Statens Museum for Kunst

About the museum

The collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst goes back to the art purchases of the Danish kings since the 16th century; Christian IV and Frederik V in particular expanded it greatly. With the introduction of democracy in 1849, the formerly private royal collection passed into the ownership of the nation.

The present main building in the historicist style was designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup and opened in 1896. Originally the halls were arranged around open inner courtyards meant to bring daylight into the building. In 1969/70 the courtyards were roofed over and converted with mezzanines into additional exhibition rooms. In 1998 a modern extension by C.F. Møller was added facing the park Østre Anlæg, connected to the old building by a glazed "Sculpture Street" and bridges.

As Denmark's official main museum of visual art, the SMK manages the country's largest art collection with over 200,000 works, including one of the most important graphic collections in the world and the Royal Cast Collection. SMK Thy in northern Jutland is also part of the museum.

From 2026 to 2029, the four collection presentations will be closed in turn, redesigned and reopened. The museum stays open during the work, and special exhibitions continue.

Highlights

• Danish Golden Age and Nordic art 1750–1900
• French art 1900–1930
• European painting 1300–1800
• Royal Collection of Graphic Art, one of the most important of its kind
• Sculpture Street between the old and new buildings
• Children's workshop for creative activities

Permanent exhibitions

• Dänische und nordische Kunst 1750–1900 – Collection presentation focusing on the Danish Golden Age and Nordic painting of the 19th century; closes in autumn 2027 for redesign.
• Dänische und internationale Kunst nach 1900 – Modern and contemporary art from Denmark and abroad; to be redesigned from autumn 2028.
• Französische Kunst 1900–1930 – French modernism from the museum's collection; will close for redesign in spring 2029.

Founded

1896

Operated by

Dänischer Staat (Kulturministerium)

Director

Astrid la Cour

Visitors per year

approx. 523,457 (2024)

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Copenhagen Card and the Parkmuseerne ticket. Admission tickets for the SMK in København are not valid at SMK Thy.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Step-free access via the group entrance to the left of the grand staircase (intercom; forecourt with gravel). The whole museum can be navigated with manual and electric wheelchairs, elevators to all areas (smallest door 80 cm). Loan wheelchairs and folding chairs in the foyer. Accessible parking spaces in front of the museum (entrance Øster Voldgade, exit Sølvgade). Sunflower lanyard, sensory kits and AutismGoTo introduction at the information desk; certified under the Danish accessibility label God Adgang. Public tours with sign language interpretation in special exhibitions.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The children's workshop (Børnenes Værksted) with collage, clay, plaster and paint is open on weekends and during school holidays and is included in admission. Regular family tours and drawing events. Strollers are allowed into the exhibitions, loan buggies are available at the main entrance. Changing facilities in all restrooms; the café has a children's hot dog menu.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the museum district next to Rosenborg Castle.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Café MAGNOLIA (also without admission, with its own bakery and high chairs). Coat check in the basement with free code lockers; bags larger than 40 × 40 × 25 cm must stay there. Eating area for food you bring yourself next to the coat check. Free Wi-Fi "SMKguest". SMK Shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 1,000 guests.

SMK Venue: Sculpture Street with stage (up to 580 seated, up to 1,000 standing), auditorium, café rooms, collection halls and the Royal Cast Collection for dinners, conferences, receptions, product presentations and photo and film shoots.

Plan your visit