Denmark’s National Gallery: SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
Explore the creative heart of Denmark at SMK, the National Gallery, showcasing iconic Danish and European art in a stunning central Copenhagen setting.
SMK, Denmark’s renowned National Gallery, stands as a vibrant cultural landmark in the heart of Copenhagen. Inside this striking museum, you’ll discover centuries of Danish and European art, from elaborately painted Renaissance masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary installations. Reflecting the nation’s artistic journey, SMK offers not just iconic paintings and sculptures, but immersive exhibitions, a tranquil sculpture garden, and a buzz of creative activity that makes every visit inspiring.
A brief summary to Christian IV's Brewhouse
- Frederiksholms Kanal 29, Copenhagen, København K, 1220, DK
- +4533926492
- Visit website
Local tips
- Free admission for visitors under 27; check special days for general free entry.
- Visit on Wednesday evenings for extended hours and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Don’t miss the sculpture garden—an ideal spot for a coffee break or peaceful sketching.
- Large bags must be stored in lockers; coin deposit required.
- Audio guides are available in several languages; inquire at the main desk for the latest tours.
Getting There
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Walking
From central Copenhagen, it’s an easy walk past the city’s lakes and parks, with Kastellet and Rosenborg Castle nearby for orientation. Expect a relaxed 10–20-minute stroll, with the museum’s grand façade visible adjacent to Østre Anlæg park. Walking here allows you to experience the city’s vibe while arriving directly at the main entrance.
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Public Transport
S-trains and regional trains connect to Nørreport Station, a well-known hub within central Zealand. From here, a short bus ride or a ~10-minute walk through lively urban districts brings you to the museum’s doorstep. City buses operate frequently—tickets cost around 24–36 DKK for a single ride, with easy connections to cultural sites and parks in the area.
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Taxi
A taxi from central Copenhagen or major hotels reaches the museum in approximately 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares generally range from 100–150 DKK. The main entrance accommodates drop-off, but parking is limited and metered nearby.
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Driving
Those arriving by car can find metered street parking in the vicinity, though spaces fill quickly—especially midday. Rates typically average 24–38 DKK per hour. Due to the central location, consider parking further away and enjoying a scenic stroll through the adjoining park to reach the museum.
Discover more about Christian IV's Brewhouse
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
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Historic seat of Danish royalty and government, Christiansborg Palace dazzles with royal halls, ancient ruins, stables, and unmatched views in central Copenhagen.
The War Museum
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Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Explore Denmark's industrial evolution at Horsens' Industrimuseet, featuring authentic exhibits and interactive displays for all ages.
Lille Langebro
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Explore Lille Langebro, a stunning pedestrian bridge in Copenhagen that beautifully connects neighborhoods while offering breathtaking views of the city and its waterways.
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.
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.
Circle Bridge
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Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architecture, tranquil lakes, and student vitality unite in an iconic Scandinavian landscape at the heart of Aarhus.
Kopenhagen
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Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
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Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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Agnete and the Merman Statue
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Højbro
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Højbro Pl.
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Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
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Unmissable attractions to see
Danish Architecture Centre
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Slotsholmen
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Garden of the Royal Library
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Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
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Black Diamond
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Historic Belle Époque theater in the heart of Copenhagen, renowned for lavish interiors, acclaimed musicals, and immersive cultural experiences since 1908.
Frederiksholms Kanal
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Danish Jewish Museum
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Marmorbroen
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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.
Christiansborg Palace
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Windswept coastal hilltop with panoramic sea views, wild heather blooms, and tranquil hiking trails near Vejby on Denmark’s scenic North Sea coast.
Thorvaldsens Museum
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Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox church, a masterpiece of Muscovite architecture with iconic onion domes and rich frescoes.
Børsen
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Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Magstræde
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Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
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Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Museum of Copenhagen
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Stroll Copenhagen's historic Langelinie promenade for iconic harbor views, gardens, maritime heritage, and the famous Little Mermaid statue along the waterfront.
Essential places to dine
No. 2
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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 Noi
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Restaurant 1733
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Restaurant Puk
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Marv & Ben
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Restaurant Tight
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Restaurant Kronborg
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Restaurant Maven
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Københavner Cafeen
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Kadeau
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King Hans Cellar
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Llama
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Husmanns Vinstue
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Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Husmanns Vinstue in Copenhagen – where tradition meets taste in a cozy atmosphere.
à terre
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Læderstræde
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Strøget
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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ILLUM
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Viking Souvenirs
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Magasin du Nord
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Tivoli Gift Shop
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Quirky Lane
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Studio Arhoj
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Wasteland
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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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ruby
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The Storm Inn Copenhagen
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Godt Øl
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The Rooftop Bar
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Southern Cross Pub
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The Bird and The Churchkey
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K-Bar
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Lord Nelson Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
not your USUAL wine bar
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Taphouse
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The Dubliner
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Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
Luke's Bar
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Balderdash
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Eiffel bar
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