Ismael Sculpture, Klostertorvet Aarhus
A poised bronze boy with bow and arrow brings quiet drama and historic artistry to the intimate city square of Klostertorvet in central Aarhus.
Standing quietly on Klostertorvet in the heart of Aarhus, the bronze sculpture **Ismael** by Danish artist Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan captures a tense, poetic moment of a boy drawing his bow. First modelled in 1887 and later cast in bronze, the work arrived in Aarhus in the 1930s and has since become a subtle landmark on this small city square. Framed by historic facades, café life, and church towers, Ismael offers a contemplative pause amid the bustle of the Latin Quarter, inviting you to circle around it and read the emotion in every sinew and curve of the metal.
A brief summary to Ismael
- Klostertorvet, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight to appreciate the details of the bronze and the subtle patina that has formed over time.
- Walk a full circle around the sculpture; the pose, bow and background align differently from each angle.
- Combine a stop at Ismael with a relaxed coffee on Klostertorvet to watch how the artwork interacts with daily city life.
- Bring a light rain jacket in cooler months; the sculpture remains accessible, but the square can feel breezy and damp.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus
From most districts in Aarhus, take a city bus toward the central area around the main station or the cathedral and walk the final stretch to Klostertorvet in about 10–15 minutes on flat, paved streets. Typical single tickets within the city cost around 20–30 DKK, and buses run frequently throughout the day. Low-floor vehicles make this a convenient option for travelers with limited mobility.
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Light rail and walk
If you are arriving from the suburban corridors served by the Aarhus light rail, ride to the central stops near the city centre, then continue on foot for roughly 10–20 minutes along level urban sidewalks to reach Klostertorvet. A standard light rail ticket within the city area is usually in the 20–30 DKK range. Services run regularly from early morning into late evening, but check the timetable for reduced late-night frequency.
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Bicycle
Cycling is a popular way to reach Klostertorvet from neighbourhoods across Aarhus, with typical ride times of 10–25 minutes from inner suburbs on mostly gentle gradients. Expect to navigate shared traffic lanes and dedicated cycle paths, and be prepared to walk your bike in the immediate square where space is shared with pedestrians. Public and rental bikes are widely available at varying prices, generally from around 20–50 DKK for short hires.
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Taxi
Taxis within Aarhus can bring you close to Klostertorvet in around 5–15 minutes from central hotels and key transport hubs, depending on traffic. Fares within the city core typically range from about 80–200 DKK. Vehicles can usually drop passengers on nearby streets, after which a short walk over cobblestones may be required; this is the most comfortable option if you prefer door-to-door travel.
Ismael location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Ismael
A bronze figure at the heart of Klostertorvet
Ismael stands on Klostertorvet, a compact square in central Aarhus where cobbles, church spires and café terraces meet. Set on a modest plinth, the bronze figure of a young boy, bow in hand, feels almost life-sized, close enough that you can look him in the eye. The square folds gently around him, so the sculpture becomes a natural focal point as people cut across the plaza, linger at outdoor tables or pause on their way through the Latin Quarter. The surrounding buildings, many with traditional Danish character, create a calm frame for the artwork. From one angle you glimpse the nearby church tower; from another you see the façades of shops and cafés. In the midst of this everyday scenery, Ismael anchors the square, adding a layer of art and narrative to a space otherwise defined by urban rhythm.The story of Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan’s Ismael
The sculpture was created by Danish artist Hans Peder Pedersen-Dan, a sculptor active around the turn of the 20th century. He first modelled Ismael in plaster in 1887, capturing a moment of concentration in the figure of a boy preparing to shoot an arrow. Several decades later the work was cast in bronze, giving the figure its permanent, weather-resistant form. Before coming to Aarhus, the sculpture stood elsewhere in Denmark. In the 1930s it was purchased so it could be placed in this growing port city, and by 1937 it had been installed on Klostertorvet. Since then, Ismael has quietly watched the city transform around him, from horse-drawn carts to bicycles and modern buses, while remaining essentially unchanged himself.A biblical name in a modern city
The title “Ismael” references the biblical Ishmael, a figure associated with exile, survival and the wilderness. Pedersen-Dan does not depict a specific scene from scripture; instead, he distils a more universal feeling of alertness and tension. The boy’s body is slightly twisted, the bow bent, his gaze focused on an unseen target beyond the edge of the pedestal. Seen in this urban setting, the sculpture feels like a meeting between ancient stories and contemporary city life. Office workers, students and shoppers pass by as this solitary figure continues his silent narrative. The contrast between the boy’s bare, timeless form and the passing fashion of coats, scarves and umbrellas gives the artwork a subtle dramatic effect.Reading the details in bronze
Walk around the sculpture and you notice how carefully the artist has modelled muscles, hair and facial expression. The bronze has developed a weathered patina over the decades, softening some lines while highlighting others. In brighter light you see reflections along the bow and shoulders; on overcast days the surface looks more matte and introspective. The bow itself forms a graceful arc through the composition, almost like a visual echo of the curved street lines and roofs around the square. From one viewpoint, the bow frames part of the background architecture; from another, it cuts against the sky. Children often notice the weapon first, while adults tend to read more into the boy’s posture: the hesitation before action, the concentration of a single breath.A quiet pause in the Latin Quarter
Klostertorvet lies on the edge of Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, an area known for its narrow lanes, independent shops and small venues. Ismael offers a convenient meeting point in this compact district, yet the sculpture also invites a few moments of stillness. Sit on a nearby bench or low step and you can watch how the artwork interacts with daily life: bicycles weaving past, church bells sounding the hour, café conversation carrying across the square. Because the sculpture is outdoors and freely accessible, it fits easily into a short city stroll or a more focused walk among the city’s public artworks. In just a few minutes you can take in the piece, notice the play of light on bronze, and then slip back into the flow of Aarhus with a small, quietly remembered image of a boy and his bow.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
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Agnete og Havmanden
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Steno Museum
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Den Svangre
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Rådhusparken
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Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
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Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
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Folkehuset Trøjborg
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Frederiks Plads
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Botanical Garden
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University Park, Aarhus
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Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
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Trøjborg Beboerhus
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Udsigtspladsen
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Tivoli Friheden
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Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Unmissable attractions to see
Klostertorvet
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Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Mindrebæltsbroen
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Royal residence on Aarhus Bay with historic gardens, open parkland, classic Danish architecture, and the chance to witness the royal guard—all amidst city green space.
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.
Lille Torv
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Aarhus Waterfront: a vibrant coastal promenade fusing striking modern architecture, rich maritime heritage, and lively urban culture along the city’s scenic bay.
Store Torv
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Centuries-old Store Torv is Aarhus’ historic main square, where cathedral spires, grand facades and pedestrian street life converge in a lively urban living room.
Vadestedet
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Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
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Hands-on history hunts in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, where Viking traces and town stories turn into clue-driven adventures for curious families and small groups.
Viking Museum
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Walk where Vikings founded Aarhus 1,200 years ago in this underground museum beneath the city center.
Latinerkvarteret
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Aarhus’ oldest quarter: cobbled lanes, medieval houses, indie shops and café terraces creating a compact, bohemian neighborhood just behind the cathedral.
Sankt Clements Torv
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Compact, historic and constantly in motion, Sankt Clemens Torv is the everyday crossroads between cathedral, Viking past, riverside cafés and modern shopping Aarhus.
Flodhesteungen Frederikke
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Flodhestefontæne
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Bishop's Square
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Marselisborg Castle offers royal heritage, tranquil English-style gardens, and the dramatic changing of the guard—an essential cultural and green escape south of Aarhus city center.
Aarhus Cathedral
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Aarhus Cathedral—Denmark’s tallest and longest church, home to medieval frescoes and ornate altarpiece, anchors the city’s vibrant heart with Gothic grace.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
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One of the world's few museums exploring gender, equality, and sexuality through history and contemporary dialogue.
Essential places to dine
Keyser Social
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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.
Faour
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Bernth & co
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Lydmar Restaurang
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Intimate, modern dining on lively Vestergade in the heart of Aarhus C, pairing relaxed Scandinavian ambience with simple, well-crafted seasonal dishes.
Carlton
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A central Aarhus brasserie-style restaurant and bar where polished plates, a strong wine list and warm lighting create an intimate, grown‑up city evening.
Lupo
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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.
Langhoff & Juul
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Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Gastro & Vino
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Discover exquisite Danish cuisine and thoughtfully paired wines in an intimate, backyard setting at Gastro & Vino, one of Aarhus’s most celebrated culinary gems.
Kolo
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Urban kolonihave vibes, reimagined kebab and vegetable-led plates, and natural wines on tap in one of Aarhus’ most inviting city-centre dining rooms.
L'estragon
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L’estragon serves up refined French cuisine with Danish creativity in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, offering intimate ambiance, seasonal tasting menus, and top-tier wine pairing.
Mefisto Restaurant & Gårdhave
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Aarhus’ beloved seafood restaurant and garden, Mefisto, offers Scandinavian classics, atmospheric courtyard dining, and vibrant local flavor in the city’s oldest quarter.
Restaurant Komfur
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Restaurant Komfur in Aarhus offers modern Danish cuisine in a stylish yet comforting space, celebrated for creative menus, vibrant atmosphere, and local culinary flair.
Grappa Aps
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Modern Italian kitchen and wine bar on Aarhus’ lively riverfront, serving pizzas, pasta and antipasti from brunch to late evening in a warm, social setting.
Gusto
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Honest sourdough pizza, natural wines and warm, late-night buzz in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter.
Slap Af
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
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.
Fair Trade Shop Bazaar
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Volunteer-run fair trade shop in central Aarhus, filled with handcrafted textiles, gifts and homeware that support artisans and development projects worldwide.
Hørlyck Aarhus
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Monki
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Bold, playful Scandinavian fashion on one of Aarhus’ cosiest shopping streets, mixing expressive statement pieces with easy everyday staples.
Weekday
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Urban Scandinavian streetwear in a minimalist boutique, bringing Weekday’s clean-cut style and denim-focused collections to Aarhus’ atmospheric Guldsmedgade.
Collage the Shop Womens Aarhus
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Minimalist luxury boutique showcasing curated women's accessories in a beautifully designed historic space.
& Other Stories
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A bright Scandinavian fashion playground in central Aarhus, blending ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories and beauty into one polished, design-led women’s wardrobe.
Mads Nørgaard
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Vintage Divine
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Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s–1970s, expertly curated and restored in central Aarhus.
Panduro Hobby
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Balsalen
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RAASTED
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Sophies Tøjhus
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A cosy central Aarhus boutique for colourful, Scandinavian‑inspired women’s fashion, perfect for a relaxed browse and a wardrobe refresh between city sights.
Darling Inspire
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fairbar
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Two Socks Ginbar
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Heidi's Bier Bar Aarhus
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Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
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S'vinbar
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PV (Pustervig) - Kaffe & Cocktails
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Annalise's Bar
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Alberts - Cocktailbar i Aarhus
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Bar Smil Aarhus
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Loud beats, cheap drinks and late-night energy in a compact bar-club right in the centre of Aarhus’ historic heart.
ÅBEN Aarhus
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Café Under Masken
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Waxies
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Clemens Bar
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Vesterlauget
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Cozy madbodega on Vestergade serving simple Danish comfort food, strong coffee and great beer in a relaxed, communal bar-restaurant setting.
Barstart
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Bernhardt Natklub
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Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
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equalclub
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DCD STUDIO
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Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
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Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
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Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
GBAR
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
