SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark: A Danish Masterpiece in Art and Culture
Denmark’s largest art museum, the SMK showcases masterpieces from the Renaissance to today, offering a rich journey through Danish and international art in downtown Copenhagen.
The SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark’s premier national art museum, boasts a vast collection spanning seven centuries. Visitors explore everything from Renaissance masterpieces and Danish Golden Age works to modern and contemporary installations, set within a grand building and leafy urban park. Engaging exhibitions, a renowned art library, and inviting café make it a cultural cornerstone in central Copenhagen.
A brief summary to Odense Castle
- Nørregade 36, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566131372
Local tips
- Visit on Wednesdays for extended evening hours and a quieter atmosphere in the galleries.
- The museum café offers a scenic park view and is a great spot for lunch or a coffee break.
- Families will appreciate the interactive children’s area and creative weekend workshops.
- Admission is free for those under 27; check for temporary free exhibitions or events.
- Lockers are available; bringing a large bag may require you to use the free cloakroom.
Getting There
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Walking
From Copenhagen’s central hubs, such as Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport Station, a leisurely walk through the city’s historic neighborhoods and parklands brings you directly to the SMK. The route takes you past elegant squares, the renowned Botanical Garden, and the tranquil Østre Anlæg park, with the museum’s distinctive façade visible from the greenery. The walk typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point.
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Public Transport
The SMK is conveniently near Nørreport Station—one of Copenhagen’s main train and metro junctions. From the station, several local buses stop near the museum’s park entrance. Standard fare for buses or metro is around 24–30 DKK for a single adult ticket in central Copenhagen. Accessibility is good, though high visitor volumes can make it busy during midday and weekends.
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Taxi/Bike
A taxi from central Copenhagen generally takes 5–10 minutes, with fares typically in the 80–120 DKK range depending on time and traffic. Cycling is also highly popular in Copenhagen; bike racks can be found around the museum and nearby park, making this a convenient option in fair weather.
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Driving
If arriving by car, limited street parking is available near the SMK and in adjacent areas around Østre Anlæg park. Paid parking rates average 38–50 DKK per hour in central Copenhagen, and spaces fill quickly—public transport or cycling are usually easier options during peak periods.
Discover more about Odense Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saint Hans Church
0.1 km
A buzzing pedestrian street in Nørrebro, Jægersborggade blends Copenhagen’s creative edge with indie shops, urban gastronomy, and an atmosphere beloved by locals.
King's Garden
0.1 km
Lush, centuries-old park near Odense Castle offering tranquil landscaping, rich royal history, summer flower beds, and a vibrant local gathering spot in central Funen.
Odense St.
0.2 km
Discover Jægersborggade: Copenhagen's vibrant street blending art, fashion, and gastronomy in the heart of Nørrebro.
VILLE VAU
0.3 km
A world-class architectural landmark offering immersive exhibitions on Denmark’s maritime past and present, set in a dramatic underground dry dock by Kronborg Castle.
Banegårdspladsen
0.3 km
Denmark’s celebrated M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør fuses iconic modern architecture with engaging exhibits on seafaring, trade, and the maritime heart of the nation.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.3 km
Experience Denmark's storied seafaring legacy in a striking underground museum beside Kronborg Castle, with immersive exhibitions and architectural innovation.
visit
0.3 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
0.4 km
Inside an innovative underground dry dock, the M/S Maritime Museum reveals Denmark’s seafaring past through interactive displays, family activities, and evocative architecture.
Andersen on the bench
0.4 km
Strike a pose with Hans Christian Andersen himself—this lifelike bronze statue in Odense invites you to sit, reflect, and celebrate Denmark’s storytelling legacy.
St. Canute's Cathedral
0.5 km
Discover Danish and Nordic art in a refined gallery space at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a landmark for modern and classical works in central Copenhagen.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.5 km
Slottsträdgården in Malmö is a sprawling organic garden beside Malmöhus Castle, blending nature, history, and local culture into one of Sweden’s most inviting city parks.
Funen Opera
0.8 km
Funen Opera in Odense captivates with cutting-edge performances, Danish premieres, and welcoming vibes—an essential destination for culture and music on Funen.
Munke Mose Park
1.1 km
Award-winning maritime museum ingeniously sunk into a former dry dock at Helsingør, offering interactive exhibitions on Denmark’s seafaring history next to Kronborg Castle.
Fredens Kirke
1.7 km
Explore Denmark's rich maritime heritage in an award-winning museum set within a historic dry dock in Helsingør.
Richard Møller Nielsens Plads
2.3 km
Copenhagen’s Jægersborggade is a vibrant hub for coffee lovers, foodies, and creatives, blending artisan shops, eco-eats, and street art in Nørrebro’s heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
H. C. Andersens House
0.3 km
Odense Cathedral, or St. Canute’s Church, is a majestic Gothic landmark that tells Denmark’s royal and spiritual story from the city’s historic heart.
The City's Bridge
0.3 km
Stunning coastal headland at Funen’s northern tip, offering wild landscapes, panoramic sea views, rare birdlife, and serene walking trails in a pristine Danish nature reserve.
Vægmaleri
0.3 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Carl Nielsen Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s only Viking ship burial, Ladby blends atmospheric history, hands-on exhibits, fjord views, and immersive storytelling for a truly unique Funen adventure.
Blackfriars Square
0.4 km
Explore Funen's WWII history at Besættelsesmuseum Fyn, housed in an authentic German bunker with exhibits on the occupation and resistance.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
0.4 km
Gothic grandeur in the heart of Odense, where royal history, Danish legends, and spiritual architecture converge at St. Canute’s Cathedral.
Odense City Hall
0.4 km
Enjoy serene lawns, mature trees, and recreational paths in Nyborg’s central green park—a scenic spot for relaxation and community just steps from historical landmarks.
Odense Comediehuus
0.4 km
A charming 18th-century comedy house in central Odense, offering intimate theatre experiences, improv, and a glimpse into Denmark’s local performing arts scene.
St. Alban's Church
0.4 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
0.5 km
St. Canute’s Cathedral in Odense is a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece, a royal burial site, and a vibrant hub uniting Danish history, culture, and community.
The Darning Needle
0.5 km
Experience Denmark's rural heritage at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and landscapes.
TIME - Museum for Odense
0.5 km
Discover The Maiden Jump in Odense: A harmonious blend of history and art, offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's cultural heritage.
Odense Noble Virgin Convent
0.5 km
Discover Thomas Dambo’s eco-friendly giant troll, Hans Hulehånd, hidden along Odense’s scenic canal—blending public art, folklore, and a touch of adventure for all ages.
The maiden jump
0.5 km
Walk through history at The Funen Village in Odense, where 19th-century farmsteads, gardens, and local traditions offer a full-senses journey into rural Denmark.
Museum Odense
0.5 km
Discover Hans Hulehånd, Thomas Dambo’s iconic recycled-wood troll sculpture, blending Danish folklore, environmental art, and hidden adventure in the heart of Odense.
Essential places to dine
Brasserie Bordeaux
0.1 km
Elegant French brasserie in Odense blending classic Parisian charm with Nordic ingredients, celebrated for fine dining, brunch, and an impressive wine and cocktail selection.
Restaurant Mam
0.2 km
Experience authentic French cuisine at Restaurant Mam in Odense - where every meal is a celebration of taste and tradition.
Bar Tapas
0.2 km
Contemporary Spanish tapas and vibrant social dining just steps from Odense Central Station, blending Danish hygge with Mediterranean flair.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
0.2 km
Savor contemporary Nordic cuisine in a historic 16th-century courtyard at Odense’s acclaimed Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard, blending local flavor with heritage ambiance.
Restaurant Ribelli
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine in Odense at Restaurant Ribelli - where tradition meets local flavors.
Ryan's of Odense
0.3 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
0.3 km
Restaurant Under Lindetræet in Odense offers acclaimed Danish gourmet dining amidst historic settings and fairy tale charm, blending tradition with modern Nordic cuisine.
UBN
0.3 km
UBN blends brasserie classics, top-notch pizzas, and creative cocktails in central Odense, making it a favorite urban hangout for food lovers and night owls.
Kok & Vin
0.3 km
Kok & Vin in central Odense offers a memorable French-inspired dining experience, blending Danish ingredients, fine wines, and inviting bistro atmosphere in Funen’s cultural heart.
Amy's Bar & Winehouse
0.3 km
A cozy, social hub in central Odense renowned for its expertly chosen wines, relaxed atmosphere, and local flavor—perfect for an authentic Danish evening out.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Odense
0.3 km
Discover gourmet steak dining at A Hereford Beefstouw in Odense - where quality meets exceptional service.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
0.3 km
Indulge in authentic Danish comfort food and timeless tavern ambiance at Restaurant Klosterkroen, a culinary landmark in the heart of Odense’s old town.
Café Kræz
0.3 km
Bohemian café, vibrant eatery, and late-night music hub—Café Kræz brings Odense’s creative spirit and lively nightlife to the heart of the city.
Café Skt. Gertrud
0.3 km
Popular all-day café and wine bar in Odense, celebrated for its vibrant Parisian ambiance, quality menu, terrace seating, and warm local buzz.
Den Lille Smalle
0.3 km
Experience Odense’s contemporary Nordic café culture with creative brunch, expertly brewed coffee, and a welcoming vibe at Den Lille Smalle in the city’s heart.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin Odense
0.4 km
A landmark Danish department store blending Scandinavian design, local charm, and gourmet food in central Odense—ideal for browsing, shopping, or soaking up urban style.
Look At This
0.6 km
Discover unique Danish fashion at Look At This, Odense's premier boutique for sustainable and locally designed apparel.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
1.0 km
Discover unique vintage-inspired furniture and décor at Hipstory Showroom Odense, where past meets present in design excellence.
Bohemian Wonders
1.7 km
Discover unique, ethically sourced vintage fashion at Bohemian Wonders in Odense.
Skovsted Nyborg
24.2 km
Discover Skovsted Nyborg: Nyborg's premier toy store offering a curated selection of classic and modern toys for all ages.
Pyre Studio
27.3 km
Discover Danish fashion at Pyre Studio, Nyborg's premier boutique for unique and stylish apparel.
Tippy
27.4 km
Discover contemporary women's fashion at Tippy, a boutique nestled in Nyborg's historic center.
Gen&Brug Nyborg
27.5 km
Gen&Brug Nyborg is a vibrant second-hand shop offering preloved treasures, Danish design finds, and a warm, sustainable shopping experience in central Nyborg.
DesignKnap
27.9 km
Discover contemporary Scandinavian fashion at DesignKnap, Nyborg's premier clothing boutique.
Sprogø
37.8 km
Sprogø is a windswept, storied Danish island in the Great Belt, offering rare guided visits to its lighthouse, wild landscapes, and hauntingly historic past.
Høkildegård
38.9 km
Experience South Funen’s flavors at Høkildegård, a beloved farm shop offering seasonal produce, homemade jams, and an authentic taste of Danish rural life.
Storms Hjørne
43.9 km
Charming local shop blending artisan gifts, bakery delights, and authentic South Funen flavors in Svendborg’s historic heart.
Samsø Gårdbutik Svanegården
46.9 km
Experience the heart of Samsø at Svanegården, where local produce, handmade crafts, and the timeless charm of Danish island farm life come together in one idyllic countryside setting.
Eskehus Samsø
47.9 km
Eclectic art gallery and creative hub in Brundby, Samsø, where local artists and visitors mingle among unique paintings, crafty creations, and high-quality art supplies.
Langemarksgård
52.5 km
Langemarksgård farm shop on Samsø provides a welcoming showcase of the island’s best produce, homemade treats, and authentic countryside atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bootleggers Odense Craft Beer Bar
0.3 km
Discover Bootleggers Odense, a vibrant craft beer bar on Gråbrødre Plads offering curated Danish and international brews in a welcoming city-center setting.
Lørups Vinstue
0.4 km
Historic bar in the heart of Odense offering classic Danish atmosphere, eclectic memorabilia, live music, and affordable drinks for an authentic local experience.
Christian Firtal
0.4 km
Beloved craft beer bar in Odense’s historic quarter, famed for its cozy atmosphere, rotating taps of Danish and international brews, and authentic local 'hygge' spirit.
The Old Irish Pub
0.5 km
Classic Irish hospitality in Odense: live music, big screens for sports, and a buzzing crowd in a cozy pub full of spirited atmosphere.
Lalou Vinbar
0.5 km
Chic, candle-lit wine bar in central Odense, serving natural and organic wines with expert guidance in a welcoming Scandinavian setting.
The Flower and the Bee
0.5 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Den Røde Bar
0.8 km
Den Røde Bar is Odense’s creative watering hole, celebrated for its intimate theatre connections, local artistry, eclectic events, and inviting bohemian ambiance.
Carlsens Kvarter
0.9 km
Carlsens Kvarter—Odense’s legendary tavern fusing classic Danish ‘brown bar’ atmosphere with one of Funen’s best craft beer selections.
Hjallese Puben
4.5 km
Experience authentic Danish pub culture at Hjallese Puben in Odense S.
Central Cafeen
27.3 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Central Caféen, a historic gem in Nyborg since 1854.
Øksendrup Cider
27.3 km
Experience the authentic flavors of South Funen's organic ciders at Øksendrup Cider.
Chr. II's Pub
27.4 km
Experience authentic Danish hospitality at Chr. II's Pub in Nyborg's historic center.
Jimbo's Kaffebar
27.4 km
Buzzing local coffee bar in Nyborg’s city center, mixing top-quality coffee, craft drinks, and Danish pastries with authentic small-town charm.
Bistroen
28.3 km
Modern Danish bistro nestled by Nyborg’s scenic waterfront, offering local flavors, seasonal cuisine, and relaxed ambiance just steps from the historic coastline.
Kompasset
37.3 km
Experience Danish hospitality at Kompasset, Vester Skerninge's cozy bar offering craft beers, fine wines, and live music in a welcoming atmosphere.
