ARoS Aarhus Art Museum stands in the centre of Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, in a ten-storey building by the architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen. Its top floor holds Your Rainbow Panorama, a circular glass walkway by Olafur Eliasson that gives views over the city through coloured glass. The galleries below cover Golden Age paintings, pop art, Fluxus and contemporary installations, and Ron Mueck's large sculpture Boy stands outside the building. Allow a few hours to see the galleries and the rooftop view.
The building and its history
The museum was founded in 1859 and moved into its current building in 2004. The ten-storey building was designed by the Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen, and its cube-shaped form is often compared with the structure of Dante's Divine Comedy.
The museum sits close to the city centre and the Aarhus River canal. It is one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe, and its galleries are spread over several floors rather than gathered in one hall.
Your Rainbow Panorama
The rooftop walkway was completed in 2011 and designed by Olafur Eliasson. It is a circular path, about 150 metres long and three metres wide, mounted on columns above the roof. The glass panels are coloured across the rainbow, so the city looks different from each side of the circle.
The walk is a good way to end a visit. An open terrace lies below the structure. The view is clearest on a sunny day, when the colours through the glass are at their strongest.
Inside the galleries
The permanent collection includes Danish Golden Age paintings, Danish modernism and international contemporary art. Visitors also find landscape painting, surrealist works and a pop art section. Some highlights are works by N.A. Abildgaard and Christen Dalsgaard.
The lower floors include interactive installations, and the basement hosts special exhibitions, which have included light art, video art and installations. An immersive dome space is among the rooms that stand out. Temporary exhibitions change, so check what is on before you go.
Planning the visit
Admission is charged, with reduced rates for young adults and free entry for children under 18. Advance booking is recommended, and buying online is the simplest way to skip the queue.
The museum has a café and a restaurant on site, along with an arts shop. Free Wi-Fi is available. Wheelchair users will find an accessible entrance, restroom, seating and parking, and the revolving door at the entrance has a button that slows it. A changing table and a gender-neutral restroom are also on site.
For a second stop, Den Gamle By is an open-air museum of historic buildings in the city.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, ARoS charges admission. Reduced rates apply to young adults, and children under 18 enter free. Check the museum's website for current prices.
How long do you need?
Most visits take 2 to 3 hours. A longer stay is possible if you want to see every gallery and the rooftop walk.
Should you book tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended. Buying online helps you avoid queues at busy times.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restroom, seating and parking are wheelchair accessible.
