RoS Gallery, Roskilde Harbour
Contemporary art in a beautifully restored gasworks on Roskilde’s harbour, pairing industrial character with changing exhibitions and free, easy-going access.
Set in a converted 19th‑century gasworks on Roskilde’s harbourfront, RoS Gallery is a contemporary art space showcasing Danish and international artists. Light-filled industrial halls, exposed brick and high ceilings create a striking backdrop for rotating exhibitions of painting, sculpture and mixed media, alongside a permanent collection spread across basement and tower rooms. Entry is free, making it an easy cultural stop to pair with the nearby Viking Ship Museum and waterfront cafés.
A brief summary to RoS Gallery
- Vindeboder 1A, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4521908655
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-5 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
- Friday 12 pm-5 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan 45–90 minutes to explore both the main halls and the more tucked-away basement and tower spaces without rushing the artworks.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Viking Ship Museum and a stroll along the harbourfront for a rewarding half-day of culture by the fjord.
- Aim for midday to mid-afternoon for the best natural light in the galleries, which can subtly transform colours and textures.
- Check current exhibition information in advance if you are interested in particular artists or media, as the program changes frequently.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Train and walk from Copenhagen
Take a regional train from Copenhagen Central Station to Roskilde Station; frequent departures make the 20–25 minute ride straightforward, with standard one-way tickets typically costing around 80–100 DKK in standard class. From Roskilde Station it is an easy 15–20 minute walk through the town centre down to the harbour area where RoS Gallery sits in the old gasworks. The walk is mostly level and paved, suitable for most visitors, though allow extra time in winter or wet conditions.
-
Local bus from Roskilde centre
From Roskilde Station or the central bus stops, use a local city bus heading toward the harbourfront district; several lines run this short connection in about 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Single tickets for city buses in Roskilde generally cost around 25–35 DKK, and services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings or Sundays. From the nearest harbour stop, expect a level walk of a few minutes to reach the gallery building.
-
Car or taxi within Zealand
Driving from within Zealand, follow main routes into Roskilde and continue toward the harbour area, where public parking is available close to the old gasworks buildings. Travel times vary from about 30–40 minutes from central Copenhagen to shorter hops from nearby towns, and you should budget for possible congestion at peak commuter hours. Parking in the harbour district commonly includes both free and time-limited spaces; taxis from Roskilde Station to the harbour usually take around 5–10 minutes and cost roughly 80–140 DKK depending on traffic and time of day.
RoS Gallery location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about RoS Gallery
Art in a Historic Gasworks by the Water
RoS Gallery occupies a beautifully repurposed former gasworks building on Roskilde Harbour, a short stroll from the fjord’s edge. The structure’s robust brick walls, tall arched windows and industrial bones give the gallery an instantly atmospheric character. Inside, daylight spills across polished concrete and whitewashed surfaces, while hints of the building’s utilitarian past remain visible in beams, pillars and steel details. This combination of raw industry and refined presentation is part of the gallery’s charm. The setting feels both spacious and intimate: large enough to host ambitious installations, yet compact enough that you can comfortably explore without feeling rushed. Just outside, the gentle bustle of the harbour and the sight of boats on the water frame the visit with a strong sense of place.Changing Exhibitions and a Permanent Art Journey
RoS Gallery focuses on contemporary and fine art, presenting a curated mix of Danish and international artists across styles and media. Exhibitions change regularly, often monthly, so the space rarely looks the same twice. One visit might feature bold abstract canvases and graphic works; another could highlight figurative painting, sculpture or photography paired with subtle installations. Beyond the rotating shows, the gallery maintains a permanent display that extends into the basement and up into tower rooms. Moving between levels adds a sense of discovery, as you encounter new perspectives and unexpected sightlines. The varied rooms allow works to be grouped by theme or mood, from bright, open halls to more intimate nooks where a single piece can command your full attention.Atmosphere, Light and Harbourfront Ambience
The experience at RoS Gallery is as much about atmosphere as individual artworks. High ceilings create generous volume, while the play of natural light shifts through the day, subtly changing how colours and textures appear. On quiet afternoons you may find long stretches of stillness, with only soft footsteps and the echo of voices in the background. Step to a window and you are reminded how close you are to the fjord: masts, water reflections and the outlines of nearby buildings create an ever-present backdrop. This harbour setting invites a slow pace. Many visitors weave the gallery into a broader wander along the waterfront, combining culture with fresh air and perhaps a coffee or ice cream nearby between exhibitions.Events, Vernissages and Creative Encounters
RoS Gallery also serves as a social and creative meeting point. The space hosts exhibition openings, artist talks and occasional special events, bringing together local art enthusiasts and visitors from further afield. On such days the industrial halls fill with conversation, clinking glasses and informal introductions to the artists themselves. The gallery can be rented for private functions, and its adaptable rooms lend themselves to everything from receptions to small cultural gatherings. This dual life as both exhibition venue and event space reinforces the building’s role as a living part of Roskilde’s contemporary cultural scene rather than a static monument.Practical Visit: Free Entry and Easy Pairings
Entry to RoS Gallery is free, making it an accessible addition to any Roskilde itinerary. Opening hours typically run from midday into the late afternoon on most days of the week, with Monday usually closed; it is worth checking current times before you plan a late-day visit. A typical stop lasts from half an hour to about an hour and a half, depending on how deeply you engage with the works on show. The gallery’s position at Vindeboder 1A places it close to several other cultural highlights, including the Viking Ship Museum further along the harbour and Roskilde’s historic centre up the hill. With cafés, restaurants and waterside seating nearby, it is easy to turn a quick look at contemporary art into a leisurely half-day by the fjord, balancing modern creativity with the town’s layered history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.7 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
1.1 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
1.1 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Sct Hans Have
1.2 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
3.0 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
17.6 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Roskilde Fjord
18.0 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Gerlevparkens Venner
19.1 km
Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Køge Å
19.6 km
Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Køge Ås
20.6 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
21.7 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
21.7 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
22.1 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
22.1 km
A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.
Visit
22.1 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Unmissable attractions to see
Puppe
0.1 km
A small but evocative public sculpture in Roskilde, “Puppe” offers a quiet moment of contemporary art amid everyday city life.
Roskilde Mini Town
0.1 km
Explore centuries of Danish architecture in miniature form at this charming, detail-rich attraction.
MC og Bil træf
0.1 km
Sommeraftener med motorbrøl, krom og uformel bilkultur på et åbent areal i Roskilde, hvor bil- og MC-entusiaster samles til hyggeligt torsdagstræf.
Byparkens Legeplads
0.2 km
Shaded, child-friendly play space in the heart of Roskilde’s Byparken, surrounded by mature trees, gentle equipment and the calm of a classic Danish city park.
Viking Ship Museum
0.2 km
Original Viking ships, cutting-edge archaeology and a living boatyard unite on Roskilde Fjord to tell the story of how seafaring defined the Viking Age.
Sct Ibs Kilde
0.3 km
A humble historic spring at Roskilde’s shoreline, Sct. Ibs Kilde links everyday water, medieval faith and the rise of a cathedral city above the fjord.
Roskilde Harbour
0.3 km
Historic fjordside harbour where Viking heritage, a modern marina and relaxed waterfront life meet beneath the towers of Roskilde Cathedral.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
0.4 km
A small, historic spring on Frederiksborgvej where Roskilde’s sacred past, urban growth and ever-flowing groundwater quietly meet at the edge of the city hillside.
Sct Hans Kilde
0.5 km
A tiny historic spring tucked behind Roskilde’s houses, Sct. Hans Kilde offers a brief, tranquil glimpse into the town’s medieval, church-linked water heritage.
Koncertkapellet
0.6 km
Roskilde's intimate chapel-turned-concert hall for classical and acoustic music in a historic restored setting.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.6 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Maglekilde
0.6 km
A modest timber wellhouse over Roskilde’s most powerful spring, where centuries of mills, spas and industry once turned the steady flow of water into the city’s lifeblood.
Kildehuset
0.6 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.7 km
UNESCO-listed brick Gothic cathedral and royal mausoleum where a thousand years of Danish history, architecture and monarchy meet under soaring red-brick vaults.
Rektorkilden
0.7 km
Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Essential places to dine
Viking Pizza Roskilde
0.1 km
Hearty pizzas and grill classics near Roskilde’s Viking harbour, serving no‑nonsense comfort food for families, locals and museum‑goers from late morning to evening.
Restaurant Store Børs
0.2 km
Seasonal Danish gourmet dining overlooking Roskilde Fjord, where ingredient quality and informal elegance meet.
Snekken Trattoria
0.2 km
Waterfront Italian-inspired dining on Roskilde Harbour, pairing fjord views and a large terrace with relaxed brasserie dishes, brunch and all‑day service.
Café Fjordliv
0.2 km
Harbourfront Nordic–French café in Roskilde with its own sourdough bakery, organic coffee and seasonal small plates served beside the calm waters of the fjord.
M/S Sagafjord - Restaurant Roskilde
0.3 km
Classic restaurant ship gliding across Roskilde Fjord, pairing seasonal local cuisine with slow, scenic cruises from the harbour’s edge.
Pipers Hus
0.3 km
Classic Danish comfort food in a park pavilion with sweeping views over Roskilde Bypark, the harbour and fjord, blending city dining with a touch of nature.
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
0.7 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
0.8 km
Slow-food focused, seasonal small-plate dining in an intimate Roskilde townhouse with a leafy summer courtyard and a distinctly Nordic, wine-led evening atmosphere.
Rib House
0.8 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Restaurant Upstairs
0.8 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
0.8 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Café A Roskilde
0.8 km
Casual all‑day café on Roskilde’s main square, serving familiar brunch plates, burgers and drinks with outdoor seating and easygoing atmosphere in the historic center.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.8 km
Bright all-day café on Roskilde’s historic main square, mixing generous comfort food, relaxed drinks and prime cathedral-side people-watching.
Lenes Streetfood
0.8 km
Casual Danish street food served from a cozy kiosk on Roskilde’s historic Stændertorvet square, perfect for a quick, affordable bite between cathedral and city sights.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
0.8 km
Casual build-your-own burger joint on Roskilde’s main street, pairing generous portions and craft drinks with a strong line-up of vegetarian and vegan options.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.7 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in central Roskilde, where affordable second-hand finds and everyday browsing quietly support humanitarian work.
No 1 Butik
0.7 km
Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
0.8 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
0.8 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Metropol
0.8 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Bog & Idé
0.8 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
NORII Roskilde
0.8 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
Den franske vinhandel
0.8 km
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
Normal
0.8 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Friluftsland
0.8 km
Specialist outdoor shop in central Roskilde, equipping you with quality clothing, footwear and gear for Scandinavian weather, local escapes and longer adventures.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
0.8 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
PURE Copenhagen
0.8 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Guldfuglen A/S
0.8 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
Hobbii
0.9 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
Perssons Roskilde
0.9 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Teatercaféen
0.4 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.9 km
Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.
PAUSE
0.9 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.9 km
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
Gullanden
0.9 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Klosterkælderen
1.1 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
28 Live
1.1 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
1.1 km
Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Mulligans Irish Pub
1.1 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
1.1 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Georges Bodega
1.2 km
Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.
Roskilde Bodega
1.7 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
Vinbaren Muicon
2.3 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
2.3 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Charlie Chaplin
2.4 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Danseriet
1.0 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Garbos Roskilde
1.1 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Dansebar Roskilde
1.2 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Klubhuset
3.6 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Tropicana DC
3.7 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Den Dansende Viking
15.0 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
The Flame
22.6 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
22.6 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Bloom Nightclub
22.6 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Club El Diablo
27.3 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.6 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
28.6 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
29.1 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
30.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
30.1 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Minimalist Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly