The SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst: Denmark’s National Gallery
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
The SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s premier art museum, set in a striking building at the edge of Copenhagen’s leafy Østre Anlæg Park. Housing a world-class collection, the museum offers an impressive journey through seven centuries of Danish and European art, including works by Matisse, Rubens, Rembrandt, and local masters. With its light-filled modern extension, vibrant contemporary galleries, and family-friendly atmosphere, the SMK is an essential stop for culture lovers seeking both grandeur and creativity at the heart of the city.
A brief summary to Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
- Mikkel Bryggers Gade 9, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1460, DK
- +4593891167
- Visit website
- Monday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit on Wednesdays for extended evening hours—perfect for a quieter experience and enjoying special events.
- Combine your visit with a stroll in Østre Anlæg Park, an ideal spot for relaxation before or after the museum.
- Families will find creative workshops and dedicated children’s activities, especially during school holidays.
- Check out the temporary exhibitions for opportunities to see rarely-displayed works from the SMK’s vast collection.
- Lockers are available for free—handy for storing coats and bags and making your visit more comfortable.
Getting There
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Walking
From Copenhagen’s bustling city center, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk north through the atmospheric streets toward the entrance of Østre Anlæg Park. The museum’s stately building stands out at the park’s edge, with the Royal residence of Rosenborg Castle nearby offering a helpful point of reference along the way. Walking is pleasant and mostly flat, with plenty of opportunities for people-watching.
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Public Transport
Multiple city buses run from central hubs such as Nørreport Station directly toward the museum's vicinity, with stops a short stroll from its main entrance. Single tickets for buses are typically around 24–25 DKK for an adult within the city zones. Metro riders can alight at Nørreport and continue the rest of the way on foot, passing notable city parks and historic landmarks.
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Taxi
Taxis from the central station or city hotels usually reach the museum in 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect fares of about 80–120 DKK. Taxis can drop guests at the accessible main entrance, and Copenhagen’s licensed cabs accept credit cards.
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Driving/Parking
While driving is possible, parking in the immediate area is limited and subject to municipal fees, typically ranging from 19–38 DKK per hour. Visitors may find increased availability in the early mornings or late afternoons, and there are spaces suitable for persons with disabilities near the entrance.
Discover more about Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
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Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architectural elegance meets lush urban nature, offering tranquil lakes, stately trees, and a vibrant academic atmosphere.
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.
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.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
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Discover 'Heracles and the Hydra'—a captivating modern sculpture that unites Greek mythology and Danish artistry beside historic Kronborg Castle in Helsingør.
Gammeltorv
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Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Rutschebanen
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Iconic 1914 wooden roller coaster in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, offering nostalgic thrills and hands-on history amid the city’s legendary amusement park.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
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Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
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.
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.
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.
Frihedsstøtten
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Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
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Copenhagen Central Station
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Copenhagen Central Station is the vibrant gateway to Denmark’s capital, blending historic architecture, bustling platforms, and local flavor at the heart of Zealand.
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.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
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Hans Christian Andersen Experience
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Explore Denmark's rich design heritage at Designmuseum Danmark, featuring iconic furniture, interactive exhibits, and a blend of historical and contemporary design.
Rainbow Square
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Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern culture at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
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Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
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Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
City Hall Square
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Explore over 3,000 animals in historic enclosures at Copenhagen Zoo, a blend of wildlife conservation and architectural innovation in Frederiksberg.
Copenhagen City Hall
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Experience regal Danish heritage at Amalienborg Palace, where the iconic Royal Guard ceremony and palatial museum reveal centuries of Copenhagen’s royal traditions.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Statue of Andersen
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Discover the extraordinary at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Copenhagen, where over 500 exhibits challenge reality and ignite the imagination.
Museum of Copenhagen
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Fredensborg Palace: Denmark’s royal baroque residence by Lake Esrum, famed for its manicured gardens, royal events, and centuries of regal history.
Magstræde
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Explore Magstræde, Copenhagen's historic cobblestone street adorned with colorful 17th-century buildings and rich cultural heritage.
National Museum of Denmark
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Uncover centuries-old secrets and wild beauty at Søborg Slotsruin, North Zealand’s evocative medieval castle ruin set in tranquil Danish countryside.
Church of Our Lady
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Explore Copenhagen’s regal centerpiece, Amalienborg Palace: a living royal residence, rococo architecture marvel, and immersive museum steeped in Danish tradition.
Tivoli Gardens
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Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Marmorbroen
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Explore Langelinie: Copenhagen's historic waterfront promenade featuring iconic landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant cultural attractions.
Essential places to dine
Husmanns Vinstue
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Restaurant Puk
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Restaurant Kronborg
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Krebsegaarden
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Københavner Cafeen
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Restaurant 1733
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Historic canal-side setting in Copenhagen’s center serving creative Danish classics and regional specialties with genuine hygge and a modern twist.
Spisestedet FEED
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Restaurant Karla
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Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Tight
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Vækst
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Marv & Ben
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Wining and Dining
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La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
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Det Lille Apotek
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Restaurant Noi
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Viking Souvenirs
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Wasteland
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Quirky Lane
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Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Strøget
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Tivoli Gift Shop
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Læderstræde
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Studio Arhoj
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Time's Up Vintage
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C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
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ILLUM
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
TorvehallerneKBH
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Magasin du Nord
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
not your USUAL wine bar
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Taphouse
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Musen & Elefanten
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Southern Cross Pub
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The Rooftop Bar
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Experience panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere at The Rooftop Bar atop Hotel Danmark in Copenhagen.
Floss Bar
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Historic LGBTQ+ bar in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter blending warm hospitality, affordable drinks, and eclectic locals in a welcoming, community-driven setting.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
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Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Godt Øl
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Ruby
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The Shamrock Inn
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Lord Nelson Bar
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Luke's Bar
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The Bird and The Churchkey
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Library Bar
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Strøm
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Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
