Located in the heart of the city, close to Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden and Nørreport, SMK is a must-visit for art lovers, families and travellers who want to experience Danish and international culture.
Visit SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark
The National Gallery of Denmark is known in Danish as Statens Museum for Kunst and is usually called SMK. The museum brings together Danish, Nordic and international art in a beautiful setting near some of Copenhagen’s best green spaces and historic landmarks.
If you are arriving at Copenhagen Airport, booking car rental through Terminal3.dk gives you a flexible way to reach your hotel, travel with luggage and explore attractions outside the city centre. For SMK itself, the best plan is usually to park nearby and continue on foot through the museum district.
Why SMK is worth visiting
SMK is one of the best places to understand Danish art, European art history and modern visual culture in one visit. The collection spans from early European masterpieces to Danish Golden Age paintings, French modernism, contemporary art, sculpture, prints, drawings and special exhibitions.
Whether you have one hour or half a day, the museum is easy to enjoy. You can focus on Danish highlights, explore international masters, visit a temporary exhibition, stop at the museum café or combine your visit with nearby parks and castles.
What to see at SMK
The museum’s collection is broad, so it helps to plan your visit around a few key areas. Highlights often include Danish Golden Age painting, Nordic art, European classics, modern French art and contemporary works by Danish and international artists.
Artists and collections associated with SMK include:
- Danish Golden Age art with important 19th-century Danish painters
- Vilhelm Hammershøi, one of Denmark’s most famous painters of quiet interiors
- Anna Ancher and other major Nordic artists
- European masters from the Renaissance onward
- French modern art including works connected with Matisse and his circle
- Modern and contemporary art from Denmark and abroad
- Prints and drawings from one of Denmark’s most important graphic art collections
Danish art and the Danish Golden Age
For many visitors, the Danish collection is the heart of SMK. The Danish Golden Age paintings offer a window into 19th-century Denmark, with landscapes, portraits, interiors and city views that helped define Danish visual culture.
This part of the museum is especially useful if you are visiting Copenhagen’s castles, churches and historic districts, because it connects the city’s architecture and landscapes with the artists who shaped Denmark’s national art story.
International art and modern masterpieces
SMK is not only a Danish art museum. Its international collection includes European art from many periods, along with modern and contemporary works. Visitors can move from older European painting to 20th-century modernism and then into newer installations, photography, sculpture and experimental art.
The museum is also known for its French modern art collection, including works by major modern artists. Special exhibitions change throughout the year, so check the current programme before visiting if there is a particular artist, period or theme you want to see.
Temporary exhibitions, tours and events
SMK regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, guided tours, talks, workshops, concerts and family activities. This makes the museum worth checking even if you have visited before, because the programme changes during the year.
If you are travelling with children, check the museum’s family activities and practical visitor information in advance. Children and young people under 18 usually have free admission, but special workshops, events or exhibitions may have separate rules.
Café, shop and visitor facilities
SMK has a museum café and shop, making it easy to take a break during your visit. The café is useful for coffee, lunch or a quiet pause between galleries, while the shop is a good place to look for art books, design items, posters and gifts.
Opening hours, ticket prices and exhibition access may change, so always check SMK’s official visitor information before you travel across the city.
Attractions near SMK
SMK is located in one of the best areas of Copenhagen for combining museums, parks, gardens and historic landmarks. Once you have parked or arrived nearby, you can easily explore the surrounding area on foot.
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle is a short walk from SMK and is one of Copenhagen’s most important royal attractions. It houses the Danish Crown Jewels, royal interiors and collections connected with Danish monarchy.
The King’s Garden
The King’s Garden, beside Rosenborg Castle, is one of Copenhagen’s most popular green spaces. It is ideal for a short walk, picnic or relaxed break after visiting the museum.
The Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is close to SMK and offers peaceful paths, historic glasshouses, plant collections and the famous Palm House. It is a natural addition to a museum-and-garden day.
Torvehallerne
Torvehallerne food market near Nørreport is a convenient stop for coffee, pastries, seafood, chocolate, Danish specialities and casual meals before or after SMK.
Queen Louise’s Bridge
Queen Louise’s Bridge and the Copenhagen Lakes are within walking distance. Continue toward Nørrebro if you want cafés, local shops, bakeries and a more neighbourhood-focused Copenhagen experience.
Should you drive to SMK?
SMK is centrally located, so driving directly to the museum requires planning. The streets around central Copenhagen can be busy, and parking may be paid, limited or restricted. If you are visiting with a rental car, use an official parking area nearby, check local signs carefully and continue on foot.
A practical plan is to use your rental car for travel from Copenhagen Airport, hotel access and day trips, then park once when visiting SMK, Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden and the surrounding museum district.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
For short trips inside central Copenhagen, walking, cycling and public transport are often convenient once you have parked. However, renting a car at Copenhagen Airport is very useful if you are travelling with luggage, children or a group, staying outside the city centre, visiting family or planning day trips beyond Copenhagen.
With a rental car from CPH Airport, you can combine SMK and the city’s central attractions with castles, museums, coastal towns and other destinations around Denmark.
Easy day trips after visiting SMK
After exploring the National Gallery of Denmark, your rental car gives you the freedom to continue beyond Copenhagen at your own pace.
- Dragør for a charming old fishing town close to Copenhagen Airport
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for art, architecture and sea views
- Kronborg Castle in Helsingør for Danish history and coastal scenery
- Roskilde for the cathedral, Viking Ship Museum and historic town centre
- Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød for royal history, gardens and impressive architecture
- Malmö in Sweden via the Øresund Bridge, if your rental agreement allows cross-border travel
Suggested SMK itinerary from CPH Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel or a convenient parking area near the city centre.
Late morning: Visit SMK and explore the Danish, Nordic and international art collections.
Lunch: Eat at the museum café, walk to Torvehallerne or choose a nearby café around Nørreport.
Afternoon: Continue to Rosenborg Castle, the King’s Garden, the Botanical Garden or the Copenhagen Lakes.
Evening: Return to your rental car and drive to your hotel, a restaurant outside the centre or your next Copenhagen stop.
Practical tips for visiting SMK
- Check current opening hours, tickets and exhibition access before visiting.
- Allow at least two hours if you want to see the main collections at a relaxed pace.
- Visit early in the day if you prefer quieter galleries.
- Check guided tours, talks and family activities before your trip.
- Use the café or shop for a break between exhibitions.
- Use official parking areas and check Copenhagen parking rules carefully.
- Combine SMK with Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden and Torvehallerne.
Why book Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk?
With Terminal3.dk, you can search and compare car rental at Copenhagen Airport before you travel. This helps you choose the right vehicle for your itinerary, whether you need a compact city car, an automatic rental car, a family vehicle, an SUV or extra luggage space.
The CPH Car Rental Centre is connected to Copenhagen Airport, making it convenient to continue your journey after landing. From there, you can drive to your accommodation, visit Copenhagen’s museums and attractions, and plan day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
Book your CPH Airport car rental and discover Copenhagen’s art scene
SMK is one of Copenhagen’s top cultural attractions and an excellent stop for visitors who want to understand Danish and international art in a beautiful museum setting. With its central location near Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden and the King’s Garden, it fits easily into a full day of Copenhagen sightseeing.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk, park near the city centre and enjoy the freedom to explore SMK, historic Copenhagen and the best day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
