National Gallery of Denmark

About

The National Gallery of Denmark, known locally as Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), is Copenhagen’s premier art museum, nestled in the historic district of Østre Anlæg. Founded in 1896, the museum occupies a striking combination of a 19th‑century Italian Renaissance revival building and a modern extension designed by architects Anna Maria Indrio and Mads Møller. Together these structures house a vast and diverse collection that spans from the 14th century to contemporary works, including an impressive array of Danish, Nordic, and European masterpieces. SMK’s galleries are organized thematically and chronologically, showcasing over 9,000 paintings and sculptures, 240,000 works on paper, and more than 2,600 plaster casts. Highlights include the Danish Golden Age paintings of Abildgaard, Eckersberg, Købke, and Hammershøi, as well as a remarkable Nordic collection from 1750 to 1900 that chronicles the rise of Danish modernism. The museum also features a dedicated section for French art from 1900 to 1930, a modern Danish collection created in the 1990s, and a renowned collection of graphic art and royal casts. Beyond its permanent holdings, SMK regularly hosts special exhibitions, concerts, and performances, making it a vibrant cultural hub. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, workshops for children, an on‑site bookshop, and a café. The museum’s architecture, coupled with its extensive curatorial expertise, offers an immersive experience that appeals to art lovers, historians, and families alike.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 3 hours