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SMK – Denmark’s National Gallery: Where Art and History Converge

Denmark’s national gallery offers a world-class journey through centuries of art, from Danish masters and European icons to bold new voices in modern creativity.

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SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s premier art museum, home to centuries of Danish and international masterpieces. Located in central Copenhagen, the grand gallery showcases everything from Renaissance altarpieces to cutting-edge contemporary art, immersing visitors in both the nation’s artistic heritage and today’s creative dialogues.

A brief summary to Jakriborg

  • 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 on select days; check for schedule before you go.
  • The café is beloved for its fresh pastries and overlooks a scenic sculpture courtyard—perfect for a midday break.
  • Large lockers are available for bags and coats, making for a more comfortable visit.
  • Temporary exhibitions often require a separate ticket; consider pre-booking to avoid queues.
  • Combining a visit here with a stroll through Østre Anlæg park is highly recommended, especially in spring.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the city center, it’s a scenic 15–20 minute stroll past the lakes and through historic neighborhoods. You’ll catch glimpses of Rosenborg Castle and the greenery of Østre Anlæg as you approach, with the museum’s blend of classical stonework and glass architecture standing out as a clear landmark near the park entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Bus lines from the central station and metro stops frequently serve the museum’s surrounding area. The journey takes around 7–12 minutes, with single adult tickets costing DKK 24. Alight near the park and follow signs to SMK’s prominent entrance facing the gardens.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Copenhagen’s main squares takes 5–10 minutes, typically costing DKK 80–120 depending on traffic. Taxis can drop you right beside the main entrance, convenient for visitors with mobility needs.

  • Driving/Parking

    Parking is limited near the museum, with city meter rates averaging DKK 36 per hour. On busy weekends and during special events, consider public transport as spaces fill quickly. No additional tolls apply when approaching the area.

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Discover more about Jakriborg

Towering beside Copenhagen’s lush Østre Anlæg park, SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst, or the National Gallery of Denmark, is the country’s largest and most prestigious art museum. Housed in a stately blend of neoclassical grandeur and modern glass architecture, SMK stands as both a guardian of Danish cultural identity and a vibrant hub for contemporary artistic exploration. Within its atmospheric halls, visitors can wander among over 700 years of art history. The Danish and Nordic collections trace the evolution of national art from the gilded grandeur of the Golden Age to the expressive experiments of the Skagen painters. The museum’s impressive international holdings feature works by old masters like Rubens and Rembrandt, as well as modern icons such as Matisse and Picasso. SMK’s signature glass extension infuses the galleries with daylight and excitement, bridging Copenhagen’s historic heart and the city’s creative future. Beyond its renowned permanent collections, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions highlighting global trends and overlooked stories in contemporary art. Lively installations, thought-provoking performances, and workshops for all ages turn a museum visit into a dynamic, interactive experience. The sculpture-filled atrium café is a favorite for locals, offering a welcoming spot to pause and reflect. Whether you’re tracing the lineage of Danish painting, marveling at the masters of Europe, or engaging with daring new voices in modern art, SMK offers an unparalleled window into both Denmark’s past and art’s global present. Its central city location, adjacent to storied gardens and within easy reach of Copenhagen’s icons, cements SMK as an essential stop for culture lovers and a serene escape amid the urban bustle.

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