SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery of Denmark)
Denmark’s National Gallery, where royal collections, Danish Golden Age masterpieces and bold contemporary art meet in a grand museum beside a leafy Copenhagen park.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s National Gallery and the country’s largest art museum, set beside leafy Østre Anlæg in central Copenhagen. Inside the monumental 19th‑century building and its striking modern extension, over seven centuries of Danish and international art unfold, from Renaissance masters and Dutch Baroque canvases to Danish Golden Age painting, French modernism and bold contemporary installations. Light-filled galleries, a sculpture-lined glass promenade and a relaxed café make this a rewarding cultural stop in any Copenhagen itinerary.
A brief summary to SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
- Sølvgade 48-50, Indre By, Indre By, 1307, DK
- +4533748494
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least three hours to explore both the historic galleries and the modern wing; the collection is extensive and rewards unhurried wandering.
- Consider visiting on a weekday morning or late Wednesday afternoon for a calmer atmosphere in the most famous galleries.
- Spend time in the “Street of Sculptures” glass corridor for striking views of Østre Anlæg and an easy orientation between old and new wings.
- Use the free floor plans and bilingual labels to focus on a theme—such as Danish Golden Age, French modernism or contemporary installations.
- Pause at the café overlooking the park; it is an atmospheric spot to reflect on what you have seen and to people-watch between galleries.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Metro and train from central Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take an S-train or regional train two stops to Nørreport Station; trains run frequently and the ride takes about 5–7 minutes. From Nørreport, it is an easy 10–15 minute urban walk through the city to the museum’s entrance. A standard two-zone ticket typically costs around 20–25 DKK and is valid across trains, metro and buses within the city.
-
Metro from outlying districts
If you are staying in districts such as Ørestad, Frederiksberg or Islands Brygge, use the M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro lines to Nørreport Station; journey times range from 8–18 minutes depending on the starting point. Metros run every few minutes during the day. From Nørreport, allow 10–15 minutes on foot along level pavements, suitable for most visitors including those using light mobility aids. A standard single city ticket usually costs 20–25 DKK.
-
City bus to Sølvgade area
Several city bus routes connect central Copenhagen with the streets around SMK, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes from areas such as Rådhuspladsen or Vesterbro. Buses stop within a few hundred metres of the museum on largely level streets. Tickets for buses use the same zone system as trains and metro, with single rides in the central zones usually costing around 20–25 DKK. Services are frequent during the day but may be reduced in late evening.
-
Cycling in the city centre
For a more local experience, rent a bicycle from one of Copenhagen’s many bike rental shops or shared bike schemes and ride 10–20 minutes from most central neighbourhoods. The route to SMK follows dedicated cycle lanes for much of the way and is generally flat, although traffic can be busy at peak hours. Rental prices vary, but expect roughly 100–150 DKK for a day’s use; helmets are recommended, and secure bicycle parking is available near the museum.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
The heart of Danish art in a grand city setting
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s National Gallery, anchoring the northern edge of Copenhagen’s historic centre where busy streets give way to the green calm of Østre Anlæg park. The original 1890s sandstone and brick façade, with its arched windows and sculptural ornament, sets a formal tone that reflects the museum’s royal origins, when much of the collection was held by Danish monarchs. Today, the institution feels open and contemporary, welcoming you into a spacious lobby that acts as a crossroads between old master galleries, modern wings and public gathering spaces. The building occupies an entire city block, yet it never feels intimidating. Views to the surrounding trees and lawns soften the architecture, and large windows allow natural light to filter into stairwells and corridors. This dialogue between city, park and museum is central to SMK’s character, making it feel both like an urban landmark and a cultural retreat.Royal collections and seven centuries of images
At the core of SMK is an extraordinary collection that spans more than 700 years. Works that once formed the Royal Collection now hang in high-ceilinged galleries: luminous Renaissance panels, Italian and Flemish religious scenes, and dramatic Baroque canvases full of swirling fabric and intense expressions. You can trace how painting evolved from devotional images to portraits and everyday scenes, following the changing tastes of kings, merchants and citizens. Graphic art has a strong presence here too. An extensive print and drawing collection offers insight into the working minds of artists, from delicate etchings to bold woodcuts. While access to the dedicated Print Room requires advance arrangements, its holdings underpin many temporary displays and research projects throughout the museum, giving SMK a scholarly depth beneath its polished presentation.Danish Golden Age and the story of a nation
One of SMK’s defining strengths is its unparalleled collection of Danish Golden Age art from the early 19th century. In these rooms you encounter tranquil Copenhagen street scenes, clear northern light over lakes and harbours, and intimate interiors that seem almost acoustically quiet. Painters of this period helped shape how Denmark saw itself, celebrating both modest domestic spaces and the wider landscape at a time of political and social change. Alongside the Golden Age galleries, later 19th‑century Danish works show the move towards realism and symbolism: coastal villages under heavy skies, farmers at work, and portraits charged with introspection. Taken together, these rooms allow you to read Danish history through images, from monarchy and empire to a smaller, modern nation that began to look outward again.French modernism and global conversations
SMK is also renowned for its collection of early 20th‑century French art, including key works by Matisse, Picasso, Braque and their contemporaries. Acquired through a visionary private collection, these paintings and sculptures bring the shock of modernism vividly to life: fractured cubist still lifes, bold colour experiments and radical reworkings of the human figure. Their presence in Copenhagen underlines how closely Danish artists engaged with European avant‑garde currents. These international highlights sit in dialogue with Nordic modernism and Danish contemporary art. Moving through the galleries, you may find a Hammershøi interior near a conceptual installation or a video work, making it easy to sense how themes such as identity, power, nature and the body recur across time, even as styles change dramatically.A glass street of sculptures and a living museum
Towards the rear, the historic building meets a sleek 1990s extension linked by a glass‑walled passage known as the “Street of Sculptures”. This light-filled spine runs the length of the museum, framing views of the park outside while placing classical figures and modern pieces side by side. It also doubles as a social space, hosting talks, concerts and performance-based works that underline SMK’s role as a living cultural hub rather than a static repository. Throughout the museum, you will find well-designed rest areas, a bookshop with art publications and design objects, and a café that looks out over Østre Anlæg’s trees and an old magnolia grove. The combination of rigorous curatorial standards and relaxed public spaces makes it easy to spend several hours here, whether you are delving deeply into a particular period or simply wandering and letting individual works catch your eye.Spaces for reflection, learning and creative play
Beyond traditional gallery visits, SMK offers an evolving programme of temporary exhibitions, workshops and talks that encourage visitors to look more closely and think more broadly about art. Some rooms invite interactive engagement or provide materials for sketching and note-taking, blurring the line between observer and participant. Quiet corners, especially in the older wings, lend themselves to unhurried contemplation, while family-friendly areas introduce children to art through play and storytelling. Between the park outside and the calm interiors within, the museum becomes a place not only to see important works, but also to pause, reflect and reconnect with your own creativity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Paul's Church
0.5 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Fiolstræde 42
0.8 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.8 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.9 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Varehuset Messen
0.9 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
The Lakes in Copenhagen
0.9 km
Explore the serene beauty of The Lakes in Copenhagen, a captivating blend of nature and city life, perfect for relaxation and picturesque views.
Dronning Louises Bro
0.9 km
An elegant 1887 granite bridge uniting Copenhagen's city centre with vibrant Nørrebro, crowned by neon lights and historic charm.
Indre By
0.9 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Søtorvet 2
0.9 km
Elegant 1870s residential landmark where French architecture meets Copenhagen's cultural legacy.
Bredgade 18
1.0 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
1.0 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
Gråbrødretorv
1.0 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Kongens Nytorv
1.0 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Kastellet
1.0 km
Explore Kastellet, Copenhagen's historic fortress showcasing stunning architecture, lush greenery, and a glimpse into Denmark's rich military past.
Our Fallen
1.1 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum of Natural History
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.3 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Rosenborg castle
0.3 km
A compact Renaissance palace of kings, crowns and stories, Rosenborg Castle pairs glittering Crown Jewels with tranquil gardens in the very heart of Copenhagen.
The King's Garden
0.4 km
Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Botanical Garden
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
The David Collection
0.6 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Nyboder
0.6 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Den Frie Udstilling
0.6 km
Independent artist-run exhibition house in a striking wooden building, presenting changing contemporary art shows in the heart of Copenhagen’s Østerbro district.
Workers Museum
0.7 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
The Lakes
0.7 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
0.7 km
Explore Denmark's labor history at The Workers Museum in Copenhagen's historic Workers' Assembly Hall.
Kultorvet
0.8 km
Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
Skaal
0.8 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
TorvehallerneKBH
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s glass-walled food halls where Nordic produce, global flavours and everyday city life come together in one vibrant urban marketplace.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.8 km
Heritage 19th‑century walls meet modern apartment comfort in a buzzing, hyper‑central corner of Copenhagen’s historic inner city.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
0.4 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Alouette
0.7 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.7 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Selma
0.7 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
ARK
0.8 km
Michelin Green Star vegan fine dining in central Copenhagen, where seasonal Nordic produce, foraging and low-waste philosophy shape an intimate tasting-menu experience.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.8 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Dag H
0.8 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
Tèrra
0.8 km
Celebrated for organic Italian-Danish tasting menus and eco-conscious fine dining, Tèrra offers a memorable culinary experience in Copenhagen’s vibrant Østerbro.
Restaurant Rebel
0.8 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Restaurant Vita
0.8 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.9 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Den Lille Fede
0.9 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Aoc
0.9 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Frank
0.9 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Bistro Royal
0.9 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.8 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Exotic Mix
0.8 km
Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Fjällräven
0.8 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.8 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Norse Projects
0.9 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Time's Up Vintage
0.9 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
0.9 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.9 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
The Wilde Shop
0.9 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Norse Store
0.9 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Studio Arhoj
0.9 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Butik Bungalow
1.0 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.0 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.6 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Trykbar
0.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Bootleggers
0.8 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
Gejser Bar
0.8 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Søernes Ølbar
0.9 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Moose
0.9 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.9 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar'Vin
0.9 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.9 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bar Deco
0.9 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
No Stress Bar
0.9 km
Basement cocktail pub in Copenhagen’s historic center mixing dessert-inspired drinks, games, comedy and drag shows into one laid-back, late-night hangout.
1105
1.0 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Strøm
1.0 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.4 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.9 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mirage
0.9 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Lusso
1.0 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Hive
1.2 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
La Terraza
1.2 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Rumors
1.2 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.2 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Chateau Motel
1.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
RUST Natklub
1.2 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Miami Bar
1.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
1.3 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Dorsia
1.4 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
