief summary to Møllestien
- Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
Local tips
- Admission is free to the permanent collections; special exhibitions require a ticket.
- Large lockers and coat storage are available free of charge.
- Visit on Wednesdays for extended evening hours and a lively cultural scene.
- The café’s terrace is a peaceful spot for coffee overlooking the gardens.
- Families will find interactive activities and kid-friendly trails throughout the museum.
Getting There
-
Walking
From the heart of Copenhagen, it’s a pleasant walk through the city’s historic core, with the museum situated beside the lush expanses of Østre Anlæg park and close to the Botanical Garden. The journey typically takes about 10–15 minutes on foot, passing fashionable shops, cafés, and restored classical buildings. The museum’s grand façade and distinctive glass extension stand out as you near the park, providing a visible destination for walkers.
-
Public Transport
City buses and the M3 (Cityringen) metro line both stop within a short walk of the museum, connecting directly from main transport hubs such as Nørreport Station. A ticket for travel within the city zone costs around 24 DKK and is valid for all city buses and the metro for 60 minutes. From the nearest station, the museum entrance can be reached within a 5–7 minute stroll through leafy surroundings. All public transport is fully accessible, and there are ramps at the museum entrance.
-
Taxi
A taxi from Copenhagen’s central hotels or the main shopping district provides a comfortable door-to-door ride, typically taking under 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of 60–100 DKK for this short city journey. There is a designated taxi drop-off area in front of the main entrance for ease of access.
-
Driving
While driving is possible, parking near the museum is limited, with public parking spaces available along the streets surrounding Østre Anlæg and the nearby city blocks. Municipal parking rates are approximately 24–38 DKK per hour, and spaces can fill quickly—especially on weekends. Visitors with mobility needs will find accessible parking spots near the main entrance.
Discover more about Møllestien
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Den Svangre
0.6 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Agnete og Havmanden
0.6 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.
Aarhus waterfront
0.8 km
Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.
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.
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
1.0 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
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.
Steno Museum
1.0 km
Explore the Steno Museum in Aarhus, where science and history come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
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
1.4 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
2.0 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
3.0 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Unmissable attractions to see
Aarhus Culture Walk
0.0 km
Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.
Mølleparken
0.1 km
Compact yet characterful, Mølleparken is Aarhus’ riverside green room, blending mill-town history, public art, student life and festival energy in one urban pocket.
Kunsthal Aarhus
0.2 km
Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.
Museumsbroen
0.3 km
Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus offering hands-on astronomy, guided stargazing, and a unique glimpse into Denmark’s pioneering scientific past.
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.
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.
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
0.3 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.
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.
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.
Ismael
0.4 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.
Lille Torv
0.4 km
Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
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.
Musikhuset Aarhus
0.4 km
Northern Europe's largest concert hall delivering world-class performances in stunning Scandinavian architecture.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Amalfi
0.1 km
Authentic Italian pasta and pizza in central Aarhus, where skilled cooking and warm service meet reasonable prices.
AmoRomA
0.1 km
Neighbourhood-style Italian restaurant in central Aarhus serving generous pizzas and pastas in a cosy, candlelit room on lively Vestergade.
Møf
0.2 km
Inventive new Nordic cuisine, inspired by local ingredients, served in a lively and intimate setting in central Aarhus.
Bardok
0.2 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.
Lupo
0.2 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.
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.
Gastro & Vino
0.3 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
0.3 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a timeless neighbourhood setting, where tradition meets quality ingredients.
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.
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.
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.
Grappa Aps
0.4 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.
Raadhuus Kafeen
0.4 km
Aarhus's most authentic Danish kitchen, serving generations with generous portions and timeless Nordic flavors.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
1 + 1 Textil & Design
0.2 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.
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
0.3 km
Curated fashion boutique in Aarhus city center offering distinctive clothing and contemporary design pieces.
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.
SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS
0.3 km
A bright, modern Sephora on Magasin’s ground floor, bringing international beauty brands, fragrance and skincare to the very heart of downtown Aarhus.
Hørlyck Aarhus
0.3 km
Intimate shoe and fashion boutique on atmospheric Vestergade, blending Scandinavian elegance with curated footwear, clothing and a relaxed Aarhus city-centre vibe.
Magasin Aarhus
0.3 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.
Darling Inspire
0.3 km
Intimate Aarhus clothing boutique in the Latin Quarter, where Danish design, slow fashion and a calm studio-like atmosphere invite unhurried browsing.
& Other Stories
0.3 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.
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.
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.
Collage the Shop Mens Aarhus
0.4 km
Polished menswear boutique on historic Lille Torv, pairing curated designer labels with minimalist interior design and attentive, style-focused service.
RAINS Store Aarhus
0.4 km
A sculptural, minimalist flagship where Danish rainwear design meets gallery-like interiors in the heart of Aarhus’ main shopping district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mundhæld
0.1 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
0.1 km
Courtyard-hideaway bar and music spot in central Aarhus, blending crafted cocktails, Mediterranean flavours and intimate live performances late into the night.
Vesterlauget
0.1 km
Cozy madbodega on Vestergade serving simple Danish comfort food, strong coffee and great beer in a relaxed, communal bar-restaurant setting.
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.
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.
Waxies
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Fairbar
0.4 km
Experience the perfect blend of bar and cafe culture at Fairbar in Aarhus, offering a cozy ambiance and a diverse drink menu.
Two Socks Ginbar
0.4 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.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus, featuring a diverse selection of beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Barstart
0.4 km
Discover Barstart, Aarhus' premier cocktail bar offering vibrant drinks, small plates, and a unique Tarantino-themed ambiance for an unforgettable night out.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
Bar Smil Aarhus
0.4 km
Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
Clemens Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.
