SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst: Denmark’s Premier Art Collection
Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.
The SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen is Denmark's national gallery, presenting a remarkable journey through seven centuries of art. Inside its bright, spacious halls, you'll encounter old masters such as Rembrandt and Rubens, Danish Golden Age icons, and one of Scandinavia's richest collections of modern and contemporary works. The museum's striking architecture blends historic grandeur with cutting-edge design, while tranquil gardens and imaginative exhibitions make it an essential stop for art lovers and culture seekers.
A brief summary to University Park, Aarhus
- Ole Worms Allé 8, Aarhus Municipality, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4589422340
- Visit website
Local tips
- Admission is free for visitors under 27 and every Wednesday evening; check for special exhibition surcharges.
- The SMK café overlooks the park and is ideal for lunch or coffee breaks between galleries.
- Lockers and a spacious cloakroom are available, making it easy to store bags while exploring.
- Families can enjoy dedicated activity rooms and creative workshops—perfect for children of various ages.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Østre Anlæg park or as part of a museum day with the nearby Rosenborg Castle.
Getting There
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Walking
From Copenhagen’s main shopping district and the iconic Round Tower, SMK is a delightful walk through the city’s historic center. You’ll cross lively squares and pass the lush lawns of Rosenborg Castle Gardens. Allow about 15–20 minutes on foot, with plenty of city life and green spaces en route.
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Public Transport
Several city bus lines and the M3 Metro Circle Line connect central Copenhagen with stops near SMK. The typical journey from Copenhagen Central Station or Nørreport Station takes 8–12 minutes. Single-trip tickets within the city zone are 24 DKK for adults (about €3.20). The museum is visible near the edges of Østre Anlæg park, just a short stroll from major transport hubs.
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Taxi
Taxis from City Hall Square or Copenhagen’s main hotels take approximately 8–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares average 80–120 DKK (roughly €11–16). Taxis can drop guests directly outside the museum’s main entrance, which is well signed and wheelchair accessible.
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Driving and Parking
Parking spaces are limited in the area surrounding SMK, and subject to standard city center rates (typically 39–48 DKK per hour in nearby public lots or street zones). Consider public transport or bikes for convenience. There are bicycle racks directly by the entrance for those arriving on two wheels.
Discover more about University Park, Aarhus
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
0.6 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
0.7 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.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
0.8 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
1.7 km
Iconic contemporary art museum in Aarhus known for bold exhibitions, interactive experiences, and the mesmerizing rooftop rainbow panorama overlooking the city.
Rådhusparken
1.9 km
An elegant city park at Aarhus’ core, Rådhusparken blends iconic architecture, sculptures, and tranquil green spaces right beside the city hall.
Den Svangre
1.9 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Agnete og Havmanden
1.9 km
Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.
Frederiks Plads
2.2 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Tivoli Friheden
3.6 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
4.3 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborgmonumentet
4.4 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Mindeparken
4.4 km
Aarhus' Mindeparken: Where history, remembrance, and recreation meet in a stunning parkland setting by Marselisborg Palace, offering bay views and tranquil gardens.
Unmissable attractions to see
Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
0.2 km
Denmark’s second-largest natural history museum, blending immersive wildlife dioramas, Danish ecosystems and cutting-edge research in a compact, campus setting.
Museum of Ancient Art, Aarhus
0.2 km
Compact, scholarly and free to enter, Aarhus’ Museum of Ancient Art offers a calm, campus-side encounter with Greek, Etruscan and Roman worlds.
Steno Museum
0.4 km
Marselisborg Castle offers a regal experience close to Aarhus, with public parklands, royal ceremonies, and sculpted gardens reflecting Danish history and culture.
AU Garden
0.4 km
Elegant royal gardens, seasonal Changing of the Guard, and public parkland by Aarhus Bay—Marselisborg Castle unites Danish history, art, and serene landscapes in one regal retreat.
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
1.1 km
Hands-on history hunts in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Viking traces and town stories turn into clue-driven adventures for curious families and small groups.
Mindrebæltsbroen
1.1 km
Royal residence on Aarhus Bay with historic gardens, open parkland, classic Danish architecture, and the chance to witness the royal guard—all amidst city green space.
Botanical Garden
1.1 km
Free tropical greenhouses and Danish gardens in Aarhus's verdant heart, open year-round.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
1.1 km
Step into Aarhus’ luminous Greenhouses, where four climate zones, towering tropical plants and Danish landscapes outside create a calm, free botanical escape all year.
Ismael
1.2 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.
Udsigtspladsen
1.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic bridge tower reinvented as a creative hub with panoramic harbour views, cultural events, and an authentic glimpse into the city’s living history.
Klostertorvet
1.2 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Stenpartiet
1.2 km
A compact rock garden in Aarhus’ Botanical Garden, where stone, slope and hardy plants create a miniature mountain landscape rich in texture and quiet detail.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
1.2 km
Urban beach escape south of Aarhus city center, offering clean sands, gentle waters, and year-round access beside forest and royal palace grounds.
Our Lady Church
1.2 km
Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.
Latinerkvarteret
1.2 km
Aarhus’ oldest quarter: cobbled lanes, medieval houses, indie shops and café terraces creating a compact, bohemian neighborhood just behind the cathedral.
Essential places to dine
Mevino & Mondrup
0.8 km
Experience innovative Danish cuisine and curated wines in the heart of Aarhus' Trøjborg district.
Casa Mia Trøjborg
0.8 km
Savor genuine Italian pizza and a homey Danish-Italian vibe in the heart of Aarhus' Trøjborg district, a neighborhood favorite for casual and cozy dining.
Sevag's Grækeren
0.8 km
Discover authentic Greek cuisine and warm hospitality at Sevag’s Grækeren, a local favorite in Aarhus’ lively Trøjborg neighborhood, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere.
Kantina
0.8 km
Contemporary Danish dining with a cozy neighborhood vibe, creative seasonal menus, and welcoming ambiance in Trøjborg—perfect for casual meals and local flavor.
Fratelli Pizzeria (Trøjborg)
1.0 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Fratelli Pizzeria in Aarhus – where every bite transports you straight to Italy.
Restaurant Komfur
1.0 km
Restaurant Komfur in Aarhus offers modern Danish cuisine in a stylish yet comforting space, celebrated for creative menus, vibrant atmosphere, and local culinary flair.
Le Basilic
1.1 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in the heart of Aarhus's Latin Quarter at Le Basilic.
Gusto
1.1 km
Honest sourdough pizza, natural wines and warm, late-night buzz in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter.
Restaurant Olive
1.1 km
Neighbourhood-style bistro in central Aarhus with classic comfort cooking, intimate candlelit tables and the rare bonus of bring-your-own wine at moderate prices.
Den Lille Kro
1.1 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a timeless neighbourhood setting, where tradition meets quality ingredients.
Kolo
1.1 km
Urban kolonihave vibes, reimagined kebab and vegetable-led plates, and natural wines on tap in one of Aarhus’ most inviting city-centre dining rooms.
Det Glade Vanvid
1.1 km
Fixed‑price gourmet, free‑flowing wine and a three‑hour social dining experience on the harbourfront, crafted by Denmark’s Koch brothers in central Aarhus.
Langhoff & Juul
1.1 km
Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Restaurant Anker
1.1 km
Modern Nordic seafood and cocktails in a light-filled, maritime-inspired dining room overlooking the boats and water of Aarhus’ revitalised Nordhavn harbour.
Gastro & Vino
1.1 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Stakbogladen A / S - Study books in Aarhus
0.3 km
Campus bookstore at Studenternes Hus in Aarhus, specialising in curriculum titles, academic literature and study essentials for the city’s university community.
Ancher
0.8 km
Discover holistic wellness at Ancher, Trøjborg's premier health and beauty destination in Aarhus.
SecondLux
0.9 km
Browse handpicked sustainable fashion and unique vintage finds in a welcoming consignment boutique at the heart of Trøjborg’s independent scene.
Storcenter Nord
0.9 km
Modern shopping complex with 60+ stores, dining, and Scandinavia's largest free-access saltwater aquarium.
Røde Kors Butik Krydsfelt
1.0 km
Curated Red Cross thrift in central Aarhus, where unique second-hand fashion, long-hours self-service and a social mission turn browsing into feel-good shopping.
Salvation Army thrift store
1.0 km
Charity-run thrift haven in central Aarhus, where ever-changing second-hand finds and small prices support the Salvation Army’s wider social work.
All Time Vintage
1.0 km
Compact, curated and characterful, All Time Vintage brings sustainable style and one-off wardrobe finds to the heart of Aarhus’ Nørregade neighbourhood.
So ein Ding - Vintage
1.0 km
Small basement vintage shop in central Aarhus with Berlin–New York inspired second-hand fashion, retro 70s flair and handpicked, affordable pieces for men and women.
PRAG
1.0 km
Colourful vintage fashion in the heart of Aarhus, where curated second-hand style meets relaxed, student-city energy on lively Nørregade.
Magpie Lane Vintage
1.0 km
Aarhus’ go-to vintage boutique for unique, handpicked fashion finds and classic accessories in an inviting, sustainability-focused setting.
S.T. Valentin
1.1 km
Contemporary menswear boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality footwear and attentive styling in an intimate setting.
Ganni
1.1 km
Compact slice of Copenhagen-cool in Aarhus’ Guldsmedgade, where playful Scandi fashion, bold prints and clean Nordic interiors meet in a relaxed boutique setting.
Vintage Divine
1.1 km
Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s–1970s, expertly curated and restored in central Aarhus.
Darling Inspire
1.1 km
Intimate Aarhus clothing boutique in the Latin Quarter, where Danish design, slow fashion and a calm studio-like atmosphere invite unhurried browsing.
Munthe Market
1.1 km
Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Die Rote Zone
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Die Rote Zone, Aarhus' go-to bar for cocktails and craft beers in a lively and stylish atmosphere.
Theos Bar
0.4 km
Experience the cozy charm of Theos Bar in Aarhus, where delightful drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
Trøjborg Kroen
0.8 km
Experience the local beer culture at Trøjborg Kroen, Aarhus's charming beer hall with a diverse selection and inviting ambiance.
Peder Wessel
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Peder Wessel, Aarhus' charming bar with affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
K
0.9 km
Discover K, the cozy cafe and cocktail bar in Aarhus, where innovative drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
SLM Aarhus
0.9 km
Discover the lively spirit of SLM Aarhus, a welcoming gay bar offering themed nights and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus.
Cirkuskroen
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Cirkuskroen, a charming bar offering a perfect blend of drinks and local culture.
Annalise's Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
S'vinbar
1.1 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.
Erlings Jazz- & Ølbar
1.1 km
Intimate Aarhus neighborhood bar mixing live jazz, candlelit charm and 14 rotating craft beers on tap in a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
1.1 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.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
Fairbar
1.2 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
1.2 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.
El Loco
1.2 km
Discover El Loco, a vibrant bar in Aarhus, known for its lively atmosphere, affordable drinks, and unforgettable nightlife experience.
