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Denmark
National Gallery of Denmark
The National Gallery of Denmark, also known as Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), is located in the heart of Copenhagen and is the country’s largest art museum. Established in 1896, it is recognized for its extensive collection spanning seven centuries, from the 14th Century to the present day.
The gallery's building is a harmonious blend of old and new. The older section, designed by architect Vilhelm Dahlerup in 1896, is a grand, ornate structure showcasing exquisite Renaissance details. The modern extension, designed by architects Anna Maria Indrio and Mads Møller from Arkitektfirmaet C. F. Møller, was added in 1998. This part of the gallery showcases a contrasting minimalist style with its clean lines, bright spaces, and vast glass windows, offering a panoramic view of the city's lush green parks.
As you step inside the National Gallery of Denmark, you are immediately greeted by a vast collection of over 9,000 paintings and sculptures, 300,000 works of art on paper, and more than 3,500 plaster casts of statues from ancient times, the middle-ages, and the renaissance. The gallery's collection covers 700 years of primarily European, and Danish art from the Renaissance to the present day, featuring works from renowned artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Picasso.
The museum's collection is divided into three main parts: The Royal Collection of Graphic Art, the Royal Collection of Painting and Sculpture, and the Royal Plaster Cast Collection. The Royal Collection of Graphic Art, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world, contains more than 240,000 works from the 15th century to the present day.
The gallery also hosts an array of temporary exhibitions, educational activities, and cultural events, making it a vibrant cultural hub. On top of that, it has a children's art museum where the young ones can explore and create their own masterpieces.
The National Gallery of Denmark is not just a venue to view art; it's a place that encourages its visitors to engage with art in a more profound way. Its open, inviting spaces inspire dialogue, thought, and relaxation, making every visit a uniquely enriching experience. A beautiful fusion of art, architecture, and nature, it's a must-visit for art lovers visiting Copenhagen.