Attraction
Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen's amusement park and pleasure garden, open since 1843 beside the Central Station, with historic rides, gardens, concerts, restaurants and seasonal Halloween and Christmas events.
SMK – National Gallery of Denmark
Denmark's largest art museum, on the edge of Østre Anlæg park, with European old masters, Danish Golden Age painting, a celebrated Matisse collection and modern Danish art.
At a glance
- Type
- National art museum
- Area
- Indre By, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Official site
- smk.dk
Good to know
- Danish Golden Age collection
- Matisse collection
- Sculpture street
- Park setting
Why we recommend it
SMK, Statens Museum for Kunst, is Denmark's national gallery and its largest art museum. Its roots lie in the royal art chamber of the Danish kings, and the collection moved into its present home on Sølvgade when the museum opened in 1896, after the royal gallery at Christiansborg was lost in the fire of 1884. The original building by Vilhelm Dahlerup and G. E. W. Møller is in an Italian Renaissance style, and a modern extension at the back, linked by a long glass-roofed hall known as the Street of Sculptures, looks out over the park of Østre Anlæg.
The collection covers seven centuries. European art from 1300 to 1800 includes works by Mantegna, Cranach, Titian, Rubens and Rembrandt. The Danish and Nordic galleries, with more than 400 works, trace the Danish Golden Age of the early 19th century through painters such as Eckersberg and Købke, on to Hammershøi and the arrival of modernism. One of the museum's best-known strengths is its French modern art, built on the collection given by Johannes Rump in 1928, which includes important works by Matisse, among them Le Luxe II, alongside Picasso, Derain and Braque. Twentieth and twenty-first century Danish art fills the extension.
The Street of Sculptures is used for talks, concerts and installations, and the museum runs a changing programme of special exhibitions alongside the permanent collection. The building is bright and spacious, and the views of the park from the long corridor in the extension make it easy to take a break between galleries.
SMK suits anyone with an interest in art, from first-time museum visitors to specialists, and it is a good choice on a rainy day. Allow two to three hours. Opening hours vary by day, with at least one late opening each week, so check the museum's website for the current times.
The museum is a short walk from Nørreport station, which is served by the metro, S-trains and regional trains. Rosenborg Castle and the King's Garden are close by, so SMK combines naturally with a morning at Rosenborg, and the park of Østre Anlæg behind the museum is pleasant for a walk afterwards.
SMK – National Gallery of Denmark FAQs
What is SMK?
Statens Museum for Kunst, the National Gallery of Denmark and the country's largest art museum.
What are the highlights?
Danish Golden Age painting, European old masters such as Mantegna and Rembrandt, and a major collection of French modern art including Matisse.
Where is SMK?
At Sølvgade 48-50, by Østre Anlæg park, a short walk from Nørreport station and opposite Rosenborg Castle.
How long should I spend at SMK?
Two to three hours is enough to see the main collections.
What is the Street of Sculptures?
A glass-roofed hall linking the historic building and the modern extension, used for sculpture, talks and concerts.
Does SMK have late openings?
Yes, the museum stays open later on at least one evening a week. Check the website for current hours.
When did the museum open?
The current building opened in 1896, after the royal gallery at Christiansborg was destroyed by fire in 1884.
What is nearby?
Rosenborg Castle, the King's Garden, Østre Anlæg park and the Torvehallerne food market near Nørreport.