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.
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
- Højbro Pl., Copenhagen, Indre By, 1200, DK
- Visit website
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Discover more about Bishop Absalon
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
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Aarhus University Park: Where world-renowned academic heritage, Danish modernism, and lush green landscapes meet in the heart of Aarhus for a uniquely peaceful escape.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
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Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro Pl.
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Step inside the Ole Rømer Observatory in Aarhus for immersive astronomy, captivating night sky sessions, and an Art Nouveau landmark with Danish scientific heritage.
Amagertorv
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Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
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Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
The Danish Parliament
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Experience Skagen’s rich maritime and industrial heritage, with vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and a harbor-inspired café in a welcoming community setting.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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Explore Denmark's industrial past at Industrimuseet in Horsens, an interactive museum with working machines, workshops, and personal stories from Denmark's iron and steam era.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Explore Denmark's industrial evolution at Horsens' Industrimuseet, featuring authentic exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.
Nytorv
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Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
The War Museum
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Nytorv 2
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Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter blends medieval lanes, bohemian charm, vibrant cafés, and local boutiques, making it the creative soul of Denmark’s second-largest city.
Kongens Nytorv
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The King's New Square
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Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Gammeltorv
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Unmissable attractions to see
Højbro Plads
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A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Ved Stranden
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Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Stromma Canal Tours
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Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Stork Fountain
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Gammel Strand
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Dronning Louises Bro connects bustling Nørrebro with Copenhagen’s heart, offering historic stonework, people-watching, and sweeping sunset vistas over tranquil city lakes.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
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Historic royal palace complex in central Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s reigning monarch and famed for its stately architecture and daily changing of the guard.
Christiansborg Palace
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Thorvaldsens Museum
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A kaleidoscope of oddities, illusions, and interactive exhibits in the center of Copenhagen, perfect for fans of the strange and curious.
Balderdash
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Church of Holmen
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A visually stunning, award-winning maritime museum beneath Kronborg Castle illuminating Denmark's seafaring past and present with interactive galleries and cutting-edge design.
Gråbrødretorv
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Nyhavn—Copenhagen’s vibrant 17th-century canal district, famous for its colorful facades, historic tall ships, and lively harborside cafes at the city’s heart.
Magstræde
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Step across centuries on Magstræde, Copenhagen’s beautifully preserved medieval street, renowned for its pastel facades, cobblestones, and immersive historic atmosphere.
Guinness World Records Museum
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Historic waterfront promenade in Copenhagen featuring the iconic Little Mermaid, scenic harbor views, art, and inviting green spaces ideal for strolling year-round.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
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Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
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Atmospheric Danish restaurant inside Copenhagen’s historic Nikolaj Church—offering modern Nordic cuisine, inventive wines, and a setting rich in cultural heritage.
Marv & Ben
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Discover Marv & Ben: A premier destination for fine Danish dining blending tradition with modernity in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Tight
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King Hans Cellar
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Restaurant 1733
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Københavner Cafeen
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Llama
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Restaurant Kronborg
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l’Alsace
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Wining and Dining
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Marchal
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Restaurant Puk
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Frank
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Det Lille Apotek
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Restaurant Grønnegade
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Læderstræde
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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ILLUM
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Strøget
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Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Magasin du Nord
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Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
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Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Studio Arhoj
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Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Time's Up Vintage
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Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
The Wilde Shop
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Viking Souvenirs
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Quirky Lane
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Wasteland
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
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The Dubliner
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Lord Nelson Bar
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Ruby
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Godt Øl
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Charlie's Bar
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1105
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Strøm
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Luke's Bar
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Bo-Bi Bar
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Bar'Vin
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not your USUAL wine bar
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Southern Cross Pub
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Taphouse
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