Plizio Visual Lab
Statens Museum for Kunst
The Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) in Copenhagen is Denmark's national gallery and houses the largest art collection in the country. The museum is located in an imposing building in the city center, completed in 1896 by architect Vilhelm Dahlerup and expanded in 1998 with a modern wing by Anna Maria Indrio. Its collections span from the 14th century to the present day, with a special emphasis on Danish and Nordic art from the Golden Age, as well as early 20th-century French art. Major highlights include works by masters such as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Lucas Cranach the Elder. SMK positions itself as an animated meeting place, engaging younger generations through digital initiatives and interactive exhibits. The walkway connecting the historical original building with the glass-fronted modern addition often serves as a space for monumental sculptures and large-scale installations. The museum is also internationally respected for its extensive collection of prints and drawings, as well as its scientific research in the field of art conservation.
- Location: Denmark
- Top sights: National Gallery of Art · Jónshús · Østre Anlæg
- Nearby: Sondermarken (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 61 | 48 | 43 | 34 | 47 | 64 | 69 | 83 | 54 | 70 | 62 | 63 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The original building was completed in 1896
- Collection contains over 260,000 distinct artworks
- Home to the world's largest Vilhelm Hammershøi collection
- The modern extension was opened in 1998
- Holds approximately 9,000 paintings and sculptures
- Originally established from the Royal Collection of Paintings
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Statens Museum for Kunst (10)
Danish Natural History Museum🏛 museum
Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Rosenborg Castle
Palace in Copenhagen.
King's Garden🌳 park
Park in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Atelier Gitte Reinwald - maleskole.dk
The little painting school in Copenhagen Ø.
Marionetteatret
A theatre in Copenhagen.
Botanical Garden
Botanical garden.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is SMK?
Where is it located?
Is entry free?
What are the most important works?
Are there temporary exhibitions?
Statens Museum for Kunst: where is it located?
Statens Museum for Kunst: what is there to see?
Statens Museum for Kunst: when is the best time to visit?
Statens Museum for Kunst: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
