National Gallery of Denmark, Copenhagen

Popularly known as Statens Museum for Kunst, the National Gallery in Copenhagen is one of the famous tourist attractions. If you are interested in art, this museum constructed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style is a must-visit place on your trip to Copenhagen.

Here you will find foreign as well as Danish art displays that range from the 14th century to the present day. The National Gallery even has art and artifacts from the Danish Monarch’s art chambers on display.

The works of Danish artists were displayed at this museum starting with the 19th century. It was here that you could find an extensive collection of paintings from the Danish Golden Age. Recently, a spate of long term loans and generous donations helped bring in a huge collection of works by foreign artists. For example, Johannes Rump donated his large collection of French Modernist paintings in 1928.

You must keep an entire day dedicated to this museum as it contains at least 9000 sculptures and paintings. You will also find 2600 ancient Renaissance and Middle Age plaster-cast figures and 300,000 paper artworks.

Towards the back is a large modern extension erected in 1998 to house the extensive modern art collection. The two buildings are connected by a glass-paneled 'Street of Sculptures' walkway and theatre which stretches the entire length of the museum and looks out onto the Østre Anlæg park. Talks, concerts and installations are all held in this area.

Why You Should Visit:
The building is a lovely mix of old & new – but most important is the art inside.
The Danish/Nordic collections are magnificent – but they have a bit of EVERYTHING.

Tip:
Start your visit by picking up a floor plan at the wall in the info-area, since you may find it hard to find your way efficiently otherwise.
If there in the summer, make sure you also walk the grounds outside, with mini ponds and lakes, and ducks galore.