SMK, short for Statens Museum for Kunst, is Denmark's national gallery. It stands in Copenhagen at Sølvgade 48-50, in the city's central 1307 district, and makes a natural stop for anyone interested in art and the history of Denmark.
What you will see
The collection covers more than 700 years, from the 14th century to the present day. It brings together Danish art and international works, so a visit lets you follow how painting and other visual arts have changed over centuries, both at home and abroad. Because the span is so wide, you can move from medieval and early modern pieces to contemporary work within a single afternoon.
What kind of visit it makes
- A museum visit suited to a few hours, with the collection arranged across a long timeline.
- A good choice for those who want to understand Danish art in its wider European setting.
- A quiet, indoor option that fits well into a day of walking around the city.
Around the museum
SMK sits in Copenhagen, a city with a dense mix of museums, cafés, waterfront paths and historic streets. Many visitors pair a gallery visit with a stroll through the surrounding neighbourhoods, planning the museum as one part of a longer day out. For current opening hours, ticket details and any exhibition changes, check the museum's own information before you go.