About
The National Gallery of Denmark, also known as Statens Museum for Kunst or SMK, is the country's national art museum. It stands in Copenhagen at Sølvgade 48-50, in the city's central district close to the Østerbro and Frederiksberg areas.
The collection spans Danish and international art from the 14th century to the present day. Visitors can follow the story of Danish painting through the Danish Golden Age, the period when artists such as those working in Copenhagen in the first half of the nineteenth century shaped a distinctly national school, and then move on to contemporary work by Danish artists. Alongside these, the museum holds international pieces that place Danish art in a wider European context.
What a visit offers
- A chronological sweep from medieval religious art to modern and contemporary painting and sculpture
- A focused view of the Danish Golden Age, useful for anyone curious about Denmark's artistic identity
- Contemporary work that shows how Danish artists continue the conversation with earlier generations
Because the gallery covers such a long span, it suits both a focused visit for a few hours and a longer look over a day. It is a sensible choice for travellers who want to understand Copenhagen beyond its streets and waterfronts, and for those who enjoy seeing how a nation's art has developed over several centuries.
For practical questions about visiting, you can call the museum on +45 33 74 84 94.