Carl-Henning Pedersen & Else Alfelts Museum
A circular, tile-clad art universe in Herning where bold architecture, CoBrA-inspired paintings and imaginative sculptures immerse you in colour and fantasy.
Set in Herning’s Birk Centerpark, the Carl-Henning Pedersen & Else Alfelts Museum is a dazzling artist museum built around more than 6,000 works by the visionary Danish couple. Housed in a circular, tile-clad building with a pyramid extension and underground galleries linking to the former Angligården shirt factory, it blends bold architecture with an immersive world of CoBrA-inspired painting, mosaics, sculpture and vibrant fantasy imagery.
A brief summary to Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfeldt's Museet
- Birk Centerpark 1, Herning, 7400, DK
- +4596288650
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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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
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two hours to explore the circular building, pyramid extension and Angligården galleries without rushing the larger mosaics.
- Check current exhibitions in advance; with several hangings a year, specific CoBrA or thematic shows may influence when you choose to visit.
- Bring a light layer: underground halls and some galleries can feel cooler than the bright outdoor courtyard and tiled facade.
- Walk around the outside of the building as well as inside; the ceramic tiles and outdoor artworks are an essential part of the experience.
- If you enjoy sculpture, allow time for the Prince Henrik pieces, which create an intriguing dialogue with Pedersen’s mythical creatures.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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City bus from central Herning
From central Herning, use the local city bus network to Birk Centerpark, which typically takes around 15–25 minutes depending on the route and time of day. Buses usually run several times an hour on weekdays and less frequently in the evening and on Sundays. A single adult ticket within the Herning urban zone generally costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought from the driver or via regional ticketing apps. Most buses are low-floor and suitable for travellers with limited mobility, but expect a short, level walk through the campus-style park to reach the museum entrance.
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Bicycle from Herning city centre
Cycling from Herning city centre to Birk Centerpark is a practical option, taking roughly 15–25 minutes at a comfortable pace along mostly paved urban and suburban roads with gentle gradients. Herning has a network of cycle-friendly routes, and basic city bikes can typically be rented locally for about 80–150 DKK per day, depending on type and provider. This option suits travellers comfortable with light mixed traffic and offers a pleasant approach through green areas surrounding the museum district.
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Taxi within Herning area
A taxi ride from central Herning to the museum area usually takes about 10–15 minutes, varying with traffic and pick-up point. For the relatively short urban distance, expect a fare in the region of 120–200 DKK, with supplements in late evening, at weekends and on public holidays. Taxis are convenient if you are travelling in a small group, carrying luggage or visiting outside regular bus hours. Most vehicles accept card payment, but it is wise to confirm this with the driver when you get in.
Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfeldt's Museet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Carl Henning Pedersen og Else Alfeldt's Museet
A colourful universe in the heart of Jutland
The Carl-Henning Pedersen & Else Alfelts Museum forms a striking splash of colour in Herning’s Birk Centerpark, where art, architecture and imagination merge. Conceived as an artist museum devoted to the married painters Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfelt, it holds more than 6,000 works spanning paintings, watercolours, sculptures, mosaics and ceramics. The collection was largely donated by Pedersen himself, who wanted a permanent home for the couple’s visionary art. From the moment you approach the building, the museum declares its difference. The exterior walls are clad in ceramic tiles populated by fantastical creatures and floating symbols in vivid reds, blues and greens, echoing Pedersen’s expressive fable imagery. Rather than preparing you to stand back and observe, the architecture invites you into a storybook universe where the boundary between inside and outside gently dissolves.Architecture shaped by imagination
When the museum opened in 1976, it consisted of a single circular exhibition building wrapped around a central courtyard. The rounded form creates a flowing route through the galleries and an almost meditative rhythm as you wander past the works. In 1993, a dramatic three-sided pyramid was added, a sculptural tribute to Else Alfelt’s lyrical mountain landscapes and fascination with crystalline forms. Later, in 2015, a new underground passage connected the original museum to Angligården, a former shirt factory nearby. This extension added spacious exhibition halls and allowed the museum to integrate one of its most monumental works, Pedersen’s vast mosaic “The Play of Fantasy about the Wheel of Life,” originally created in 1968. Moving through these transitions – circular to triangular, daylight to subterranean – becomes part of the artistic experience.The art of Carl-Henning Pedersen and Else Alfelt
Carl-Henning Pedersen is closely associated with the CoBrA movement, and his work is filled with spontaneous brushwork, intense colour and recurring motifs such as birds, mythical beasts and celestial symbols. Many canvases seem to hover between dream and myth, rooted in reality yet ultimately belonging to a realm of fantasy and adventure. The galleries often highlight the evolution of his style, from early experiments to later, more expansive compositions and mosaics. Else Alfelt’s works offer a complementary voice: quieter at first glance, yet deeply poetic. She often painted abstracted mountain ranges, swirling cosmic forms and subtly modulated colour fields that evoke both landscape and inner states. In dialogue, their works reveal a shared search for a spiritual dimension in art, one that reaches beyond straightforward representation into something timeless and universal.Sculptures, mosaics and royal connections
The museum is not limited to canvases. Large-scale mosaics, ceramic reliefs and sculptural elements are integrated into both the building and outdoor areas, turning courtyards and facades into extensions of the galleries. One highlight is the monumental mosaic in Angligården, where serpentine lines and radiant colours sweep across the walls in an almost cinematic flow. In recent years, the museum has also become home to a significant selection of sculptures by Prince Henrik of Denmark. Deposited from a royal private collection, these imaginative animal figures and hybrid creatures resonate intriguingly with Pedersen’s own fabled bestiary. Together, they underline a shared delight in the borderland where reality and myth overlap.Changing exhibitions and creative atmosphere
Throughout the year, the museum stages changing hangings that re-curate its rich holdings and bring in works by other artists, often focusing on CoBrA connections or related international currents. These shifts mean that repeat visits can feel fresh, with new constellations of works and perspectives on the collection’s depth. Alongside the exhibitions, the museum hosts talks, concerts and activities that animate the spaces with sound and movement. Despite its substantial size, the atmosphere remains intimate and contemplative. Curved corridors, controlled light and glimpses of courtyard or sky encourage unhurried looking. Whether you are already familiar with CoBrA or discovering this chapter of Danish modern art for the first time, the museum offers an inviting, self-contained universe where colour and imagination take centre stage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ilva
1.5 km
Experience contemporary art in a repurposed 1950s vending machine at Vejle's innovative Kunsthal Vejle.
Herning Turist
2.2 km
Experience panoramic views of Vejle's landscapes from the accessible Udsigtstårn observation tower.
Lagkagehuset
2.4 km
Experience innovative contemporary art in Vejle's historic vending machine gallery, open 24/7 with free admission.
Scandic Regina
2.7 km
Experience panoramic views of Vejle's natural beauty from the Udsigtstårn at Østengård.
Mindesten for H.Pontoppidan
2.7 km
A quiet memorial stone in Herning’s Sdr. Anlæg, honouring H. Pontoppidan and the ambitious transformation of Jutland’s once-harsh heath and bog landscapes.
Louis Nielsen Herning
2.9 km
Experience contemporary art in a unique setting at Kunsthal Vejle, where a historic vending machine becomes a dynamic exhibition space.
Herning City Hotel
3.1 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views and serene landscapes at Udsigtstårn in Vejle, Denmark.
Befrielsessten i Gullestrup
5.1 km
A 1949 liberation stone honoring Denmark's freedom in the quiet village of Gullestrup.
Mindesten for Jens Vejmand
8.7 km
A windbreak memorial to a stoneworker whose life inspired Denmark's most beloved folk song.
Bølling Lake
22.4 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
30.5 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Silkeborg Water Tower
32.8 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
33.1 km
Discover Byparkens Legeplads, a lively playground in Roskilde’s city park, blending creative play, family-friendly amenities, and community spirit in an urban green oasis.
silkeborg
33.3 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
33.3 km
Historic main square in the center of Roskilde, surrounded by vibrant markets, cafés, and the iconic cathedral—where Danish tradition meets everyday city life.
Unmissable attractions to see
HEART Herning Museum Of Contemporary Art
0.1 km
Textile history, radical art and sculptural architecture meet in Steven Holl’s luminous museum, home to world-class conceptual works and a serene Danish sculpture park.
Herning skulpturpark
0.3 km
A free, open-air gallery in Herning’s Birk district, where contemporary sculptures are scattered through tranquil green parkland beside the monumental Elia.
De Geometriske Haver
0.4 km
A sculptural maze of hornbeam hedges where triangles, squares and circles turn landscape architecture into a walkable geometric artwork in Herning’s Birk Centerpark.
Elia
0.7 km
A colossal black steel dome on Herning’s edge, Elia blends industrial drama, fire, and open sky into one of Northern Europe’s most arresting contemporary sculptures.
Herning Centret
1.2 km
Central Jutland’s largest covered mall, blending 80+ shops, eateries and family facilities with free parking and all-weather comfort on the edge of Herning.
Mindeparken
1.9 km
A serene ornamental memorial park in eastern Herning, where hedge-framed garden rooms, quiet lawns and oak groves honour Second World War history.
Herningsholm Museum
2.0 km
Sixteenth‑century manor, heathland tales and textile roots meet under one timbered roof in Herning’s oldest building.
Befrielsessten i Herning
2.0 km
Experience Elia, Herning's monumental steel sculpture with unpredictable flame bursts and panoramic views.
Locked - Escape Room
2.2 km
Experience Denmark's rural heritage at Høgdal, an open-air museum near Them showcasing traditional farm life.
Kirppu
2.2 km
Denmark's largest indoor flea market supermarket with 120+ rotating vendors and constantly refreshed inventory.
Knudmose søerne
2.6 km
A restored bog landscape where winter sports, nature trails, and waterbird habitats create diverse recreational experiences.
Zency Herning
2.6 km
Professional, minimalist massage clinic in central Herning offering tailored therapeutic and wellness treatments in a calm, contemporary setting.
Sdr. Anlæg
2.7 km
A historic green pocket in central Herning, where tall trees, storybook carvings and a nature playground link city streets with the wild paths of Knudmosen.
Herning Station
2.8 km
Central Jutland’s compact rail and bus hub, Herning Station quietly connects a busy events town and its countryside to the rest of Denmark.
Nordisk Film Biografer Herning
2.8 km
Modern multiplex in central Herning with comfortable screens, big-sound blockbusters and classic cinema snacks for easygoing evenings and family-friendly outings.
Essential places to dine
Kuplen - Cafe-Restaurant-Bar
1.4 km
Light-filled café-restaurant-bar overlooking Herning’s golf greens, blending relaxed everyday meals with flexible event spaces in a calm, green-edge setting.
China Café
1.4 km
Casual, budget-friendly Chinese comfort food in the heart of Herning Centret, ideal for quick lunches and relaxed family dinners between shopping stops.
Sooshi Herning Centret
1.6 km
Fresh sushi crafted with passion in the heart of Herning's shopping district.
Jensens Bøfhus
1.6 km
Easygoing Danish steakhouse in Herning serving familiar steaks, ribs and comfort dishes in relaxed, family-friendly surroundings with long, convenient opening hours.
A Hereford Beefstouw - Lund - Herning
2.2 km
The original Danish Hereford steakhouse near Herning, where classic grilled beef, fine wine and Scandinavian design come together in historic Lund surroundings.
Hammerum Pizzeria
2.4 km
Casual neighborhood pizzeria and grill on Hammerum Hovedgade, serving affordable pizzas, kebabs and comfort food to locals and visitors in suburban Herning.
Dirty Ranch Steakhouse
2.4 km
Hearty steaks, schnitzel nights and a rustic Western vibe make Dirty Ranch Steakhouse Herning a lively choice for meat‑lovers and social, group‑friendly evenings.
Restaurant Den Kinesiske Mur Herning
2.5 km
Lively Chinese buffet and running sushi in central Herning, blending Mongolian grill, classic dishes and a playful conveyor-belt sushi experience under warm red décor.
Bandhan Restaurant
2.6 km
Cosy Indian restaurant on Østergade in central Herning, serving fragrant curries, tandoori grills and generous vegetarian dishes in a warm, relaxed setting.
Pinto Thai Take A Way
2.6 km
Compact Thai takeaway in central Herning, serving bold curries, noodles and generous portions at budget-friendly prices for quick, flavour-packed meals.
Restaurant 30Februar
2.6 km
Inventive Franco-Italian dining with a subtle Asian accent, served in an intimate candlelit room in the very heart of Herning’s evening life.
Charolais Kroen ApS
2.6 km
Open-grill steaks, hearty portions and kro-style warmth in a rustic, centrally located Herning steakhouse dating back to 1977.
Mezza
2.6 km
Cozy Lebanese meze and grill in central Herning, where deep flavors, warm hospitality and shared plates turn dinner into a lingering evening ritual.
Restaurant Ck, Herning ApS
2.6 km
Casual yet polished Danish dining on Østergade, where seasonal Nordic-inspired plates and a cozy city-center setting create an unhurried, grown-up evening out.
Ristorante Ravello ApS
2.6 km
Southern Italian countryside cooking and Amalfi Coast spirit served in a warm, modern dining room on Østergade in the heart of Herning.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
NORMAL Herning, HerningCentret
1.2 km
Central Jutland's premier shopping destination with 80+ stores, family events, and free parking.
Basic & More
1.2 km
Budget-friendly Danish homeware and everyday essentials in Herning, where ever-changing surplus finds and simple Nordic style turn shopping into a relaxed treasure hunt.
NEED • STORE
1.4 km
Contemporary streetwear and everyday fashion inside HerningCentret, offering relaxed Scandinavian style with the convenience of Jutland’s largest indoor mall.
Viktor
1.4 km
Contemporary men’s fashion inside Herning Centret, offering smart, wearable Nordic style in a convenient, fully indoor shopping environment.
BUDDY
1.5 km
Bright, family-friendly toy universe in Herning where shelves of games, figures and creative playsets make gift hunting easy for kids of all ages.
Wunderwear
1.5 km
Intimate lingerie and swimwear boutique inside Herning Centret, offering expert fittings, quality brands and discreet, personal service for women of all shapes and sizes.
Degn
1.5 km
A modern women’s fashion boutique in Herning, blending Scandinavian style and international labels for wearable outfits, from everyday essentials to polished occasion looks.
IGEN Op Shop
2.8 km
A spacious Herning charity shop where quality second-hand finds, friendly volunteers and circular shopping all support the Danish Cancer Society’s work.
Dohm ApS
2.9 km
Polished Scandinavian menswear boutique in central Herning, blending premium brands, personal service and clean design on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Wunderwear City
2.9 km
Herning’s intimate multi‑brand lingerie boutique, blending decades of fitting expertise with modern Scandinavian style in a cosy Søndergade setting.
SEKTION 1
3.0 km
Design-led fashion boutique in the heart of Herning, blending Scandinavian style, curated collections and a calm, contemporary shopping atmosphere.
Femilet
3.0 km
Central Herning lingerie boutique offering comfortable, well-fitted Scandinavian underwear, nightwear and swimwear in a calm, personal and discreet shopping atmosphere.
Collezioni
3.0 km
Upscale women’s fashion boutique in central Herning, blending Scandinavian understatement with international luxury brands, curated outfits and design-conscious interiors.
AL-Ting
3.1 km
A cosy two-storey lifestyle boutique in Herning, where Danish design, interiors, fashion and gourmet treats come together in a warmly hygge-infused setting.
Free-wheelin` Head & Growshop
3.1 km
A compact, colourful headshop in central Herning, stocking smoking gear, glass, CBD and grow essentials with laid-back vibes and knowledgeable, no-rush advice.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
City-cafeen
2.6 km
Unpretentious bar-café in central Herning, offering inexpensive drinks, cosy pub-style atmosphere and a relaxed, local slice of Danish værtshus culture.
Piano Herning
2.7 km
Cozy, centrally located bar in Herning with warm lighting, close-up atmosphere and late-night opening hours, ideal for relaxed drinks and sociable evenings.
Fox and Hounds
2.7 km
Scottish pub excellence in the heart of Herning with craft beers, premium whiskeys, and genuine Danish hospitality.
Murphy's Pub
2.8 km
Cozy Irish-style pub in the heart of Herning, pouring good beer, hosting live music and quizzes, and blending Irish charm with Danish hygge late into the night.
Bodega Gadespejlet ApS
2.8 km
Authentic Danish pub culture in Herning's heart—nearly 50 years of genuine hospitality and late-night atmosphere.
Bart
2.8 km
Herning's premier sports bar and dart venue with craft beers, creative cocktails, and lively entertainment.
The Old Irish Pub
2.8 km
Lively Irish-style pub in central Herning, pouring pints, screening football and keeping the party going with music, quizzes and late-night bar energy.
Baren Herning
2.8 km
Casual late-night bar on Østergade with upbeat music, affordable drinks and a friendly local crowd, ideal for relaxed nights out in central Herning.
Petit Bar
3.2 km
Compact, old-school neighborhood bar in central Herning with inexpensive drinks, smoky charm, music-fueled evenings and a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe.
Heidi's Bier Bar
3.3 km
High-energy Alpine-style beer hall in central Herning, mixing Tyrolean décor, towering beers, party games, and club-level nightlife for big, social nights out.
Vestre Hjørnet
3.5 km
Classic Danish bodega on a Herning street corner, where morning coffee blends into late-night beers and local conversation fills a worn but welcoming room.
min PUB
3.8 km
A cozy, basement-style neighborhood bar tucked into Herning’s Industriparken, serving straightforward beers and friendly conversation away from the city-center nightlife.
Don Quijote
3.8 km
Authentic local bar where Herning's working-class community gathers for affordable drinks and genuine connection.
Horse Power MC
4.7 km
Straight-talking biker clubhouse bar in Herning, where rock music, cold beers and local MC culture come together in a compact, characterful hangout.
Black Wolves
4.8 km
Lively Herning sports bar where FC Midtjylland fan culture, big screens and easygoing Danish bar life come together just a short hop from MCH Arena.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
