Statens Museum for Kunst
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SMK – National Gallery of Denmark Copenhagen

4.6
·6k reviews·København, Denmark

Denmark's national art museum, showcasing Danish Golden Age masterpieces and diverse modern collections in a stunning architectural setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed & Fri evenings

SMK Fridays events

CrowdMedium
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Statens Museum for Kunst

SMK – National Gallery of Denmark Copenhagen

Best Time

Wed & Fri evenings

SMK Fridays events

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Denmark's national art museum, showcasing Danish Golden Age masterpieces and diverse modern collections in a stunning architectural setting.

4.6
(6k reviews)

"A must-visit for classical art lovers, diving deep into Denmark's rich artistic heritage."

Vertical photo
TIP

Don't Miss the Garden 🌳

Check out the peaceful garden behind SMK for a quiet moment and birdwatching.

SMK Fridays are a Vibe ✨

Experience the museum at night with special events and a unique atmosphere.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 6,373 reviews

Type

Art museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Danish Golden Age Collection

Danish Golden Age Collection

Permanent Collection

Immerse yourself in the mood and light of 19th-century Denmark with masterful paintings.

Modern & Contemporary Art

Modern & Contemporary Art

Upper Floors

Explore experimental and abstract pieces from Danish and international artists.

SMK Fridays

SMK Fridays

Various locations within SMK

Experience the museum after dark with special exhibitions, themes, and events.

SMK Garden

SMK Garden

Behind the museum

A peaceful escape with birdwatching opportunities, especially in summer.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Copenhagen Card

Consider the Copenhagen Card for access to over 80 attractions and free public transport. It can be a cost-effective way to explore multiple sites, including SMK, and save on travel within the city. TikTok+1

Timing is Key for Views

To avoid crowds and capture the best photos, especially at iconic spots like Nyhavn, aim for early mornings. For a more relaxed experience at places like Christianborg Palace, arriving around 11 AM or 12 PM can mean shorter queues. TikTok

Best Times

When
Wed & Fri evenings
Why
SMK Fridays events
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Garden is lovely
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you want to visit Copenhagen (without breaking the bank) this is what I would suggest 🇩🇰 @nexthousecopenhagen is such a great option for accomodation. It's clean, has loads of social areas and is less than €20 a night! *gifted stay #shetravelledtheworld #copenhagen #copenhagenlife #copenhagentravel #copenhagentrip #visitcopenhagen #copenhagenitinerary #copenhagenthingstodo
@shetravelledtheworld
78.5K likes • 1.2M views

Don't Miss the Garden 🌳

Check out the peaceful garden behind SMK for a quiet moment and birdwatching. Instagram

SMK Fridays are a Vibe ✨

Experience the museum at night with special events and a unique atmosphere. Reddit

Five Things To Do in Copenhagen 🇩🇰 #copenhagen #traveltips #thingstodo
@jyptravels
61.7K likes • 1.7M views
If you’re going to the National Gallery of Denmark (SMK) in Copenhagen, don’t forget to check out the garden behind it! There’s always birds to see here. In the summer for example, there are lots of coot (dk: blishøne) families! #coot #coots #smk #cph #copenhagen #birdsofdenmark #danmarksfugle
selinasatlas
40 likes • 1.9K views

Pancake Paradise Cafe 🥞

The Kafeteria cafe at SMK serves delicious fluffy pancakes – a sweet treat! Instagram

Plan Your Visit Time ⏰

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially for popular collections. TikTok

Wait for the happy tummy - happy me wiggle 😅 Longing for some lovely pancakes? Head to The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for kunst / Smk), where you’ll find the beautiful cafe Kafeteria. Cute little spot, that serves the BEEEEST pancakes in Copenhagen: fluffy buttermilk pancakes with creme, marmelade and loads of sirup 😍 What’s not to like 🙌 My favourite order is the pancakes and...
emmascopenhagen
3.9K likes • 238.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss the Garden 🌳

Check out the peaceful garden behind SMK for a quiet moment and birdwatching. Instagram

SMK Fridays are a Vibe ✨

Experience the museum at night with special events and a unique atmosphere. Reddit

Pancake Paradise Cafe 🥞

The Kafeteria cafe at SMK serves delicious fluffy pancakes – a sweet treat! Instagram

Plan Your Visit Time ⏰

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially for popular collections. TikTok

Consider the Copenhagen Card 💳

Great value for transport and entry to many attractions, including SMK. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise SMK for its impressive collection of Danish Golden Age art, highlighting the skill and mood captured in the 19th-century masters. The museum's architecture is also noted as a beautiful blend of historic and modern design. However, some find the modern and contemporary art upstairs to be overly abstract or bizarre, with a preference leaning towards the classical collections.

"I really enjoyed my visit to SMK, especially the impressive collection of classic art. The Danish Golden Age section was a true highlight for me — the works by Eckersberg, Købke, and other 19th-century masters beautifully capture both the mood and light of the time. It’s a must-see if you appreciate finely detailed, skillful painting rooted in tradition and national identity.

However, I have to be honest: the upper floor, which houses a lot of modern and contemporary art, wasn’t my cup of tea. Some of it felt extremely bizarre. Much of it felt overly abstract and strange, and didn’t resonate with me at all. Still, that’s a matter of personal taste — if you're a fan of experimental modern pieces, you may feel differently, I presume.

Overall, a wonderful museum for classical art lovers, especially if you want to dive into Denmark’s rich artistic heritage. Just be prepared for a very different vibe upstairs (to say the least)!"

Dmitry Zinger

"As a travel expert, I can confidently say that the National Gallery of Denmark (SMK) is a truly captivating destination. The architecture itself is a magnificent blend of historic elegance and modern design. Inside, it masterfully curates Denmark's rich art history, from the Golden Age to contemporary works, offering a deep and beautiful look into the nation's cultural evolution. A must-visit for any art lover!"

Chang-Chih Shih

"So many eras and collections of artworks to see here! I spent about 1.75 hours here but it wasn’t even at a slow pace. There is just so much to see here, from famous artists like Rembrandt and Matisse, to Danish classics like Wilhelm Freddie. It is all so unique and I learned a lot about Danish’s art history from walking through this gallery. I highly recommend coming here during your stay in Copenhagen!"

kat

What People Like

Danish Golden Age art
Beautiful architecture
Extensive collections

What People Dislike

Modern art abstractness
Unclear routing between wings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

SMK is easily accessible by public transport. You can take buses or trains to the city center and it's a short walk from major stations. The Copenhagen Card includes public transport, making it convenient. TikTok+1

Parking in central Copenhagen can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or cycle to reach SMK. TikTok

Yes, cycling is a popular and efficient way to get around Copenhagen. The Donkey Republic app is recommended for bike rentals. TikTok

Consider the Copenhagen Card for access to many attractions and transport. Look for free activities like exploring Nyhavn early or visiting the SMK garden. TikTokInstagram+1

The Old Library at Fiolstræde 1 is a quiet, historic spot nearby, perfect for book lovers and architecture buffs. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official SMK website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Admission fees apply, but the Copenhagen Card covers entry to SMK, offering good value if you plan to visit multiple attractions. TikTok+1

Yes, SMK often hosts 'SMK Fridays' which are evening events with special exhibitions, themes, or activities. Check their website for schedules. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for special exhibitions or during peak times, can save you time and guarantee entry. Reddit

Some sources suggest student discounts may be available, particularly if you can show a student ID. It's worth inquiring at the ticket counter. TikTok

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

The Danish Golden Age collection is highly praised for its detailed paintings. The modern and contemporary art sections offer a different, more experimental experience. Reddit

SMK often has activities and collections that can engage younger visitors. Check their website for family-specific programming. TikTok

Many visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main collections, but you could easily spend longer if you delve into temporary exhibitions or enjoy the cafe. Reddit

Most major museums in Copenhagen are designed with accessibility in mind. It's advisable to check SMK's website for specific details on ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Reddit

The museum features a magnificent blend of historic elegance and modern design, offering an aesthetically pleasing environment for art viewing. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, SMK has a cafe called Kafeteria, which is known for serving delicious fluffy pancakes. Instagram

The Kafeteria offers light meals and treats, with their pancakes being a standout item. It's a great spot for a break during your visit. Instagram

The area around SMK has numerous cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines. You can find everything from traditional Danish pastries to international dishes. TikTok

Yes, Copenhagen offers many budget-friendly options, including hot dog stands for a quick bite or bakeries for pastries. TikTok

Don't miss sourdough, cinnamon snails, and cardamom buns from local bakeries like Meyers Bageri. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use in permanent collections, but flash is usually prohibited. Always check for specific signage in exhibition areas. Reddit

The architecture of the museum itself, along with the Danish Golden Age paintings, offers beautiful photographic opportunities. The SMK garden is also picturesque. Instagram

Temporary exhibitions may have stricter photography rules, sometimes prohibiting it entirely. Look for signs or ask staff if unsure. Reddit

Weekday mornings generally offer fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed photography. The natural light can be excellent during these times. TikTok

While SMK itself is a great photo location, nearby Nyhavn is incredibly photogenic, especially in the early morning light. TikTok

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