Denmark’s Art Treasure: The National Gallery (SMK)
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
The Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) is Denmark’s premier national gallery, housing an extraordinary collection of Danish and international art spanning seven centuries. Visitors are immersed in striking contemporary and classical masterpieces, with thought-provoking exhibitions, vibrant installations, and serene sculpture gardens in the heart of Copenhagen.
A brief summary to Frederik's Church
- Frederiksgade 4, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1265, DK
- +4533912706
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 12:30 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Free admission is offered to all visitors under 27 and on select Tuesdays for everyone. Check in advance for current free-entry dates.
- The café is an excellent place to relax with views over the sculpture garden—ideal for a midday break.
- SMK’s lockers and cloakrooms are free to use, making it easy to explore without carrying bags or coats.
- Audio guides and thematic tours are often available (sometimes at no extra charge) and enhance understanding of both Danish and international works.
- Combine your visit with a stroll in the nearby King’s Garden or a stop at Rosenborg Castle for a full day of culture and history.
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From the heart of Zealand, most will take a train or regional S-tog to central Copenhagen via Copenhagen Central or Nørreport stations. From there, it’s a short metro or bus ride, or about a 15-minute walk through historic quarters past well-known city parks. Single tickets within the city are typically 15–25 DKK. The museum sits by the lush King’s Garden, easily recognized from surrounding major landmarks.
-
Walking
If starting from central Copenhagen or Nørreport Station, enjoy a walk through bustling city neighborhoods, with the spires of Rosenborg Castle and the expanse of the King’s Garden as reference points. The museum’s glass modern entrance stands out near these iconic greenspaces. Anticipate a leisurely stroll of about 10–20 minutes, depending on starting location.
-
Taxi/Car
Taxis are readily available from central Copenhagen; expect a brief ride of 5–10 minutes, costing around 70–120 DKK depending on traffic and time of day. Limited metered parking is available in the area, typically 20–30 DKK/hour, but it can be in high demand especially on weekends.
Discover more about Frederik's Church
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Amaliegade
0.2 km
Aarhus’ Latin Quarter is a colorful, bohemian neighborhood filled with cobbled streets, indie shops, lively cafés, and centuries-old Danish history in the city center.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 km
Christiansborg Palace blends Danish royal heritage with contemporary political power at the heart of Copenhagen, offering grand halls, historic ruins, and sweeping city views.
Bredgade 18
0.4 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen, a stunning example of classic Danish design and rich historical significance.
St. Paul's Church
0.4 km
Discover the serene beauty of St. Paul's Church in Copenhagen, a stunning Lutheran architectural gem featuring ornate designs and a tranquil atmosphere.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.4 km
Discover North Atlantic House in Copenhagen, a vibrant cultural hub and art gallery spotlighting the heritage and creativity of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
Larsens Pl.
0.4 km
Experience the harmony of stately baroque gardens, rolling meadows, and centuries-old woodlands at Ledreborg Park, a natural jewel near historic Roskilde.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.5 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
I am Queen Mary
0.5 km
Aarhus University Park fuses striking Danish architecture, lakeside tranquility, and lush greenery in an iconic academic setting treasured by locals and visitors alike.
Kongens Nytorv
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by stunning architecture and vibrant cultural attractions.
The King's New Square
0.5 km
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Copenhagen at Nyhavn, where colorful history meets modern charm along the picturesque canal.
Our Fallen
0.6 km
A stunning fusion of royal splendor and modern democracy, Christiansborg Palace is Copenhagen’s iconic seat of power and a must-visit historic landmark for all.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.8 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.9 km
Explore Copenhagen’s lush Botanical Garden—an enchanting green oasis famed for its historic glasshouse, rare plants, and tranquil urban landscapes.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.9 km
Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
Unmissable attractions to see
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.1 km
Explore the rich heritage of Danish and international design at Copenhagen's Designmuseum Danmark.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.2 km
Mid-century modern pavilion and landmark event venue with panoramic views, situated on Copenhagen’s historic Langelinie promenade by the harbor.
Medicinsk Museion
0.2 km
Discover the captivating world of Baltic amber, from prehistoric fossils to exquisite craftsmanship, in Copenhagen’s historic Nyhavn district at the Amber Museum.
Amalienborg
0.2 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Amalienborg Palace
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant history and charm of Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn waterfront.
Rytterstatuen
0.2 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.2 km
Byparkens Legeplads in Roskilde is a vibrant and thoughtfully designed playground set in lush Byparken, offering free, family-friendly fun in the city’s green heart.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's design evolution at Designmuseum Danmark in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Nyboder
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Anglican church, a Gothic Revival masterpiece nestled in Churchillparken near iconic landmarks.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.4 km
Explore Fyns Hoved, Funen’s northernmost peninsula, famed for its wild coastal views, flourishing birdlife, and windswept hikes through preserved Danish nature.
Amaliehaven
0.4 km
Frederiksholms Kanal is a scenic, historic canal in central Copenhagen, lined with grand buildings, embassies, and stately bridges, offering quiet urban charm.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.5 km
Discover Denmark’s Baltic amber legacy at the Copenhagen Amber Museum in lively Nyhavn, featuring rare artifacts, jewelry, and Nordic legends in a centuries-old setting.
The David Collection
0.5 km
Explore Copenhagen’s legendary underground art space in Søndermarken—where history, atmosphere, and contemporary installations blend beneath Frederiksberg.
Indre By
0.5 km
A magnificent Gothic church and former Carmelite monastery in the heart of Helsingør, renowned for its stunning cloisters, royal history, and captivating sacred art.
The Kissing Stairs
0.5 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
0.2 km
Discover AOC: An exquisite fine dining experience in Copenhagen featuring seasonal Nordic cuisine and exceptional wine pairings.
Restaurant Rebel
0.2 km
Experience the culinary fusion of local ingredients and innovative flavors at Restaurant Rebel, Copenhagen's top bistro destination.
Restaurant Vita
0.3 km
A legendary Danish restaurant in Copenhagen's royal heart known for classic cuisine, elegant interiors, and decades of local history near Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.4 km
Bornholm-inspired fine dining in the heart of Copenhagen, serving inventive Danish cuisine spotlighting local ingredients and the culinary spirit of the Baltic island.
Den Lille Fede
0.4 km
Den Lille Fede is a top-rated Copenhagen restaurant renowned for inventive Nordic tasting menus, cozy ambiance, and a playful yet elegant approach to Danish gastronomy.
Kokkeriet
0.4 km
Experience the pinnacle of Danish fine dining at Kokkeriet in Copenhagen - where innovation meets tradition in every exquisite dish.
Cap Horn
0.5 km
Experience authentic Danish and Scandinavian cuisine at Cap Horn in Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn district, where tradition meets culinary artistry.
Bistro Royal
0.5 km
Stylish Parisian-inspired bistro on Kongens Nytorv, serving classic and contemporary dishes in a vibrant, central Copenhagen setting with charming views.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.6 km
Elegant Danish fine dining in an atmospheric 17th-century townhouse, showcasing seasonal Nordic flavors and historic charm in the heart of old Copenhagen.
Frank
0.6 km
Chic Nordic dining with creative tasting menus, an acclaimed wine selection, and stylish ambiance in central Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural district.
Alouette
0.6 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Alouette in Copenhagen—where innovative cuisine meets elegant ambiance for an unforgettable meal.
Khun Juk
0.6 km
Upmarket Thai cuisine meets classic Copenhagen charm at Khun Juk, offering authentic flavors and canal-side elegance in the heart of historic Nyhavn.
Marchal
0.6 km
Experience modern French cuisine at Marchal in Copenhagen's Hotel d'Angleterre - where elegance meets culinary artistry.
l’Alsace
0.6 km
Discover authentic Alsatian cuisine at l’Alsace in Copenhagen, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Llama
0.7 km
Experience authentic Latin American flavors at Llama in Copenhagen – where vibrant cuisine meets warm hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Wilde Shop
0.4 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.6 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
0.7 km
Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.7 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Magasin du Nord
0.8 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
ILLUM
0.8 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
1.0 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Studio Arhoj
1.0 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Læderstræde
1.0 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Time's Up Vintage
1.0 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Strøget
1.0 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
1.2 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
TorvehallerneKBH
1.3 km
A vibrant marketplace in the heart of Copenhagen, TorvehallerneKBH blends Danish culinary tradition with global flavors across over 60 food and drink stalls.
Quirky Lane
1.4 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
1.4 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.2 km
Experience a cozy fusion of traditional pub spirit and innovative Scandinavian craft beverages in Copenhagen’s Indre By at Black Swan cider and beer bar.
1105
0.7 km
Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
Charlie's Bar
0.8 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Balderdash
0.9 km
Whimsical cocktails, creative mixing, and historic vibes await at Balderdash, a celebrated Copenhagen bar bringing Nordic flair and surprises to the city’s vibrant nightlife.
K-Bar
1.0 km
Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
The Dubliner
1.0 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
Bar'Vin
1.0 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Luke's Bar
1.1 km
Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
Eiffel bar
1.2 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
No Stress Bar
1.2 km
Relaxed cocktail bar in central Copenhagen with creative drinks, cozy ambiance, and a blend of retro and modern Danish design—perfect for a unique evening out.
Ruby
1.2 km
Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
