SMK—NATIONAL GALLERY OF DENMARK
The National Gallery is housed in two buildings, one from the 19th century and the other a stylish, modern extension, linked by a bridge over Sculpture Street. The museum holds international and national paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and installations from the 14th century to the present, with the national collection specializing in Golden Age and 19th-century paintings.
NEED TO KNOW
Sølvgade 48–50 • www.smk.dk • Open 11am–5pm Tue–Sun (until 8pm Wed) • Adm $17; under 30 $13; under 18 free
Free guided tours available
- The prints and drawings collection dates back to the 15th century.
- The children’s museum provides activities every weekend throughout the summer holidays.
- The bright, stylish museum café looks out onto Østre Anlæg Lake. In good weather, the park is ideal for a picnic.
Museum Guide
Enter the museum from the corner of Sølvgade and Øster Voldgade. The lobby has temporary exhibitions and a bookstore. The entire ground floor is taken up by Sculpture Street, with 20th-century Danish and international art in the extension of the first and second floor. The old main building houses European art 1300–1800, Danish and Nordic art 1750–1900, and French art 1900–1930.
Museum Floor Plan
1. The Meeting of Joachim and Anne outside the Golden Gate of Jerusalem
Filippino Lippi (1457–1504) was a true Renaissance artist. This is evident in the architectural detail of the Corinthian columns and his paintings.
The Meeting of Joachim and Anne outside the Golden Gate of Jerusalem
2. The Wheel of Life
Belonging to the Suite of Seasons series, this painting (1953) by Asger Jorn (1914–73) represents the month of January. Jorn, who was suffering from tuberculosis, was inspired to paint this in the hope of better health.
3. The X-Room
This space has changing installations by young international artists. The black box interior is transformed into multimedia worlds.
4. Please, Keep Quiet!
Visitors have to enter this installation by Elmgreen and Dragset (2003) through swing doors, which open to a hospital ward scene. This represents the neutrality of an exhibition space.
5. Sculpture Street
An impressive, varied collection of sculptures by international contemporary artists runs the length of the building under a glass roof.
6. Christ as the Suffering Redeemer
This striking painting on the traditional pietà theme by prominent Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506) shows the Resurrection of Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. Mantegna is known for his profound interest in ancient Roman civilization; in this painting it comes through in the porphyry sarcophagus.
7. Alice
One of over 300 portraits by Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920) painted between 1915 and 1920, this beautiful painting, with simple, stylized features, reflects the artist’s interest in African sculpture.
Alice
8. Romantic Paintings
Per Kirkeby (1938–2018) was one of Denmark’s most important artists. This early collage from 1965 uses clippings from popular magazines and comics as a homage to Pop Art.
9. Artemis
Created in 1893–4, Vilhelm Hammershøi’s (1864–1916) painting shows Artemis crowned with a crescent moon. The painting’s Arcadian nudity, lack of depth, muted palate, and enigmatic coolness are typical of Hammershøi’s later work.
Artemis
10. Portrait of Madame Matisse
Also known as The Green Stripe, this painting by Henri Matisse (1869–1954) of his wife was to have far-reaching repercussions in the art world. It was one of several paintings shown in the 1905 Salon d’Automne and helped give rise to the Fauvist movement, known for its bright colors and spontaneous style.
