Galleri Heike Arndt DK, Kettinge

An intimate art hub in the Lolland countryside

Galleri Heike Arndt DK sits quietly along Rågelundevej in Kettinge, surrounded by fields and big skies. The gallery occupies parts of an older rural building, giving the white exhibition rooms a homely, almost studio-like feel. Rather than a formal museum setting, you step into a space that feels lived in and creative, where contemporary artworks share the spotlight with beams, brick and the soft light of the Danish south coast. Founded in 1989 by Danish-based artist Heike Arndt, the gallery has grown from a local initiative into an internationally recognised platform that still feels approachable. Its countryside location on Lolland adds a sense of retreat; visiting can feel like a pause in the landscape as much as an encounter with art.

Nordic–German perspectives and changing exhibitions

A core mission of the gallery is to bridge the art scenes of the Nordic countries and Germany. Exhibitions regularly bring together painters, graphic artists, sculptors and multimedia practitioners who work across these regions, often alongside some of the best-known local artists from Lolland-Falster. Works span figurative and abstract painting, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and newer media, sometimes including street-art influences or digital elements. Programs are typically organised in curated shows that explore contemporary themes rather than a permanent display. Seasonal exhibitions, thematic group shows and curated graphic presentations keep the content fresh, so returning visitors often encounter completely new work. Heike Arndt’s own pieces are occasionally featured, offering insight into the artistic vision behind the gallery’s broader programming.

Studios, printmaking and the Artlab residency

Beyond the exhibition rooms, the Kettinge site functions as an active working environment for artists. Workshops for printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and painting form a substantial part of the complex. The graphic studio is known as one of the larger printmaking facilities in Denmark, with space for techniques ranging from classic etching and lithography to contemporary experimental processes. The Artlab residency brings international artists to Lolland for extended stays, giving them time and space to develop new work. This adds an experimental layer to the gallery, with in-progress pieces, studio conversations and occasional events that offer a glimpse into creative processes rather than only finished artworks on the wall.

Programs, talks and quiet encounters with art

Alongside exhibitions, Galleri Heike Arndt DK hosts guided tours for school groups, arts organisations and interested visitors, typically by prior arrangement. Lectures, themed events and opening days create moments when the gallery feels lively and conversational, yet the general rhythm is unhurried. Many visits unfold at a slow pace: you move between rooms at your own speed, study prints and sculptures up close, and step outside for a breath of country air before returning to a particular piece. The size of the gallery makes it easy to see everything without rushing, yet there is enough depth in the graphic department and mixed-media shows to reward close looking. The mix of international and local names also makes it a good place to discover artists you may not encounter in larger city institutions.

A cultural stop on a scenic part of Lolland

Kettinge lies in a gently rolling part of Lolland, not far from the coast and small harbour towns like Nysted. Many visitors combine time at the gallery with a walk or bike ride through the surrounding countryside or a detour to nearby viewpoints and historical sites. The relaxed rural context shapes the atmosphere inside: staff tend to have time for conversation, and questions about techniques, prices or artistic background are generally welcome. Whether you drop in for an hour on a wider tour of Lolland-Falster or plan your day around an opening, Galleri Heike Arndt DK offers a compact but rich encounter with contemporary art in an unexpected setting. It is both a gallery and a small cultural node, quietly connecting an international art conversation to a corner of the Danish landscape.