Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum og Exlibrissamling

Small in scale but rich in ideas, Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum og Exlibrissamling fuses contemporary art, ex libris treasures and a lively cultural calendar in one intimate venue.

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Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum

Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum og Exlibrissamling is a compact yet ambitious art museum in the heart of Frederikshavn, dedicated to Danish and international contemporary art and one of Europe’s largest ex libris collections. Set in a modest modern building on Parallelvej, it offers changing exhibitions of painting, sculpture, graphics and ceramics, an extensive bookplate collection, and a lively programme of talks, concerts and cultural events. Open Tuesday to Saturday, it’s an easy, low-key cultural stop just a short walk from the town’s shopping streets and harbour.

A brief summary to Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum

Parallelvej 14, Frederikshavn, 9900, DK
+4598459080
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Budget
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

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

Local tips

Plan your visit Tuesday to Saturday between 10:00 and 16:00, as the museum is generally closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Allow extra time to explore the ex libris displays; these small bookplates reveal surprising detail when viewed up close.
Check the museum’s programme in advance if you are interested in talks, concerts or special events that may coincide with your visit.
Combine your visit with a stroll to the harbour area nearby to contrast the quiet galleries with Frederikshavn’s maritime setting.
Bring curiosity rather than a fixed agenda; exhibition content changes regularly, so you may encounter unexpected themes and artists.

Getting There

Local bus from Frederikshavn station

From Frederikshavn railway and bus station, take a local city bus toward the central districts; services typically run every 15–30 minutes on weekdays. The journey to the streets around Parallelvej usually takes about 5–10 minutes, plus a short urban walk. A single ticket within the town generally costs in the range of 20–30 DKK, and buses are comfortable but may run less frequently in the evenings and on weekends.
On foot from central Frederikshavn

If you are already in the central shopping streets or near the harbour, reaching the museum is straightforward on foot. Expect a pleasant urban walk of around 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point, along mostly flat pavements suitable for casual walkers and most pushchairs. Surfaces are generally good, but in winter conditions may be slippery, so allow extra time.
Bicycle within town

Frederikshavn is compact and bicycle-friendly, with relatively light traffic on side streets leading toward Parallelvej. Cycling from neighbourhoods around the centre usually takes 5–15 minutes. Visitors using hotel or rental bicycles can follow main corridors toward the downtown area and then quieter streets to the museum. There is no extra cost beyond any bicycle rental, but be prepared for windier conditions common on the North Jutland coast.
Taxi from ferry terminal or outskirts

From the ferry terminal or accommodation on the edge of town, a taxi offers a quick and direct option. Typical travel times are 5–10 minutes from the terminal and up to 15 minutes from outlying areas, depending on traffic. Fares within Frederikshavn are commonly in the range of 80–160 DKK, with supplements in the evening and on public holidays. Taxis provide the most convenient option for visitors with limited mobility or tight schedules.

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Discover more about Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum

Artful hub in a North Jutland port town

Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum og Exlibrissamling sits a few streets back from the harbour, a low-rise modern building that feels more like a neighbourhood cultural house than a grand institution. Inside, white walls, generous light and a human scale create an intimate frame for contemporary art. Founded in 1978, the museum has grown alongside the town’s shift from traditional shipbuilding to a broader cultural profile, and today it functions as one of Frederikshavn’s key creative meeting points. Galleries unfold over several levels, linked by open staircases and sightlines that encourage you to look across rooms and down onto works from above. Rather than a single permanent display, the museum focuses on curated exhibitions, often built around themes or individual artists with ties to Denmark and the wider Nordic region. This emphasis on rotation means there is usually something new to discover on each visit.

Contemporary Danish voices and local stories

The core of the museum’s programme is national and international contemporary art, with a particular eye for artists connected to North Jutland. Painting, sculpture, graphic works, installations and ceramics share space, underlining how porous the boundaries between media can be. Exhibitions range from lyrical landscape interpretations to raw, experimental pieces that respond to social and environmental questions. Local artistic voices are given real space here. Shows devoted to regional artists highlight how the landscapes, harbours and industrial structures of Vendsyssel become recurring motifs in very different visual languages. Smaller side rooms often present more intimate series of drawings or sketch material, offering a glimpse into working processes rather than just finished, polished works.

Europe-scale ex libris collection behind quiet doors

One of the museum’s most distinctive assets is its extensive ex libris collection – bookplates designed to mark ownership in private libraries. Over decades, Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum has assembled what is described as one of Europe’s largest collections of these miniature artworks, spanning traditional heraldic motifs, finely etched graphics and bold modern designs. Displays drawn from this collection reveal how much personality can be condensed into a few square centimetres of paper. You may see finely worked copperplate engravings alongside playful modern linocuts, each tied to a specific commissioner, artist or historical context. The collection also underlines how graphic design, typography and private passion intersect in this overlooked art form.

More than exhibitions: a living cultural calendar

Beyond the galleries, the museum doubles as a small cultural venue. Throughout the year it hosts lectures, artist talks, chamber concerts, literature evenings and occasional performances. Partnerships with other cultural players in town mean that art spills beyond the museum’s walls, with joint events and cross-disciplinary projects. An in-house art school and workshops give local children and adults a chance to experiment with techniques they have just encountered in the galleries. For visitors, this activity translates into a sense of a working, evolving institution rather than a static display. Simple seating areas and reading corners make it easy to pause with a catalogue or leaflet between exhibitions.

Practical scale, calm atmosphere

The museum is compact enough to explore in an hour or two without fatigue, yet varied enough to reward a slower circuit. Opening hours are concentrated from Tuesday to Saturday during the day, so it fits naturally into a wider itinerary that might also include the harbourfront or nearby coastal museums. Entry is ticketed, with modest prices and concessions for seniors, and children and young students are typically admitted at reduced or no cost. Facilities are straightforward: basic amenities such as restrooms and a small shop with art books and local craft objects support the visit, while nearby cafés and streets provide further options for a break. The overall impression is of a low-key, accessible art museum that punches above its weight in content, offering a calm, considered counterpoint to the ferry traffic and shopping streets just outside.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Frederikshavn Church

0.3 km

Frederikshavn’s red-brick landmark church, blending National Romantic architecture, a Michael Ancher altarpiece and war graves into one evocative town centre stop.

Frederikshavn St.

0.3 km

Compact, coastal rail terminus linking Frederikshavn’s harbor, ferries and town center, and a relaxed stepping stone to beaches, bunkers and northern Jutland landscapes.

Cafe' Feen

0.4 km

Aalborg’s beloved Kildeparken blends music, art, and green tranquility, offering a vibrant escape in the city center for relaxation, exploration, and community events.

Fisketorvet

0.5 km

A modest central square in Frederikshavn where everyday small-town life, summer tourist hosts and a hint of maritime character quietly meet by the harbor.

Port of Frederikshavn

1.1 km

A deep-water working harbour where ferries, shipyards and offshore giants share the waterfront, shaping the maritime heart of Frederikshavn.

Frederikshavn Sogn

1.1 km

A grand Romanesque church and living parish at the heart of a North Jutland port town, where seafaring history, sacred art and everyday Danish life meet.

Bunker Ved Palmestranden

2.0 km

Second World War bunkers half-buried in the dunes behind Frederikshavn’s palm-lined city beach, blending coastal history with a relaxed seaside setting.

Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen

10.6 km

A modest roadside stone in rural Vendsyssel, the Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen quietly links a single life story with the open fields and farm roads of Gærum.

The Lady From The Sea

12.1 km

A towering harbour figurehead where Ibsen’s sea‑bound heroine, medieval Mary and hundreds of children’s symbols merge into one evocative coastal landmark.

Mindesten for Klitplantør Thygeson

30.2 km

A modest granite stone in Skagen Klitplantage honouring the dune inspector who planted millions of pines and transformed the shifting sands south of Skagen.

Kiosk v / The Buried Church

30.3 km

Delve into Esbjerg’s evolution from coastal hamlet to harbor city at this immersive museum, blending archaeology, wartime history, and lifelike local scenes in Denmark’s West Jutland.

Skagen Havn

30.5 km

A bustling North Sea harbour where fishing fleets, cruise liners and a cosy marina meet under Skagen’s famous northern light.

Enjoy Skagen

31.0 km

Esbjerg Museum reveals the city’s story through immersive exhibits on maritime legacy, archaeology, and daily life—offering an interactive journey into Danish west coast history.

Galleri Bo

31.2 km

Explore Denmark's vibrant west coast heritage at Esbjerg Museum, where local history, archaeology, and immersive exhibits bring Esbjerg's dramatic story to life.

Skagen Station

31.5 km

Denmark's northernmost railway station, where historic yellow architecture meets the gateway to two seas.

Unmissable attractions to see

Mindesten

0.2 km

A modest granite memorial on Frederikshavn’s church square, Mindesten quietly commemorates Denmark’s World War II liberation and invites a moment of reflection.

Frihedsmonumentet

0.3 km

Frihedsmonumentet is a tranquil memorial park in Frederikshavn, honoring Danish resistance and World War II victims in a peaceful, central garden beside the main church.

Krudttårnet

0.4 km

A 17th‑century gunpowder tower turned harbourfront museum, where naval history, bold engineering and Frederikshavn’s maritime story meet in one compact landmark.

Tordenskjold statue

0.5 km

Experience the harmonious blend of art and nature at Skovhuset, Frederikshavn's cultural gem.

Triaden sculpture

0.5 km

Discover Mindesten in Frederikshavn: A serene memorial honoring local history amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.

Mindesmærke for Scandinavian

0.6 km

A solemn granite memorial on Frederikshavn’s harbourfront, commemorating the 159 lives lost in the 1990 Scandinavian Star ferry fire beside the waters they once crossed.

Versorgungsschiff „EDDA BOREAS“

0.9 km

A cutting-edge offshore wind support vessel occasionally moored at Frederikshavn’s working harbour, showcasing hydrogen-ready technology, cranes and gangways for the future of offshore energy.

Nordre Skanse

1.1 km

Grassy historic earthworks overlooking Frederikshavn’s harbour and the Kattegat, where simple ramparts, sea views and open sky tell a quiet coastal story.

Palmestranden

2.2 km

Denmark’s only true palm-fringed urban beach, blending soft white sand, safe shallows and playful seaside activities with views over Frederikshavn’s working harbor.

FunHouse Frederikshavn

2.4 km

1,500 m² of colorful indoor action by the Frederikshavn harbor, where kids climb, bounce and slide while adults pause with a coffee and a clear view.

Palm Beach (Frederikshavn)

2.5 km

Denmark's only palm beach—a tropical escape where real palms sway above white sand and Baltic waters.

Bangsbo Botaniske Have

2.9 km

Denmark's premier botanical garden where English-style elegance meets Northern Europe's largest alpine crevice garden.

Boolsens Stenhave

3.1 km

A quiet stone garden in Frederikshavn where an author’s lifelong passion for geology now unfolds as an open-air story of ice, rock, and deep time.

Kystmuseet Bangsbo

3.1 km

Historic Bangsbo manor turned coastal museum, where medieval ships, wartime stories and a 1900s cultural salon meet in lush parkland on Frederikshavn’s edge.

Mindesten for de 3

3.1 km

A modest war memorial in Frederikshavn honoring three local lives lost during World War II, inviting a brief, thoughtful pause amid the town’s everyday rhythm.

Authentic Sicilian pizzas with creative toppings in casual, family-friendly Frederikshavn setting.

Compact Scandinavian fashion hub in Frederikshavn’s Colosseum center, offering everyday style for women, men and kids just steps from the town’s main shopping street.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Sportsbaren Frederikshavn

0.2 km

Lively central Frederikshavn sports bar with wall-to-wall matches, cold beers, betting, slot machines and pool in a relaxed, down-to-earth Danish pub atmosphere.

Café Pitstop Frederikshavn

0.3 km

Relaxed café-bar hybrid on Skippergade blending sports, karaoke and pub vibes in a down-to-earth local hangout in Frederikshavn.

Munken v/Aase Pedersen

0.4 km

Traditional Danish bar in the heart of Frederikshavn, offering straightforward drinks, long opening hours and a cosy glimpse into local everyday pub life.

Freddy´s Bar

0.5 km

Cozy harbourfront bar in Frederikshavn with live music, a generous beer selection, and laid-back Danish pub vibes just steps from the ferry terminal.

JOY´S PUB

0.5 km

Cozy harborfront neighborhood bar in Frederikshavn with affordable drinks, local atmosphere and occasional live music on late-opening weekend nights.

John Bull

0.5 km

English-style harbor pub blending maritime character with classic pub hospitality in Frederikshavn's waterfront district.

Flying Hirsch

0.6 km

High-energy after-ski bar in central Frederikshavn, serving playful drinks, loud music and alpine party vibes late into the night.

Frederikshavner Kroen

0.6 km

No‑frills Danish pub in central Frederikshavn, pouring cheap beer, late‑night drinks and plenty of local atmosphere in a compact, well‑worn bar room.

Lygten I/S

0.6 km

Old-school Danish "brown" beer hall in central Frederikshavn, serving inexpensive drinks, thick pub atmosphere and local colour from early morning to late night.

Two Step Up v / Brian Jensen

0.6 km

Frederikshavn's legendary late-night bar where locals and travelers unite over live music and Danish drinks until dawn.

Bangsbo Brewing Company

0.7 km

Intimate nanobrewery crafting rotating small-batch Danish beers in a welcoming taproom.

Peder Wessel v/Lisbeth Wagner

0.8 km

Traditional, inexpensive neighbourhood bar on central Søndergade, offering no-frills drinks, cosy maritime character and an easygoing slice of Frederikshavn nightlife.

DK-Café

0.8 km

Local gaming den meets casual bar in a low-key Frederikshavn café where slot machines, screens and simple drinks create an everyday, untouristy hangout.

Le Drink

1.0 km

Cosy neighbourhood cocktail bar in Frederikshavn, serving unfussy drinks and relaxed conversation in an intimate, low‑key setting off the main streets.

My Nordisk Mjød

1.3 km

Intimate mead bar and micro‑meadery in Frederikshavn, serving handcrafted Nordic honey wines inspired by a garden apple tree and regional Danish ingredients.

Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.

Club Stygge

57.3 km

Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.

Happy Friday

75.2 km

Experience Støvring's vibrant nightlife at Happy Friday Cocktail Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.

Skørping Bodega

78.0 km

A friendly local bodega near Rold Skov, Skørping Bodega captures the spirit of Danish bar culture with its authentic charm, inviting atmosphere, and vibrant community.

Rold Skov Orienteringsklub

78.0 km

Embark on an orienteering adventure with Rold Skov Orienteringsklub in Denmark's captivating Rold Skov forest.

Mjølner

79.0 km

Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.

Delirium

86.1 km

Experience the electrifying nightlife at Delirium, Gothenburg's premier night club with pulsating music and vibrant energy.

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Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum og Exlibrissamling

A brief summary to Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum

Local tips

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

Getting There

Local bus from Frederikshavn station

On foot from central Frederikshavn

Bicycle within town

Taxi from ferry terminal or outskirts

Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum

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Discover more about Frederikshavn Kunstmuseum

Artful hub in a North Jutland port town

Contemporary Danish voices and local stories

Europe-scale ex libris collection behind quiet doors

More than exhibitions: a living cultural calendar

Practical scale, calm atmosphere

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Frederikshavn Church

Frederikshavn St.

Cafe' Feen

Fisketorvet

Port of Frederikshavn

Frederikshavn Sogn

Bunker Ved Palmestranden

Mindesten for Laurits Thomsen

The Lady From The Sea

Mindesten for Klitplantør Thygeson

Kiosk v / The Buried Church

Skagen Havn

Enjoy Skagen

Galleri Bo

Skagen Station

Unmissable attractions to see

Mindesten

Frihedsmonumentet

Krudttårnet

Tordenskjold statue

Triaden sculpture

Mindesmærke for Scandinavian

Versorgungsschiff „EDDA BOREAS“

Nordre Skanse

Palmestranden

FunHouse Frederikshavn

Palm Beach (Frederikshavn)

Bangsbo Botaniske Have

Boolsens Stenhave

Kystmuseet Bangsbo

Mindesten for de 3

Essential places to dine

Cafe Hyggestunden V/pia Sørensen

Gastropub L.A

Fregatten frederikshavn

Farmors Café

Best Western Hotel Herman Bang

Smørgåsen

Restaurant Empire

Restaurant Sæson Frederikshavn

Det Gule Pakhus

Buffet Restaurant The Reef

Scandic The Reef

Jerry’s

Hyttefadet

Valentino

Milan Pizza

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Mira Maja Jewellery

Spar Dame

THE.BAANK.DK

Reolsupermarked Frederikshavn

Butik Genfund

LuxyKids

VERO MODA

CHANGE Lingerie

Kidsbrandstore

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