National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst), Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark
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Visitor Information
Museum Address
Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 Copenhagen K, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Ticket Prices
140 DKK (~€19, under 18 free)
Featured Artists
8 artists in database
Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) in Copenhagen holds Denmark's national art collection, originating in the royal Art Chamber established around 1650. King Frederick V systematically expanded the paintings collection from 1750, dispatching agents across Europe to acquire Italian, Dutch, and German works. The collection opened to the public in 1843 and moved to its current building, designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup in Italian Renaissance revival style, in 1896. A modern extension by Anna Maria Indrio opened in 1998.
The museum claims the world's finest collection of Danish Golden Age painting from the early 19th century. Vilhelm Hammershøi's enigmatic interiors, painted mostly in his Strandgade apartment, rank among the most hauntingly beautiful images in Nordic art. Interior from Strandgade with Sunlight exemplifies his mastery of muted tones and contemplative silence. Caspar David Friedrich's youthful self-portrait and Lucas Cranach's portraits represent German holdings. El Greco's portraits and works by Jordaens show the collection's European breadth. Over 260,000 works span 700 years.
Visiting National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst), Copenhagen
El Greco's Portrait of Palladio and Lucas Cranach the Elder's Barbara of Saxony are highlights. Hammershøi's quiet interiors define the Danish collection.
The museum holds a significant group of Vilhelm Hammershøi's muted interior scenes. His Strandgade apartment paintings show empty rooms filled with soft gray light. They're unlike anything else in Danish art.
The permanent collection is free. Special exhibitions charge separately. The museum sits in Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen. Jacob Jordaens's Baroque canvases are in the European Old Masters galleries.
From Northern Renaissance to contemporary. The Dutch Golden Age and Baroque holdings are strong. Danish Golden Age painting (1800s) is the museum's unique strength.
Around 260,000 works spanning seven centuries of European and Danish art. Hyacinthe Rigaud's formal portraits and Matisse's cut-outs represent opposite ends of the collection's range.
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Browse Our CollectionPlease note: Artwork locations and display status may change. Some paintings may be on loan, in restoration, or moved to different galleries within the museum. We recommend contacting National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst), Copenhagen directly to confirm specific artwork availability before your visit.
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