Denmark’s Greatest Collection: The SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
Denmark’s national gallery in Copenhagen: iconic art by Rubens, Hammershøi, and Matisse in luminous halls and sculpture gardens, linking history to innovation.
The SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst is Denmark’s grand national gallery, housing centuries of art from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary Danish highlights. Located in central Copenhagen, this expansive museum is famed for its luminous galleries, sculpture-filled garden, and innovative exhibitions. Its diverse collections showcase works by Rubens, Matisse, Hammershøi, and more, making it a vital destination for art lovers and culture seekers.
A brief summary to Odense Noble Virgin Convent
- Albani Torv 6, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
Local tips
- Admission is free on Wednesdays, offering access to the permanent collection for budget travelers.
- The museum café features locally-sourced Danish specialties and overlooks the leafy museum gardens—ideal for a relaxing break.
- Look for temporary exhibitions, which often feature international artists and are ticketed separately.
- Audio guides in English and Danish enrich your visit; available for a small fee at the entrance desk.
- The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and strollers are welcome in most galleries.
Getting There
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Walking
From Copenhagen’s central city zones—such as the main shopping streets or the nearby botanical gardens—it's an easy and pleasant 10–15 minute walk to SMK. Along the way, you’ll pass public parks and historic sites; once you spot the imposing museum facade juxtaposed with glass and modern sculpture on the edge of the park, you’ve arrived.
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Public Transport
Several city buses connect the central station and major squares to stops near the museum, with a typical journey of 8–12 minutes and single tickets costing around 24 DKK for adults. Once off the bus, the museum’s grand entrance is immediately visible and well-signposted near the parklands.
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Taxi
A taxi from central Copenhagen takes about 5–10 minutes and typically costs 70–110 DKK, depending on traffic. The taxi will drop you directly by the museum’s prominent entrance, just steps from city gardens.
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Cycling
Copenhagen’s extensive cycling lanes make the museum easily accessible by bike in under 10 minutes from much of the city center. Designated bike parking is available near the entrance, free of charge—though spaces can fill up on weekends and in summer.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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St. Canute's Cathedral
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Oceania
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Andersen on the bench
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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.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
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Saint Hans Church
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A buzzing pedestrian street in Nørrebro, Jægersborggade blends Copenhagen’s creative edge with indie shops, urban gastronomy, and an atmosphere beloved by locals.
visit
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Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
King's Garden
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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.
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Discover Jægersborggade: Copenhagen's vibrant street blending art, fashion, and gastronomy in the heart of Nørrebro.
Banegårdspladsen
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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.
Funen Opera
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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
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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
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Odense Dyrskueplads
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Experience the cultural heartbeat of Funen at Odense Dyrskueplads, a premier venue for festivals, fairs, and community events in Odense.
Unmissable attractions to see
St. Alban's Church
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Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter intertwine in the vibrant city center.
Washing Site at Odense River
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Discover Hans Hulehånd, a monumental wooden troll by Thomas Dambo, hidden among Odense’s greenery—where street art, folklore, and Danish nature come together for all ages.
Klokkedybet
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Experience the serene beauty of Sneglehøjen, Odense's natural retreat for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Kramboden i Odense
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Gothic grandeur and royal history meet in the heart of Odense at St. Canute's Cathedral, a landmark of spiritual and architectural significance on Funen.
Odense City Hall
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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.
Vægmaleri
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Discover the tranquil beauty of Sneglehøjen in Odense, a serene natural retreat perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
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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.
Odense Comediehuus
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A charming 18th-century comedy house in central Odense, offering intimate theatre experiences, improv, and a glimpse into Denmark’s local performing arts scene.
Museum Odense
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Discover Hans Hulehånd, Thomas Dambo’s iconic recycled-wood troll sculpture, blending Danish folklore, environmental art, and hidden adventure in the heart of Odense.
Blackfriars Square
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H. C. Andersens House
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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 maiden jump
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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.
TIME - Museum for Odense
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Discover The Maiden Jump in Odense: A harmonious blend of history and art, offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's cultural heritage.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
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Discover Odense Cathedral, where soaring Gothic architecture, royal Danish history, and vibrant local culture converge in the heart of Odense.
Carl Nielsen Museum
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Denmark’s only Viking ship burial, Ladby blends atmospheric history, hands-on exhibits, fjord views, and immersive storytelling for a truly unique Funen adventure.
Essential places to dine
Den Gamle Kro A/S
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Centuries-old Danish restaurant in Odense, delighting guests with authentic cuisine, timber-framed ambiance, and stories from Funen’s past in the city’s heart.
Restaurant Bacchus
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Discover the exquisite taste of France at Restaurant Bacchus in Odense C – where culinary artistry meets delightful ambiance.
Den Lille Smalle
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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.
MASH - Restaurant Odense
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Experience American-style steakhouse sophistication with Danish charm at MASH Odense, where prime cuts and cosmopolitan ambiance meet in Odense city center.
Ryan's of Odense
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Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Grønttorvet
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Classic Danish cuisine and warm hospitality await at Grønttorvet, a beloved restaurant on Odense's historic main square in the heart of Funen.
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Discover gourmet steak dining at A Hereford Beefstouw in Odense - where quality meets exceptional service.
Druen & Bønnen
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Experience exquisite Danish-French cuisine at Druen & Bønnen in Odense, where fresh ingredients meet culinary artistry.
UBN
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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.
Restaurant Ribelli
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Experience authentic Italian cuisine in Odense at Restaurant Ribelli - where tradition meets local flavors.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
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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 Under Lindetræet
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Restaurant Under Lindetræet in Odense offers acclaimed Danish gourmet dining amidst historic settings and fairy tale charm, blending tradition with modern Nordic cuisine.
Restaurant Klosterkroen
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Indulge in authentic Danish comfort food and timeless tavern ambiance at Restaurant Klosterkroen, a culinary landmark in the heart of Odense’s old town.
Brasserie Bordeaux
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Discover Brasserie Bordeaux in Odense - where French culinary elegance meets Danish hospitality in an unforgettable dining experience.
Café Kræz
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Lørups Vinstue
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Bootleggers Odense Craft Beer Bar
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Lalou Vinbar
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Chic, candle-lit wine bar in central Odense, serving natural and organic wines with expert guidance in a welcoming Scandinavian setting.
The Old Irish Pub
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Classic Irish hospitality in Odense: live music, big screens for sports, and a buzzing crowd in a cozy pub full of spirited atmosphere.
Christian Firtal
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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.
Carlsens Kvarter
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Carlsens Kvarter—Odense’s legendary tavern fusing classic Danish ‘brown bar’ atmosphere with one of Funen’s best craft beer selections.
Den Røde Bar
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Hjallese Puben
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Experience authentic Danish pub culture at Hjallese Puben in Odense S.
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Experience Danish hospitality at Kompasset, Vester Skerninge's cozy bar offering craft beers, fine wines, and live music in a welcoming atmosphere.
