Under the Roof – Rustam Qbic Mural
A poetic mural where sunflowers become shelter and nature merges with human aspiration.
Under the Roof is a striking mural painting created by Russian street artist Rustam Qbic in 2018, located on Abildgaardsvej in Helsingør. The artwork depicts a young man standing in a field of sunflowers that have transformed into a house, with the figure holding a book over his head. Rendered in an illustrative, poetic style, the mural explores the harmonious relationship between nature and humanity, serving as a visual meditation on shelter, knowledge, and the natural world. Part of Helsingør's international street art initiative, this work exemplifies contemporary mural painting that engages with local identity and urban landscape.
A brief summary to UNDER THE ROOF
- Kingosvej, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit at different times of day to experience how changing light reveals new details and colors in the mural's composition.
- The mural is best photographed from directly across the street; allow space to capture the full composition without distortion.
- Combine your visit with other murals in Helsingør's street art collection, including works on Hamlet themes and other international artists' pieces nearby.
- Take time to stand before the work and consider its layered symbolism—the relationship between nature, shelter, knowledge, and human experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Train and Local Bus
From Helsingør Station, take local bus routes 340, 341, or 342 toward Abildgaardsvej. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and exact starting point. Buses run regularly throughout the day with reduced frequency on Sundays. Single ticket costs around 24 DKK. The mural is a short walk from the bus stop.
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Bicycle
Helsingør is highly bicycle-friendly with dedicated cycle paths throughout the city. From the city center, Abildgaardsvej is approximately 2–3 kilometers away and takes 10–15 minutes by bike. Flat terrain and well-maintained infrastructure make this an accessible option year-round, though winter conditions may require caution.
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Car
Drive to Abildgaardsvej in the northwest section of Helsingør. Street parking is typically available in the residential area, though availability varies by time of day. No formal parking fee applies to street parking in this neighborhood. Journey time from central Helsingør is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic.
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Walking
From Helsingør city center, the walk to Abildgaardsvej takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on your starting point. The route passes through residential neighborhoods with sidewalks and is relatively flat. This option allows you to explore the surrounding area and discover other street art installations along the way.
UNDER THE ROOF location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about UNDER THE ROOF
A Poetic Vision of Nature and Shelter
Under the Roof stands as a testament to the power of contemporary street art to transform urban spaces into galleries of meaning and emotion. Created in 2018 by Russian artist Rustam Qbic, this mural painting occupies a prominent position on Abildgaardsvej in Helsingør, Denmark. The composition presents a young man immersed in a field of sunflowers that have metamorphosed into architectural form—a house that shelters and protects. Above his head, the figure holds a book, a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and intellectual refuge. The layering of these elements creates a rich visual narrative that invites contemplation of how nature, shelter, and learning intertwine in human experience.Artistic Technique and Visual Language
Qbic's approach to the mural demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of illustrative and poetic visual storytelling. Rather than employing photorealism or abstract expressionism, the artist has chosen a narrative style that feels both accessible and deeply personal. The sunflowers, rendered with careful attention to botanical detail, gradually dissolve into architectural elements, blurring the boundary between the organic and the constructed. This visual transformation occurs seamlessly across the mural's surface, inviting viewers to experience the moment where nature becomes human shelter. The color palette emphasizes warm, earthy tones that evoke both the golden hues of sunflowers and the warmth of domestic spaces, creating an emotional resonance that extends beyond the purely visual.Context Within Helsingør's Street Art Movement
Under the Roof exists as part of a broader initiative by Kunst & Byrum, an organization dedicated to bringing international street art and public art to Helsingør. The city has become a canvas for artists from around the world, each contributing their unique perspective to the urban landscape. Helsingør's commitment to public art reflects a recognition that street murals can serve as cultural ambassadors, transforming ordinary walls into spaces of dialogue and reflection. The mural's placement on Abildgaardsvej positions it within the northwest section of the city, where it engages with the local community and contributes to the area's visual identity. The work was created specifically in response to the artist's impression of this particular neighborhood, making it deeply rooted in place even as it speaks to universal human experiences.Symbolism and Thematic Resonance
The imagery of Under the Roof operates on multiple symbolic levels. The sunflower, traditionally associated with vitality, growth, and the pursuit of light, becomes in Qbic's interpretation a metaphor for human aspiration and transformation. The conversion of these flowers into a house speaks to the human need for shelter and security, while the book held aloft suggests that knowledge and imagination provide their own form of protection and refuge. Together, these elements create a meditation on how we construct meaning and safety from the natural world around us. The young man at the center of the composition becomes a universal figure—neither specifically Danish nor Russian, but a representation of human vulnerability and resilience in the face of an ever-changing world.Integration with Urban Space
As a public artwork, Under the Roof functions as more than decoration; it serves as a focal point for community engagement and aesthetic experience. The mural's scale and visibility make it impossible to ignore, yet its contemplative subject matter invites prolonged viewing and personal interpretation. Passersby encounter the work at different times of day and in varying weather conditions, each moment revealing new aspects of the composition as light and shadow play across the painted surface. The artwork thus becomes a living element of the urban environment, constantly renewing its dialogue with viewers and the city itself. Its presence on Abildgaardsvej transforms the street into a cultural destination, drawing visitors interested in contemporary art and urban creativity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Contemplative
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Street Art
- Modern
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Art & Design
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
