ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
Midtjylland
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, located in the heart of Aarhus, Denmark, is one of Northern Europe's largest art museums, spanning 20,700 square meters across 10 floors. The museum's collection, the oldest outside Copenhagen, includes over 8,000 works dating back to 1770, featuring Danish Golden Age art, modern Danish works, and international contemporary art by artists such as Bjørn Nørgaard, Per Kirkeby, Bill Viola, Olafur Eliasson, and James Turrell. The current building, opened in 2004 and designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, is a striking cubic structure inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, symbolizing hell in the basement and heaven in the attic. ARoS hosts annual special exhibitions alongside rotating displays from its permanent collection. The museum is undergoing a major underground expansion called The Next Level, featuring James Turrell's light installation "The Dome, a Skyspace," scheduled for completion in 2026. ARoS is not only a cultural landmark but also a vibrant social hub, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually who enjoy its galleries, café, and museum shop. Its historical roots trace back to 1859 when the first public art collection outside Copenhagen was established in Aarhus, reflecting the city's longstanding commitment to art and culture.
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Tip: Plan your visit during weekdays or outside peak tourist seasons to enjoy a more relaxed experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions and the upcoming expansion. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Don't miss the café and the museum shop for unique art-inspired products. Check the official website for updated opening hours and events.
Interesting facts
- •ARoS is named by blending the Latin word 'ars' (art) and the old Danish name for Aarhus, 'Aros'.
- •The current museum building is inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, symbolizing hell in the basement and heaven in the attic.
- •ARoS houses over 8,000 works, making it the oldest art collection outside Copenhagen, with pieces dating back to 1770.
- •The museum is undergoing a major expansion called The Next Level, featuring a skyspace installation by James Turrell, planned to open in 2026.
- •In 2005, performance artist Uwe Max Jensen controversially urinated in an Olafur Eliasson installation at ARoS.
History
The origins of ARoS Aarhus Art Museum date back to 1859 when Aarhus opened the first publicly accessible art collection outside Copenhagen, initially housed in the old town hall near the cathedral.
As the collection grew, it moved to a purpose-built museum near Mølleparken in 1877, funded partly by local citizens.
In 1967, the museum relocated to a modernist building in the University Park designed by C.F.
Møller.
By the late 1980s, this space was deemed insufficient, prompting a competition that led to the construction of the current iconic building on Vester Allé, inaugurated in 2004.
The museum's name, ARoS, combines the Latin word for art, "ars," with the old Danish name for Aarhus, "Aros." Since then, ARoS has become a central cultural institution in Aarhus, continually expanding its collection and facilities.
Place Guide
The Permanent Collection
Showcases over 8,000 artworks from the Danish Golden Age to contemporary international artists including Bjørn Nørgaard, Per Kirkeby, Bill Viola, Olafur Eliasson, and Ron Mueck.
The Building2004
A 52 x 52 meter cubic structure designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, opened in 2004. Inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, the building symbolizes hell in the basement and heaven in the attic.
The Next Level Expansion2026
An underground expansion featuring 'The Dome, a Skyspace' by American light artist James Turrell, scheduled for completion in 2026. This will add significant exhibition space and a unique light installation experience.
Contact
Phone: 61 90 49 00
