Copenhagen National Gallery Prepares Major Renovation

Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen is planning a major renovation project. The gallery aims to make more of its collection visible to the public. Visitors will eventually see artworks that are currently in storage.

The museum building on Sølvgade first opened in 1896. Architect Vilhelm Dahlerup designed the original historical structure. The upcoming changes will respect the original architecture of the existing building. The project will also make it easier for visitors to navigate the gallery.

Danish foundations are fully funding this large project. Donations total 70.5 million Danish kroner across several contributors. The Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond contributed 15 million Danish kroner. The Ny Carlsbergfondet provided 8 million Danish kroner to the budget.

The museum owns around 200,000 total works of art. It will retrieve many pieces currently held in castles and government offices. Director Astrid la Cour said the museum wants art to concern everyone.

The new exhibitions will open in stages between 2027 and 2029. The first stage will focus on European art from the 1300s to 1800s. This section will feature 'Susanna in the Bath' by Godefridus Schalcken. The second stage will highlight Danish and Nordic art from 1750 to 1900. It will include August Jerndorff's 1894 painting 'Portrait of Marie Oppermann'. This report is based on coverage by CPH Post.