National Gallery of Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark

Statens Museum for Kunst ('Statens Museum' or sometimes 'National Gallery of Denmark') collects, registers, maintains, researches in and handles Danish and foreign art dating from the 14th century till the present day, mostly with their origins in western culture circles. The museum's collections constitute almost 9,000 paintings and sculptures, approximately 300,000 works of art on paper as well as more than 2,600 plaster casts of figures from ancient times, the middle-ages and the Renaissance.

The collections of the Danish National Gallery originates in the Art Chamber of the Danish monarchs. When the German Gerhard Morell became Keeper of Frederick V's Art Chamber about 1750, he suggested that the king create a separate collection of paintings. To ensure that the collection was not inferior to those of other European royal houses and local counts, the king made large-scale purchases of Italian, Netherlandish and German paintings. The collection became particularly well provided with Flemish and Dutch art. The most important purchase during Morell's term as keeper was Christ as the Suffering Redeemer by Andrea Mantegna.

Since then a great variety of purchases have been made. During the 19th century the works were almost exclusively by Danish artists, and for this reason the Museum has an unrivalled collection of paintings from the so-called Danish Golden Age. That the country was able to produce pictures of high artistic quality was something new, and a consequence of the establishment of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1754.

More recently, the collection has been influenced by generous donations and long-term loans. In 1928 Johannes Rump's large collection of early French Modernist paintings was donated to the Museum. This was followed by purchases of paintings and sculpture in the French tradition.

The museum building was designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup and G.E.W. Møller and built 1889–1896 in a Historicist Italian Renaissance revival style.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1896
Category: Museums in Denmark

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ирина (8 months ago)
Seks fredage om året inviterer vi til SMK Fridays fra kl. 16.00-22.00. SMK Fridays er gratis og åbent for alle. It's amazing to be here! Not enough minutes, let alone 6 hours on a Friday! It would be self-pitying to be in Copenhagen and not be here!!! But there is always a possibility to do the right thing: you can endlessly come to the museum and each time marvel at the amazing gift of man, to capture for centuries of history, people, details of everyday life and life over the centuries. And you no longer see the painting in front of you: you are part of the event. You almost feel a connection with the hero of the portrait and do not want to look away: they want to ask you something, or just say something, or ask you to stay a little longer, so that you are not lonely - so realistic! You can hear the breath of the wind and the fluttering of the leaves on the landscape paintings.... Marble is also inexplicable: marble sculptures are also an example of what man can do, just dare! But unfortunately, not everything in the museum that is modern will become eternal....
JeanClaude Branch (8 months ago)
Absolutely superb. I’ve been to a few of the mega museums of the world and in my ignorance I didn’t know about SMK. A combination . Of danish modern and older art but in a lovely building with a beautiful indoor sculpture garden. On an often rainy day in Copenhagen. This is a superb place to go
copernicus (copernicus.at) (11 months ago)
Embarking on a journey through the "Statens Museum for Kunst," I immersed myself for several hours in its diverse tapestry of artistic offerings. The museum, undeniably captivating, led me through a curated collection predominantly showcasing classics, with a pronounced emphasis on Renaissance art and pieces that delve into Christian faith. While these exhibits carried a historical allure, my enthusiasm waned when confronted with the current exhibitions, which seemed to lack the same vibrancy. A notable exception came in the form of an exhibition highlighting Danish and Scandinavian art from the 18th and 19th centuries. This particular showcase provided a captivating exploration of the cultural and artistic heritage of the region, offering a refreshing departure from the more conventional themes prevalent in other parts of the museum. However, as I ventured into the realm of modern Danish art, a certain sense of disappointment lingered. For those with an avant-garde and open imagination, the contemporary offerings might be perceived as somewhat lacking, failing to meet the expectations set by the historical masterpieces. Despite this, the museum itself, housed within a beautiful building exuding a distinct Danish flavor, stands as a testament to the rich cultural history of the region. In conclusion, the "Statens Museum for Kunst" unfolds as a diverse tapestry of artistic treasures, oscillating between classical masterpieces and more niche exhibits. The subjective nature of artistic taste dictates whether the museum becomes a source of delight or slight disappointment, depending on individual preferences. I encourage fellow art enthusiasts to visit and form their own judgments, appreciating the unique charm and varied offerings that this cultural institution has to offer. Adding to the allure is a charming coffee place nestled within the museum's confines. This inviting space offers more than just a caffeine fix; it provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recharge amid the artistic journey. Whether seeking a moment of respite or engaging in conversations over a cup of coffee, this addition enhances the overall ambiance of the museum visit, making it a more holistic and enjoyable experience for discerning patrons.
Katerina K (12 months ago)
Too small French art exhibition, only Matisse, Braque, Modigliani several artworks. Dutch and Nordic art is much bigger, you can spend here more than 2 hours. Great cafe place with excellent filter coffee and good rye bread and cheese
F DB (14 months ago)
Loved it. Great art museum on the northern central part of town. Ticket was around 16euros, i went on a Wed after 17, the place was basically empty which was great to see the exhibition in peace. While there, they also hosted a concert which was very nice and well attended. Lockers on lower ground floor, no coins needed. Lift to go up and down the different floors. Old and modern art.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Manarola

Manarola is a small town, a frazione of the comune of Riomaggiore. It is the second-smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists, with a population of 353.

Manarola may be the oldest of the towns in the Cinque Terre, with the cornerstone of the church, San Lorenzo, dating from 1338. The local dialect is Manarolese, which is marginally different from the dialects in the nearby area. The name 'Manarola' is probably a dialectical evolution of the Latin, 'magna rota'. In the Manarolese dialect this was changed to 'magna roea' which means 'large wheel', in reference to the mill wheel in the town.

Manarola's primary industries have traditionally been fishing and wine-making. The local wine, called Sciacchetrà, is especially renowned; references from Roman writings mention the high quality of the wine produced in the region.