DK Travel : Copenhagen : Statens Museum for Kunst

Statens Museum for Kunst

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Denmark’s national gallery is housed in two buildings – one dating back to the 19th century and the other, a stylish, modern extension, linked by a bridge over a sculpture gallery known as Sculpture Street. The museum’s collections span international and national paintings, sculptures, installations, prints and drawings from the 14th century to the present. The national collection specialises in paintings from the Golden Age and by later 19th-century artists such as the Skagen school, the rebels of their time.
The children’s museum provides activities every Saturday and Sunday through the summer holidays. The department of prints and drawings has fascinating works dating back to the 15th century, including those by Rembrandt, Manet and Picasso. The bright, stylish museum café looks out onto Ostre Anlæg Lake. In good weather, the park is good for a picnic.

Top 10 Features

1. Sculpture Street

This impressive, varied collection of sculptures runs the entire length of the building. The displays look resplendent beneath the sunlight streaming in through the glass roof. Don’t miss Sørensen’s extraordinary display of ferocious dogs.
2. Christ as the Suffering Redeemer

This striking painting (1495–1500) by prominent Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna shows the Resur- rection 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 with the porphyry sarcophagus.
3. The Meeting of Joachim and Anne Outside the Golden Gate

This painting (1497) by Filippino Lippi reveals an interest in classical antiquity and the influence of Botticelli.
4. Portrait of the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini

This portrait of Giovanni Bellini, official painter for the Venetian Republic, is an early work (1511–12) by the Venetian artist Tiziano Vecellio (better known as Titian).
5. The Judgement of Solomon

This painting by Rubens depicts the inspiring story from the Old Testament, where the wisdom of King Solomon is tested. The interplay of colours is an important part of the drama. Though created by Rubens, much of the brushwork was done by assistants.
6. Boys Bathing in Skagen, Summer Evening

This intriguing painting by Peder S. Krøyer shows three little boys playing on the beach in the moonlight. It was submitted to the World Exhibition held in Paris in 1900.
7. Portrait of Madame Matisse

Also known as The Green Stripe, this painting by Henri Matisse of his wife was to have far-reaching repercussions in the art world. It was one of several radical paintings in the 1905 Salon d’Automne and helped give rise to the Fauvist movement known for its bright colours and spontaneous style.
8. Alice

One of over 300 portraits by Amedeo Modigliani painted between 1915 and 1920, this beautiful painting reflects the artist’s interest in African sculpture. He has made use of simple shapes and stylised features to create an idealised portrait.
9. The Wheel of Life

Belonging to the Suite of Seasons series, this painting (1953) by Asger Jorn represents the month of January. Alluding to the medieval concept of “the wheel of life”, Jorn, who was suffering from tuberculosis, was inspired to paint this in the hope for better health.
10. The Earth Weeps

This powerful painting (1981) by award-winning Danish painter, Svend Wiig Hansen, reflects the artist’s early life amidst widespread violence, fear and misery, especially during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. The theme of violence is a constant feature in most of his work.

Practical Information

The children’s museum provides activities every Saturday and Sunday through the summer holidays. The department of prints and drawings has fascinating works dating back to the 15th century, including those by Rembrandt, Manet and Picasso. The bright, stylish museum café looks out onto Ostre Anlæg Lake. In good weather, the park is good for a picnic. Sølvgade 48–50 33 74 84 94 Open 10am–5pm Thu–Tue, 10am–8pm Wed Guided tours for families are also available Adm for adults 80kr, concessions 50–60kr, under 18 years free; Copenhagen Card accepted smk@smk.dk www.smk.dk