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Denmark’s National Gallery: SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst

Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.

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SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s grand national gallery, home to centuries of Danish and international masterpieces. Visitors explore Nordic icons and European classics in an airy, modern space set beside the city’s historic lakes, just north of Copenhagen’s bustling centre.

A brief summary to Bishop Absalon

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Admission is free for visitors under 27 and for everyone on select weekdays—check current offers.
  • The café offers excellent Scandinavian smørrebrød and lakeside views—ideal for a midday break.
  • Don’t miss the Danish Golden Age gallery—it's the museum’s unique national treasure.
  • Wardrobe lockers are available and free to use, making it easy to store bags or coats during your visit.
  • Check out the free sculpture park that wraps around the museum for a tranquil city stroll.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Copenhagen, the museum is an enjoyable walk through the city’s historic quarter, bordered by the botanical gardens and shaded city lakes. The museum’s stately façade and glass extension are clearly visible as you near the green expanse of Østre Anlæg park. Expect a broad range of 12–20 minutes on foot depending on your starting point.

  • Public Transport

    Frequent buses travel from Copenhagen’s central station and main squares directly to the museum’s neighborhood for a typical fare of DKK 24 (single ticket for adults). It’s a short ride—usually under 10 minutes—and the museum is well-signposted from the nearest bus stops.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from central Copenhagen reach SMK in about 5–10 minutes, with fares averaging DKK 90–130 depending on traffic and time of day. Taxis can drop guests at the main entrance, but parking directly at the museum is limited.

  • Cycling

    Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes offer a scenic and enjoyable route to SMK, passing through parks and along historic canals. Most visitors reach the museum in 7–12 minutes from the city center by bike. Bicycle parking is provided at the museum’s entrance.

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SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst stands as Denmark’s preeminent art museum, blending the grandeur of a palatial late 19th-century building with the sleek lines of a contemporary glass extension. Its setting, nestled amidst Indre By’s green parks and lakes, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Within its light-filled galleries, SMK houses the nation’s largest collection of Danish Golden Age paintings, tracing the evolution of Nordic identity in art. Here, visitors can encounter works by iconic figures such as Christen Købke and Anna Ancher, alongside evocative Nordic landscapes and modernist expression. The museum also boasts an impressive assembly of international art, from the luminous brushwork of Rembrandt and Rubens to 20th-century pieces by Picasso and Matisse. Temporary exhibitions frequently showcase provocative contemporary artists, reinforcing SMK’s reputation as both a custodian of heritage and a champion of innovation. More than just a gallery, SMK provides thoughtful experiences for all ages: interactive workshops, a lively café overlooking Østre Anlæg Park, an inviting bookshop, and free-access sculpture gardens that blend art and city life. Audio guides and well-curated thematic tours facilitate deep engagement regardless of your expertise. Accessibility is excellent, with lifts and wide walkways accommodating all visitors. Art enthusiasts could easily linger a full day here, but even a brief visit promises moments of inspiration and discovery. The harmonious fusion of historic and modern architecture, plus a palpable energy from Copenhagen’s vibrant creative community, make SMK a rewarding highlight for those seeking deeper insight into both Danish culture and the world’s artistic legacy.

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