ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

A soaring ten‑storey art museum where world‑class collections, immersive installations and a rainbow‑ringed rooftop transform the way you see Aarhus and contemporary art.

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ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum is one of Northern Europe’s largest art museums, rising over ten levels in the heart of Aarhus. Inside, more than 8,000 works span from the Danish Golden Age to cutting‑edge international contemporary art, with entire floors devoted to immersive installations. Crowning it all is Olafur Eliasson’s circular rooftop walkway, Your rainbow panorama, wrapping the skyline in shifting bands of colour and offering dramatic views across Denmark’s second city.

A brief summary to ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Aros Allé 2, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
+4561904900
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Tuesday 10 am-9 pm
Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
Thursday 10 am-9 pm
Friday 10 am-9 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Plan at least 2–3 hours to explore both the collection and temporary exhibitions, plus extra time for Your rainbow panorama on the roof.
Arrive early on weekends or later on weekday evenings to enjoy quieter galleries and more space on the rooftop walkway.
Bring a light layer: temperatures can feel different between the climate‑controlled galleries and the exposed rooftop panorama.
Use the lockers near the entrance for coats and bags so you can move freely through the multi‑level exhibitions.
Check the current exhibition programme before your visit if you are keen on specific artists or large installation projects.

Getting There

City bus from central Aarhus

From the central areas around Aarhus H train station, several city bus lines run toward the city hall and concert hall district, which is a short walk from ARoS. The ride typically takes 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. A single adult ticket on Midttrafik city buses usually costs around 20–25 DKK when bought with a travel card or app, slightly more if purchased in cash. Buses run frequently throughout the day, but evening and Sunday services can be less frequent, so check the timetable in advance.
On foot from Aarhus H

ARoS is located in the city centre within typical walking distance of Aarhus H main railway station. The walk generally takes 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace on paved, mostly level city streets. The route passes through busy urban areas with crossings and some gentle inclines but no steep hills, making it manageable for most visitors with basic mobility. Allow extra time in poor weather or if travelling with small children or luggage.
Bicycle within Aarhus

Aarhus is a bicycle‑friendly city with marked cycle lanes leading toward the civic and cultural district where ARoS stands. From most central neighbourhoods the ride will be around 5–15 minutes. You can use your own bike or local bike‑share schemes, which typically cost from about 10–20 DKK for short rentals, with time‑based fees increasing for longer use. Be prepared for standard city cycling conditions, including traffic lights, other cyclists and occasional cobbled sections near older streets.
Car or taxi within the city

If you arrive by car from within Aarhus, expect a short drive of roughly 5–15 minutes from most central districts, depending on traffic. There is limited paid parking directly by the museum and additional public parking facilities nearby; typical city‑centre rates range from about 20–30 DKK per hour. Taxis are widely available and a central‑city journey will usually cost in the region of 80–150 DKK depending on distance and time of day. During major events around the concert hall area, parking spaces can fill quickly.

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Discover more about ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

A vertical world of art in the heart of Aarhus

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum occupies a striking modern building just off the city’s main cultural axis, its ten storeys descending and ascending around a central spiral of galleries. With over 20,000 square metres of space, it is one of Northern Europe’s largest art museums and a cultural anchor for Denmark’s second city. The architecture is designed to be navigated almost like a city in miniature, with viewpoints, plazas and quiet side streets of art. From the moment you step into the high, light-filled foyer, you are drawn both upwards toward the rooftop and down into the sunken galleries. The building’s clean lines, generous volumes and carefully controlled daylight frame the works rather than compete with them, giving the museum an almost cathedral-like sense of scale while remaining welcoming and easy to move through.

Collections spanning centuries and movements

ARoS holds Denmark’s largest art collection outside the capital, with more than 8,000 works that trace a broad arc from the 18th century to today. Permanent displays usually include Danish Golden Age painting, early modernism and post-war currents, alongside major figures of international contemporary art. Themes shift between identity, landscape, politics and the human body, revealing how artists from different periods grapple with similar questions. You might encounter atmospheric interiors and landscapes by Danish masters on one floor, then step into rooms devoted to experimental video, sound and light on the next. The museum is known for ambitious temporary exhibitions, often developed with international partners, which can place a single artist in deep focus or explore a topic such as myth, technology or the future of the city.

Iconic installations: Boy and Your rainbow panorama

Two works have become synonymous with ARoS. Ron Mueck’s hyper‑realistic sculpture Boy, an enormous crouching figure several metres high, occupies its own vast gallery. Up close, every pore, hair and vein is rendered with unsettling precision; from a distance, the childlike pose and monumental scale create a powerful tension between vulnerability and enormity. On the roof, Olafur Eliasson’s Your rainbow panorama forms a circular, glazed walkway hovering above the city. As you stroll through its ring of coloured glass, Aarhus is filtered through intense reds, greens, blues and yellows, turning the familiar skyline into a sequence of abstract compositions. The work is both viewing platform and artwork, a continuous loop where your own movement completes the piece.

Immersive spaces and changing perspectives

Beyond these headline works, an entire floor is dedicated to large‑scale installation art. Here you can walk into rooms where light appears solid, sound shapes space, or sculptural environments invite you to navigate, sit and linger. The museum frequently collaborates with artists known for immersive practice, encouraging visitors to experience art physically as well as visually. Upcoming projects continue this focus. New collection presentations and large permanent installations by leading light artists expand the museum’s role as a laboratory for perception, colour and atmosphere. Moving through these spaces, you shift from observer to participant, becoming aware of how architecture, light and your own body interact.

Spaces to pause: café, shop and city views

Between gallery visits, ARoS offers several places to pause. A café and orangery provide light meals, coffee and views toward the surrounding parkland and concert hall. On lower levels, quieter seating areas let you rest with a sketchbook or simply absorb what you have seen. The design encourages a full‑day visit, with natural points to slow down before continuing. The museum shop is unusually well stocked, with design objects, art books, posters and playful items linked to current exhibitions. Even if you are not delving deeply into the galleries, the publicly accessible market level with café, lounge and shop offers a taste of the museum’s atmosphere and its blend of art, design and everyday city life.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Den Svangre

0.3 km

A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.

Agnete og Havmanden

0.3 km

Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.

Frederiks Plads

0.7 km

A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.

History Hunts med Hvem.nu

0.9 km

Malmo Live Concert Hall blends iconic Nordic architecture, world-class live music, and a vibrant atmosphere in Malmö, just across the bridge from Copenhagen.

Herman Sallings Plads

0.9 km

Aarhus’s vibrant harborfront plaza, bridging the historic city and the modern waterfront, alive with urban energy, culture, and panoramic views.

Endless Connection

0.9 km

Experience the dynamic interplay of art and water at Aarhus's Endless Connection, an interactive fountain by Jeppe Hein.

Aarhus waterfront

1.0 km

Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.

Botanical Garden

1.1 km

Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

1.2 km

Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.

Steno Museum

1.3 km

Explore the Steno Museum in Aarhus, where science and history come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.

Folkehuset Trøjborg

1.6 km

Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.

University Park, Aarhus

1.7 km

Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.

Tivoli Friheden

1.9 km

Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.

Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg

2.1 km

Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.

Trøjborg Beboerhus

2.2 km

Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.

Unmissable attractions to see

Musikhuset Aarhus

0.1 km

Northern Europe's largest concert hall delivering world-class performances in stunning Scandinavian architecture.

Kunsthal Aarhus

0.2 km

Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.

Sherlock Holmes Pub

0.2 km

Discover Aarhus’ charismatic Latin Quarter—a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively cafés, creative boutiques, and historic charm at the city’s vibrant core.

Mølleparken

0.2 km

Compact yet characterful, Mølleparken is Aarhus’ riverside green room, blending mill-town history, public art, student life and festival energy in one urban pocket.

Rådhusparken

0.3 km

Stately royal residence set amid sweeping landscaped gardens, Marselisborg Castle is an emblem of Danish tradition and a tranquil green escape in Aarhus.

Aarhus Culture Walk

0.3 km

Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.

Museumsbroen

0.3 km

Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus offering hands-on astronomy, guided stargazing, and a unique glimpse into Denmark’s pioneering scientific past.

Møllestien

0.3 km

Pastel cottages, cobbled stones and climbing roses – a tiny historic lane where centuries of Aarhus history live behind colourful facades.

Flodhestefontæne

0.4 km

Aarhus waterfront fuses cutting-edge architecture, vibrant public spaces, and breathtaking bay views, offering an essential experience at the heart of Denmark's dynamic cityscape.

Flodhesteungen Frederikke

0.4 km

A small granite hippo resting in the middle of Frederiksgade, Flodhesteungen Frederikke adds a playful, tactile pause to the busy streets of central Aarhus.

Strøget

0.4 km

Aarhus’ 850‑metre pedestrian high street, where shops, cafés and everyday city life line a car‑free spine between the central station, riverfront and cathedral.

Salling ROOFTOP

0.5 km

Sky-high city park, glass-floored skywalk and stylish café-bar rolled into one panoramic rooftop above Aarhus’ main shopping street.

Our Lady Church

0.6 km

Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.

Vadestedet

0.6 km

Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.

Sankt Clements Torv

0.6 km

Compact, historic and constantly in motion, Sankt Clemens Torv is the everyday crossroads between cathedral, Viking past, riverside cafés and modern shopping Aarhus.

Big‑hearted Italian dining on Frue Kirkeplads, where homemade pasta, good wine and a lively, sociable room turn an evening in central Aarhus into its own celebration.

Curated fashion boutique in Aarhus city center offering distinctive clothing and contemporary design pieces.

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.

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ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

A brief summary to ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

City bus from central Aarhus

On foot from Aarhus H

Bicycle within Aarhus

Car or taxi within the city

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

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Book tours with entry

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Discover more about ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

A vertical world of art in the heart of Aarhus

Collections spanning centuries and movements

Iconic installations: Boy and Your rainbow panorama

Immersive spaces and changing perspectives

Spaces to pause: café, shop and city views

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Den Svangre

Agnete og Havmanden

Frederiks Plads

History Hunts med Hvem.nu

Herman Sallings Plads

Endless Connection

Aarhus waterfront

Botanical Garden

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

Steno Museum

Folkehuset Trøjborg

University Park, Aarhus

Tivoli Friheden

Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg

Trøjborg Beboerhus

Unmissable attractions to see

Musikhuset Aarhus

Kunsthal Aarhus

Sherlock Holmes Pub

Mølleparken

Rådhusparken

Aarhus Culture Walk

Museumsbroen

Møllestien

Flodhestefontæne

Flodhesteungen Frederikke

Strøget

Salling ROOFTOP

Our Lady Church

Vadestedet

Sankt Clements Torv

Essential places to dine

SYV NI 13

Raadhuus Kafeen

Restaurant L'øst

Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub

Restaurant Dauphine ApS

GÄST

MASH - Restaurant Aarhus

Bardok

AmoRomA

Restaurant Amalfi

Pho C&P

Møf

Restaurant Nögen

Restaurant Malt - Mad, Øl & Vin

Lupo

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Bog & idé - Aarhus, Svend A. Larsen

Epic Panda

Royal Copenhagen - Aarhus

Asian food store (Østens Specialiteter)

Bahne

UNIQ

Far-East Trading

Salling Aarhus

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Mrs. P Coffee & The

1 + 1 Textil & Design