Danish Poster Museum (Dansk Plakatmuseum), Aarhus
A compact museum inside Den Gamle By where bold graphics, historic campaigns and global visual culture come together in hundreds of eye-catching posters.
Tucked inside Den Gamle By in Aarhus, the Danish Poster Museum is a vivid journey through more than a century of graphic design, advertising and visual culture. Across two light-filled floors, rotating exhibitions and a permanent display of Danish classics showcase everything from political and cultural posters to commercial ads and newspaper billboards. With hundreds of eye-catching works drawn from a vast international collection, it’s a compact, engaging stop for design lovers, families and the simply curious.
A brief summary to Danish Poster Museum
- Viborgvej 2, Aarhus Municipality, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4586153345
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Combine your visit with a wider exploration of Den Gamle By’s 1974 quarter; the poster museum is small but gains extra context from the surrounding recreated streets.
- Plan at least 45–60 minutes if you enjoy reading texts and comparing designs; although the museum is compact, the rotating exhibitions are dense with detail.
- If you are sensitive to light, consider bringing glasses: some galleries use focused spotlights to protect the posters while keeping them legible.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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City bus within Aarhus
From central Aarhus, use one of the frequent city bus routes that serve Viborgvej and Den Gamle By; the ride typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Standard adult tickets on local buses are usually in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or transport apps. Buses run throughout the day, but evening services may be less frequent, so check the timetable if you plan a late visit.
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Walking from Aarhus city centre
If you are staying near Aarhus’ main shopping streets or the cathedral area, you can walk to the Danish Poster Museum in around 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is largely level and follows regular city pavements, making it suitable for most visitors with average mobility. Allow a little extra time in wet or icy weather, and remember that you enter through Den Gamle By, where surfaces may include cobblestones.
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Bicycle within Aarhus
Aarhus is well suited to cycling, and reaching Den Gamle By by bike from the central districts usually takes 10–15 minutes. You can use local bike-share schemes or rental shops; short-term rentals commonly cost around 80–150 DKK per day depending on the type of bicycle. Dedicated cycle lanes cover much of the way, but be prepared for standard city traffic and follow local cycling rules when approaching the museum area.
Danish Poster Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Danish Poster Museum
A world of posters in the heart of Den Gamle By
The Danish Poster Museum sits within Den Gamle By’s evocative 1974 quarter, yet its focus stretches far beyond Aarhus and Denmark. Step through the entrance and you move straight into a world of bold colours, punchy slogans and striking imagery, all drawn from one of Northern Europe’s most extensive poster collections. The museum is dedicated entirely to posters, giving this everyday medium the same attention usually reserved for painting or sculpture. Founded in 1970 by artist Peder Stougaard, the museum has grown into a specialised institution that explores how societies communicate through print on walls, billboards and street corners. Today it forms an integral part of the Old Town Museum complex, but its subject matter feels distinctly modern, connecting city streets, political movements and pop culture in a single graphic narrative.From political manifestos to pop culture icons
The collection spans political, cultural, artistic and commercial posters alongside classic newspaper placards. One moment you might be looking at a hard-hitting political message, the next at a whimsical circus advertisement or a minimalist design for a new product. Together they trace changing tastes, technologies and social concerns from the late 19th century to the present day. Many visitors find themselves unexpectedly recognising familiar images from childhood, old film releases or campaigns that once lined Danish streets. The oldest posters date back to the 1880s, and the archive includes material from well over a hundred countries, revealing how different cultures have approached persuasion, information and visual storytelling.Architecture made for images
The museum’s dedicated building, designed by the C. F. Møller architectural studio and opened in 2009, provides a clean, contemporary frame for the vibrant displays. Spread over two floors and around 360 square metres, the interior combines simple lines and controlled light to keep the focus firmly on the works themselves. At street level, high ceilings and flexible wall systems allow for regularly changing special exhibitions. Upstairs, the mood shifts slightly in the permanent gallery of Danish poster classics, where carefully arranged sequences highlight artistic innovation, typography and the evolution of visual trends across decades.Rotating exhibitions and fresh perspectives
Rather than attempting to show its entire trove at once, the museum selects a few hundred posters at a time, typically between 400 and 500 in each presentation. These curated shows might examine a particular era, theme or country, or spotlight how posters have shaped public debate around social issues, festivals, travel, or consumer goods. Because exhibitions rotate several times a year, the experience can change significantly between visits. Some displays focus on design and aesthetics, others on historical context or the power of visual propaganda. Text panels and thoughtful groupings encourage you to read the posters both as artworks and as historical documents.A compact, design-focused museum experience
Compared with the larger streets and squares of Den Gamle By, the Danish Poster Museum is an intimate space, inviting you to slow down and look closely at details: a clever piece of lettering, a bold colour choice, or the way an image condenses a complex idea into a single striking scene. It is easy to explore in under an hour, yet rich enough to reward longer, more reflective visits. The atmosphere is quietly absorbing rather than formal; families, students and design enthusiasts can all find their own points of interest. Combined with the surrounding 1970s townscape, it offers a layered experience where graphic design, everyday history and urban life intersect just a few steps apart.Why it matters today
In an age dominated by digital screens, the Danish Poster Museum highlights the enduring power of printed imagery. Posters here are more than decoration: they advertise concerts, promote political causes, sell products and commemorate historic moments. Seeing them together under one roof reveals how public space has long been a contested canvas for ideas, art and commerce. For anyone interested in visual culture, communication or the history of cities, this museum provides a concentrated insight into how images have shaped public imagination. It is both a window onto the past and a reminder that a single sheet of paper, thoughtfully designed, can change the way people see the world.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
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Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Den Svangre
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Agnete og Havmanden
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Herman Sallings Plads
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Aarhus’s vibrant harborfront plaza, bridging the historic city and the modern waterfront, alive with urban energy, culture, and panoramic views.
Endless Connection
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Experience the dynamic interplay of art and water at Aarhus's Endless Connection, an interactive fountain by Jeppe Hein.
Aarhus waterfront
1.3 km
Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.
University Park, Aarhus
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Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.
Frederiks Plads
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A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
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Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
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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
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Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Udsigtspladsen
2.2 km
Experience breathtaking city, harbor, and bay vistas from one of Aarhus C’s most beloved scenic viewpoints, perfect for relaxation and panoramic photography.
Tivoli Friheden
2.4 km
Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Flagpladsen
3.2 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborgmonumentet
3.3 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Old Town
0.1 km
Walk through four centuries of Danish town life in a reconstructed open‑air city of timbered houses, vintage shops and lived‑in streets at Den Gamle By.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
0.1 km
Urban beach escape south of Aarhus city center, offering clean sands, gentle waters, and year-round access beside forest and royal palace grounds.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
0.2 km
Step into Aarhus’ luminous Greenhouses, where four climate zones, towering tropical plants and Danish landscapes outside create a calm, free botanical escape all year.
Stenpartiet
0.2 km
A compact rock garden in Aarhus’ Botanical Garden, where stone, slope and hardy plants create a miniature mountain landscape rich in texture and quiet detail.
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.
Botanical Garden
0.5 km
Free tropical greenhouses and Danish gardens in Aarhus's verdant heart, open year-round.
Mølleparken
0.5 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.
Møllestien
0.5 km
Pastel cottages, cobbled stones and climbing roses – a tiny historic lane where centuries of Aarhus history live behind colourful facades.
Aarhus Culture Walk
0.5 km
Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.
ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
0.6 km
Ten floors of Danish and international art crowned by a rainbow‑coloured skywalk, ARoS turns Aarhus’s skyline into part of a bold, immersive museum experience.
Kunsthal Aarhus
0.6 km
Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.
Our Lady Church
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Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.
Musikhuset Aarhus
0.7 km
Northern Europe's largest concert hall delivering world-class performances in stunning Scandinavian architecture.
Klostertorvet
0.8 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Sherlock Holmes Pub
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Discover Aarhus’ charismatic Latin Quarter—a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively cafés, creative boutiques, and historic charm at the city’s vibrant core.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Malt - Mad, Øl & Vin
0.2 km
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Møf
0.4 km
Inventive new Nordic cuisine, inspired by local ingredients, served in a lively and intimate setting in central Aarhus.
AmoRomA
0.5 km
Neighbourhood-style Italian restaurant in central Aarhus serving generous pizzas and pastas in a cosy, candlelit room on lively Vestergade.
Restaurant Amalfi
0.5 km
Authentic Italian pasta and pizza in central Aarhus, where skilled cooking and warm service meet reasonable prices.
Den Lille Kro
0.5 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a timeless neighbourhood setting, where tradition meets quality ingredients.
Gastro & Vino
0.6 km
Discover exquisite Danish cuisine and thoughtfully paired wines in an intimate, backyard setting at Gastro & Vino, one of Aarhus’s most celebrated culinary gems.
Lupo
0.7 km
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.
Lydmar Restaurang
0.7 km
Intimate, modern dining on lively Vestergade in the heart of Aarhus C, pairing relaxed Scandinavian ambience with simple, well-crafted seasonal dishes.
Bardok
0.7 km
Discover Bardok in Aarhus—a contemporary small-plates restaurant known for inventive cuisine, social dining, and a lively riverside atmosphere in the city center.
Keyser Social
0.8 km
Creative Asian–Nordic social dining in the heart of Aarhus, where multi-course sharing menus, refined cocktails and warm urban design turn dinner into an evening-long experience.
SYV NI 13
0.8 km
Skyline social dining on the 19th floor of Aarhus’ TRÆ building, where minimalist Nordic plates, global flavours and harbour views come together over shared menus.
Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub
0.8 km
A multi-room Irish gastropub in central Aarhus, blending cosy pub dining, live music and big-screen sport with Irish warmth and Danish hygge under one lively roof.
Restaurant Dauphine ApS
0.8 km
Restaurant Dauphine in Aarhus blends Nordic ingredients with French culinary flair, offering a refined tasting menu and expertly paired wines in a stylish, intimate setting.
Faour
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Authentic Palestinian falafel and mezze in a cozy Aarhus hideaway—budget-friendly, vegetarian-focused, and genuinely delicious.
Restaurant L'øst
0.9 km
Modern Nordic bistro flavors and relaxed hotel comfort meet at Restaurant L’øst, a casual yet polished dining room in the very centre of Aarhus C.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
1 + 1 Textil & Design
0.6 km
Intimate Aarhus boutique showcasing handpicked Danish ceramics, textiles and jewellery, curated by textile designer Helene Vonsild in atmospheric Grønnegade.
Darling Inspire
0.7 km
Intimate Aarhus clothing boutique in the Latin Quarter, where Danish design, slow fashion and a calm studio-like atmosphere invite unhurried browsing.
Vintage Divine
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Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s–1970s, expertly curated and restored in central Aarhus.
Hørlyck Aarhus
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Intimate shoe and fashion boutique on atmospheric Vestergade, blending Scandinavian elegance with curated footwear, clothing and a relaxed Aarhus city-centre vibe.
Blue Caviar
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Curated fashion boutique in Aarhus city center offering distinctive clothing and contemporary design pieces.
CHANEL FRAGRANCE AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
0.8 km
Luxury fragrance and beauty in the heart of Aarhus, with personalized consultations and CHANEL's complete cosmetic collection.
Epic Panda
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Cozy underground game store in central Aarhus, blending packed shelves of board games and card games with a friendly, late‑night community play space.
RAINS Store Aarhus
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A sculptural, minimalist flagship where Danish rainwear design meets gallery-like interiors in the heart of Aarhus’ main shopping district.
& Other Stories
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SEPHORA MAGASIN AARHUS
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A bright, modern Sephora on Magasin’s ground floor, bringing international beauty brands, fragrance and skincare to the very heart of downtown Aarhus.
Magasin Aarhus
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Experience the stylish pulse of Aarhus at Magasin, a landmark department store with historic roots, Nordic design, fashion, gourmet eats, and city-center charm.
Collage the Shop Womens Aarhus
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Minimalist luxury boutique showcasing curated women's accessories in a beautifully designed historic space.
UNIQ
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Compact, curated vintage in the heart of Aarhus, blending sustainable fashion, Scandinavian style and an easygoing boutique atmosphere on lively Frederiksgade.
Collage the Shop Mens Aarhus
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Polished menswear boutique on historic Lille Torv, pairing curated designer labels with minimalist interior design and attentive, style-focused service.
Røde Kors Butik Krydsfelt
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Curated Red Cross thrift in central Aarhus, where unique second-hand fashion, long-hours self-service and a social mission turn browsing into feel-good shopping.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjorten
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Aarhus nightlife at Hjorten, a lively bodega with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
Mundhæld
0.4 km
Discover the charm of Mundhæld, a cozy bar in Aarhus offering a delightful selection of craft beers and a unique ambiance for every traveler.
V58
0.5 km
Courtyard-hideaway bar and music spot in central Aarhus, blending crafted cocktails, Mediterranean flavours and intimate live performances late into the night.
Vesterlauget
0.5 km
Cozy madbodega on Vestergade serving simple Danish comfort food, strong coffee and great beer in a relaxed, communal bar-restaurant setting.
S'vinbar
0.7 km
Intimate Aarhus wine bar where more than 300 carefully chosen bottles, sunlit pavement tables and relaxed expertise turn Klostergade into a cosy vinous living room.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus, featuring a diverse selection of beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Die kleine Bierstube
0.8 km
Cozy German-style pub on lively Frederiksgade, pouring classic Bavarian beers and serving hearty schnitzel in a wood-paneled corner of central Aarhus.
Fairbar
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Experience the perfect blend of bar and cafe culture at Fairbar in Aarhus, offering a cozy ambiance and a diverse drink menu.
Two Socks Ginbar
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Discover the enchanting ambiance of Two Socks Ginbar, a haven for gin lovers in the heart of Aarhus, Denmark, where expert mixology meets local charm.
Oops - Bar, lounge og Rombar i Århus
0.8 km
Discover Oops Bar in Aarhus - a vibrant cocktail haven blending style and comfort with an exquisite drink menu and light bites.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
Waxies
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Lively Irish pub and sports bar in central Aarhus, blending cosy wood‑panelled charm with live music, games and big‑screen sports late into the night.
Annalise's Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
Bar Smil Aarhus
0.9 km
Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
PV (Pustervig) - Kaffe & Cocktails
0.9 km
Cosy central Aarhus hideaway where daytime coffee culture flows seamlessly into a warm, late-night world of candles, chatter and creative cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
equalclub
0.5 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
KLUB22
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
Bernhardt Natklub
1.0 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
1.0 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
1.1 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
1.1 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
