SMK (Statens Museum for Kunst) is the national gallery of Denmark and the nation’s largest museum of art. Here you can explore more than 700 years of Danish and International art from the early Renaissance to present-day contemporary art.

SMK is located in the heart of Copenhagen near Rosenborg Castle – just a five-minute walk from Nørreport Station.

SMK is a treasure trove of masterpieces by some of the greatest artists in history. The art collection has its roots in the private collections of Danish kings, but is now the property of the Danish nation and, hence, of all Danish people. The collection of Danish and Nordic art is unparalleled, and the distinguished collection of French art is also world-famous – with good reason.

The collection comprises four separate displays:

Danish and Nordic Art 1750–1900

Explore Danish and Nordic culture during a period that includes the Golden Age of Danish art. Highlights include leading Nordic masters such as Vilhelm Hammershøi, C.W. Eckersberg and L.A. Ring.

French Art 1900–1930

The fact that a Danish art museum boasts such an exceptional collection of French art is truly remarkable. Here you will find works by the pre-eminent artists of the period such as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and André Derain, who all offered up new ideas on what art can be.

Danish and International Art after 1900

Explore art from the early twentieth century to the present day – a period of rapid change and overwhelming variety. The display outlines recent art history right from the Expressionist and Surrealist movements onward to the latest contemporary art as represented by artists such Per Kirkeby, Danh Vo and Ursula Reuter Christiansen.

European Art 1300–1800

The SMK collection of older European art dates all the way back to the private collections of Danish monarchs. Here you will find works by some of the leading figures of art history from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment. Particular highlights include heavyweights such as Andrea Mantegna, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Rembrandt van Rijn.

Activities and events

SMK is a vibrant house, offering a wide range of activities that includes guided tours, social after-hours events and workshops.

Families can visit the Children’s Workshop and get creative with paints, brushes and glue guns. You can also follow in the footsteps of the great masters in the museum’s drawing studio.

Café and Shop

The museum eatery, Kafeteria, sets new standards for museum food experiences. Focusing on seasonal, organic produce, Kafeteria also runs its own bakery and offers a selection of freshly baked cakes.

SMK Shop is the museum bookshop. Here you will find beautiful books on art, unique design objects and creative toys.

The Café and Shop are open throughout the museum’s standard opening hours. Both can be accessed without paying museum admission fees.

Splendid architecture and green parklands

You will find SMK set inside a spectacular building that combines architecture from two different centuries. The museum is set right where three Copenhagen parks intersect. The modernist wing commands lovely views of the parks outside, allowing you to see nature interacting with art. 

Opening hours

Mondays: closed

Tue – Sun: 11.00 – 17.00

Wednesdays: 11.00 – 20.00

One-day tickets

Standard adult: DKK 110

Under 30: DKK 85

One adult + one under 18: DKK 90

Under 18: Free

Annual pass: Free admission

Groups (10+ persons): DKK 100 each

Tourist information at SMK

If you need a map of the city, a ticket covering the five Parkmuseerne museums or a Copenhagen Card, the Tourist Information service at SMK is a great place to start. Find us at the Information desk – we are always happy to offer assistance and advice.

The tourist information service at SMK is part of the Visit Copenhagen organisation. You will find us at the museum’s Information desk.

The Parkmuseerne ticket grants you access to one visit at each of the five participating museums. The ticket is available at the Information desk for DKK 195 (value: DKK 480)

The Information desk also sells the Copenhagen Card, which makes it easy for you to visit a range of Copenhagen attractions and use public transport as you wish without worrying about tickets and prices.

Arriving as a group?

If you plan to arrive as part of a group of 10 persons or more, we recommend that you notify our Booking department in advance. Capacity within the individual exhibitions may be limited. If you contact us prior to your visit, we can help you decide on the best time for your visit.

We have extensive experience with conducting guided tours for groups and would be happy to create a customised tour to match your particular requirements. To book a private guided tour for groups, please contact [email protected].

Parking for busses is available in Øster Voldgade.

Get inspired prior to your visit

Find us on Facebook and Instagram. Use #smkmuseum to become part of the flow.

Reviews

‘I love the feeling I get whenever I enter the National Gallery of Denmark. Actually, I start feeling extremely cultured and refined the moment I reach the door – simply because of the very special aura that permeates this place. When I step inside and start looking around, a sense of serene calm falls upon me. It doesn’t matter if I am here by myself or with someone. I am in a world of my own. There’s me and the art. No-one else. It’s heavenly!’ - Katrine L., Yelp

‘A truly fantastic museum – beautiful rooms. The section of Danish art from the 1700s and 1800s is particularly marvellous. If you have the chance, you can spend a lot of time at this museum.’ - Stemann, Tripadvisor

‘A treasure trove of art from all periods and of all styles. Incredibly beautiful building, full of the most marvellous light that makes your entire art experience even better.’ - Thomseh, Tripadvisor

‘It’s a fantastic place with great exhibitions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re interested in art or not; just walking around inside is an impressive experience. It is a beautiful place, inside and out, and everyone should take the time to visit.’ - Jonna Anker, Tripadvisor