Museum of Ancient Art, Aarhus
Compact, scholarly and free to enter, Aarhus’ Museum of Ancient Art offers a calm, campus-side encounter with Greek, Etruscan and Roman worlds.
Tucked into the campus of Aarhus University, the Museum of Ancient Art offers a focused journey into the worlds of ancient Greece, Etruria and Rome. In an intimate, academic setting you move among marble-white plaster casts, original artifacts, coins and pottery that illuminate everyday life, religion and power around the Mediterranean. With free admission and clear English labels, it is an ideal 1–2 hour deep dive into classical antiquity in the heart of Aarhus.
A brief summary to Museum of Ancient Art, Aarhus
- Victor Albecks Vej 3, Aarhus Municipality, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
- +4587161106
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-4 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-4 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-4 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit between 12:00 and 16:00 on open days; the short opening window makes timing important, especially on weekdays.
- Allow at least 1–2 hours if you like to read exhibition texts or sketch the plaster casts; the compact space holds more detail than first appears.
- Combine the museum with a walk through Aarhus University’s park-like campus for a relaxing break between more crowded city attractions.
- Bring a light sweater in cooler seasons; gallery temperatures are kept on the cool side for the artifacts’ conservation.
- Check current opening days in advance, as the museum is closed on Fridays and Saturdays and hours can change for special events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from central Aarhus
From the central area around Aarhus H railway station, use a city bus heading toward Aarhus University and the University Park; the ride typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Single tickets on city buses usually cost around 24–30 DKK per adult and can often be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during weekdays but less often in the evenings and on weekends, so check the timetable if you are visiting on a Sunday.
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Walking from Aarhus city centre
If you are already in central Aarhus near the pedestrian shopping streets or the cathedral, you can walk to the university area in roughly 20–30 minutes at a moderate pace. The route is gently uphill in parts but follows paved city streets and paths, making it manageable for most visitors with average mobility. Walking is free and allows you to combine the museum with a relaxed exploration of nearby neighbourhoods and the university park.
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Taxi within Aarhus
Taxis in Aarhus can take you directly to the university campus area around the museum in about 10–15 minutes from the central station, depending on traffic. A typical daytime fare for this distance is usually in the range of 120–180 DKK, with higher prices at night and on weekends. Taxis are convenient if you are short on time or travelling with companions, but they are not the most economical option for solo visitors.
Museum of Ancient Art, Aarhus location weather suitability
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Discover more about Museum of Ancient Art, Aarhus
A quiet corner of antiquity in university park
Set within the green surroundings of Aarhus University, the Museum of Ancient Art feels more like a well-kept scholarly secret than a grand showpiece. You enter directly into a compact but carefully structured space where antiquity is presented with clarity rather than spectacle. The atmosphere is calm and studious; the museum supports teaching and research, yet it remains fully open to the public, inviting you into the same material that students work with every day. Because it is integrated into campus life, the museum has a different rhythm from big city institutions. Opening hours are limited to midday and early afternoon, which contributes to the unhurried feel inside. Instead of queuing and crowds, you are likely to share the rooms with a handful of visitors and perhaps a class huddled around a sculpture or vase.From Greek temples to Roman portraits
The core of the museum’s identity lies in its focus on the Mediterranean civilizations that shaped so much of European culture. Displays guide you from archaic and classical Greece through the enigmatic Etruscans to imperial Rome. In one case you might study black- and red-figure vases showing mythological scenes; in another, austere Roman portrait heads that once advertised status and lineage. Coins, small bronzes, terracotta figurines and domestic pottery round out the picture, emphasizing that classical art was not only about grand monuments. Many objects are modest in scale but rich in stories: a fragment of a relief hinting at a vanished temple, or a votive figure that once stood in a sanctuary. Clear, bilingual text panels help you connect these artifacts to the broader historical and religious context.Plaster casts and the legacy of classical ideals
One of the museum’s defining features is its collection of plaster casts, a tradition rooted in nineteenth- and twentieth-century art academies. These full-size reproductions of famous Greek and Roman sculptures let you encounter works that are otherwise scattered across major museums in Athens, Rome, London and beyond. In the cool, even light of the galleries, rows of white figures line up: gods, athletes, heroes and emperors. The casts make it possible to appreciate classical ideals of proportion and movement at close range, without protective barriers or crowds. For art and architecture students, they are invaluable reference pieces; for the casual visitor, they offer an accessible introduction to masterpieces that might otherwise feel remote or abstract.Learning, detail and quiet contemplation
Interpretive material is geared toward curiosity rather than entertainment. Labels are concise but informative, often highlighting how objects were used, where they were found, and what they reveal about trade routes, warfare or daily routines. The compact layout means you can follow a clear narrative without feeling overwhelmed, making the museum especially rewarding if you like to read and reflect. There is space to linger: benches or quiet corners where you can sit and study a single sculpture or vase in detail. The absence of noise and multimedia installations reinforces the contemplative mood. It is a place where sketchbooks, note-taking and slow looking feel completely at home.A free, easy addition to an Aarhus itinerary
Admission is free, which lowers the threshold for dropping in for an hour between other sights in Aarhus. Its position within the university park pairs well with a stroll among yellow-brick faculty buildings, lawns and lakes, creating a pleasant contrast between modern campus life and the ancient world on display inside. While the museum is not large, the density of material rewards repeat or extended visits, especially for anyone with an interest in classics, archaeology, art history or the roots of European culture. For families with older children or teens fascinated by mythology, it can be an engaging, low-pressure stop where ancient stories step out of textbooks and into three dimensions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden
0.6 km
Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
0.9 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.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
1.0 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
Rådhusparken
2.1 km
An elegant city park at Aarhus’ core, Rådhusparken blends iconic architecture, sculptures, and tranquil green spaces right beside the city hall.
Den Svangre
2.1 km
A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.
Agnete og Havmanden
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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
2.4 km
A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.
Tivoli Friheden
3.8 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
4.5 km
Historic plaza overlooking Aarhus Bay, gateway to royal heritage and astronomical discovery.
Marselisborgmonumentet
4.5 km
Standing tall in Mindeparken, Marselisborgmonumentet honors Danish World War I volunteers with solemn beauty, monumental sculpture, and panoramic bay views near Aarhus.
Mindeparken
4.6 km
Aarhus' Mindeparken: Where history, remembrance, and recreation meet in a stunning parkland setting by Marselisborg Palace, offering bay views and tranquil gardens.
Unmissable attractions to see
University Park, Aarhus
0.2 km
A graceful bowl of lawns, oaks and yellow-brick buildings, University Park is the tranquil green heart of Aarhus University and a serene pause within the city.
Naturhistorisk Museum Aarhus
0.4 km
Denmark’s second-largest natural history museum, blending immersive wildlife dioramas, Danish ecosystems and cutting-edge research in a compact, campus setting.
AU Garden
0.5 km
Elegant royal gardens, seasonal Changing of the Guard, and public parkland by Aarhus Bay—Marselisborg Castle unites Danish history, art, and serene landscapes in one regal retreat.
Steno Museum
0.6 km
Marselisborg Castle offers a regal experience close to Aarhus, with public parklands, royal ceremonies, and sculpted gardens reflecting Danish history and culture.
Botanical Garden
1.1 km
Free tropical greenhouses and Danish gardens in Aarhus's verdant heart, open year-round.
Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
1.2 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
1.3 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.
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
1.3 km
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.
Møllen i botanisk have Århus
1.3 km
Urban beach escape south of Aarhus city center, offering clean sands, gentle waters, and year-round access beside forest and royal palace grounds.
Mindrebæltsbroen
1.3 km
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.
Udsigtspladsen
1.3 km
Copenhagen’s historic bridge tower reinvented as a creative hub with panoramic harbour views, cultural events, and an authentic glimpse into the city’s living history.
Ismael
1.4 km
A poised bronze boy with bow and arrow brings quiet drama and historic artistry to the intimate city square of Klostertorvet in central Aarhus.
Klostertorvet
1.4 km
Intimate cobbled square in central Aarhus where monastic history, café life and city shopping streets meet in a relaxed, atmospheric urban pocket.
Danish Poster Museum
1.4 km
A compact museum inside Den Gamle By where bold graphics, historic campaigns and global visual culture come together in hundreds of eye-catching posters.
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.
Essential places to dine
Mevino & Mondrup
1.0 km
Experience innovative Danish cuisine and curated wines in the heart of Aarhus' Trøjborg district.
Sevag's Grækeren
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Discover authentic Greek cuisine and warm hospitality at Sevag’s Grækeren, a local favorite in Aarhus’ lively Trøjborg neighborhood, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere.
Kantina
1.0 km
Contemporary Danish dining with a cozy neighborhood vibe, creative seasonal menus, and welcoming ambiance in Trøjborg—perfect for casual meals and local flavor.
Casa Mia Trøjborg
1.0 km
Savor genuine Italian pizza and a homey Danish-Italian vibe in the heart of Aarhus' Trøjborg district, a neighborhood favorite for casual and cozy dining.
Fratelli Pizzeria (Trøjborg)
1.1 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Fratelli Pizzeria in Aarhus – where every bite transports you straight to Italy.
Den Lille Kro
1.2 km
Authentic Danish comfort food in a timeless neighbourhood setting, where tradition meets quality ingredients.
Restaurant Komfur
1.3 km
Restaurant Komfur in Aarhus offers modern Danish cuisine in a stylish yet comforting space, celebrated for creative menus, vibrant atmosphere, and local culinary flair.
Gusto
1.3 km
Honest sourdough pizza, natural wines and warm, late-night buzz in the heart of Aarhus’ Latin Quarter.
Le Basilic
1.3 km
Experience authentic French cuisine in the heart of Aarhus's Latin Quarter at Le Basilic.
Kolo
1.3 km
Urban kolonihave vibes, reimagined kebab and vegetable-led plates, and natural wines on tap in one of Aarhus’ most inviting city-centre dining rooms.
Langhoff & Juul
1.3 km
Nordic-inspired, organic dining in Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, with a focus on sustainability, seasonal menus, atmospheric interiors, and local flair.
Restaurant Olive
1.3 km
Neighbourhood-style bistro in central Aarhus with classic comfort cooking, intimate candlelit tables and the rare bonus of bring-your-own wine at moderate prices.
Restaurant Anker
1.3 km
Modern Nordic seafood and cocktails in a light-filled, maritime-inspired dining room overlooking the boats and water of Aarhus’ revitalised Nordhavn harbour.
Det Glade Vanvid
1.3 km
Fixed‑price gourmet, free‑flowing wine and a three‑hour social dining experience on the harbourfront, crafted by Denmark’s Koch brothers in central Aarhus.
Gastro & Vino
1.3 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Stakbogladen A / S - Study books in Aarhus
0.1 km
Campus bookstore at Studenternes Hus in Aarhus, specialising in curriculum titles, academic literature and study essentials for the city’s university community.
Storcenter Nord
0.7 km
Modern shopping complex with 60+ stores, dining, and Scandinavia's largest free-access saltwater aquarium.
Ancher
0.9 km
Discover holistic wellness at Ancher, Trøjborg's premier health and beauty destination in Aarhus.
SecondLux
1.0 km
Browse handpicked sustainable fashion and unique vintage finds in a welcoming consignment boutique at the heart of Trøjborg’s independent scene.
Røde Kors Butik Krydsfelt
1.2 km
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.
Salvation Army thrift store
1.2 km
Charity-run thrift haven in central Aarhus, where ever-changing second-hand finds and small prices support the Salvation Army’s wider social work.
All Time Vintage
1.2 km
Compact, curated and characterful, All Time Vintage brings sustainable style and one-off wardrobe finds to the heart of Aarhus’ Nørregade neighbourhood.
So ein Ding - Vintage
1.2 km
Small basement vintage shop in central Aarhus with Berlin–New York inspired second-hand fashion, retro 70s flair and handpicked, affordable pieces for men and women.
PRAG
1.2 km
Colourful vintage fashion in the heart of Aarhus, where curated second-hand style meets relaxed, student-city energy on lively Nørregade.
Magpie Lane Vintage
1.3 km
Aarhus’ go-to vintage boutique for unique, handpicked fashion finds and classic accessories in an inviting, sustainability-focused setting.
S.T. Valentin
1.3 km
Contemporary menswear boutique in Aarhus’ Latin Quarter, blending Scandinavian simplicity, quality footwear and attentive styling in an intimate setting.
Vintage Divine
1.3 km
Authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s–1970s, expertly curated and restored in central Aarhus.
Darling Inspire
1.3 km
Intimate Aarhus clothing boutique in the Latin Quarter, where Danish design, slow fashion and a calm studio-like atmosphere invite unhurried browsing.
Ganni
1.3 km
Compact slice of Copenhagen-cool in Aarhus’ Guldsmedgade, where playful Scandi fashion, bold prints and clean Nordic interiors meet in a relaxed boutique setting.
Munthe Market
1.4 km
Where timeless fashion finds new purpose through conscious curation and circular design.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Die Rote Zone
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Die Rote Zone, Aarhus' go-to bar for cocktails and craft beers in a lively and stylish atmosphere.
Theos Bar
0.4 km
Experience the cozy charm of Theos Bar in Aarhus, where delightful drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
Trøjborg Kroen
0.9 km
Experience the local beer culture at Trøjborg Kroen, Aarhus's charming beer hall with a diverse selection and inviting ambiance.
Peder Wessel
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Peder Wessel, Aarhus' charming bar with affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
K
1.0 km
Discover K, the cozy cafe and cocktail bar in Aarhus, where innovative drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
SLM Aarhus
1.2 km
Discover the lively spirit of SLM Aarhus, a welcoming gay bar offering themed nights and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Aarhus.
Annalise's Bar
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Annalise's Bar, where cozy ambiance meets creative cocktails and friendly service.
Cirkuskroen
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Cirkuskroen, a charming bar offering a perfect blend of drinks and local culture.
S'vinbar
1.3 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
1.3 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.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Hornsleth Bar Aarhus, a premier destination for cocktails and dancing in the heart of the city.
Erlings Jazz- & Ølbar
1.4 km
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Hjorten
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Aarhus nightlife at Hjorten, a lively bodega with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.
Fairbar
1.4 km
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
1.4 km
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
1.3 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
DCD STUDIO
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
equalclub
1.4 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
KLUB22
1.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
Bernhardt Natklub
1.6 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
1.8 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
1.8 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
Der Kuhstall
1.8 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Aarhus at Der Kuhstall, where vibrant music and an energetic atmosphere await party enthusiasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
