Pantheonsfrisen Street Art Mural
A striking Don John mural turning an ordinary Odense side street into a memorable canvas of symbols, stories and contemporary Nordic street art.
Pantheonsfrisen is a large-scale street art mural on Pantheonsgade in Odense C, transforming a plain gable wall into a striking urban landmark. Created by Danish artist Don John, the piece combines stylised animals, human figures and graphic patterns in a muted yet powerful colour palette. Set just off the busy city centre streets, it offers an accessible taste of Odense’s contemporary art scene and is an easy, worthwhile stop on a casual city stroll or dedicated photowalk.
A brief summary to Pantheonsfrisen
- Pantheonsgade, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Come in mid-morning or mid-afternoon for softer light that makes the mural easier to photograph without harsh shadows.
- Walk the full length of Pantheonsgade and view the mural from different angles and distances to appreciate both the overall composition and fine details.
- Combine your visit with a self-made street art stroll in Odense’s centre, using Pantheonsfrisen as a key stop along the way.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Light rail and walk from Odense central area
From Odense Station, take the light rail one or two stops towards the city centre, then walk around 10–15 minutes on flat, paved streets to Pantheonsgade. Trams run frequently throughout the day and tickets for short inner-city journeys typically cost around 15–25 DKK. The route is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though it can be busy at peak commuting times.
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City bus and short walk
Several local bus lines serve stops within a 5–10 minute walk of Pantheonsgade in the central districts of Odense. Travel time from most central hotels is about 10–20 minutes including walking, and a single bus ticket usually costs about 20–30 DKK depending on the zone. Buses run regularly during the day but less often late at night and on weekends, so check departure times in advance.
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Cycling in the city centre
Odense is known as a bicycle-friendly city, and Pantheonsgade is easily reached by bike from the central neighbourhoods in roughly 5–15 minutes. Expect mainly flat terrain with dedicated bike lanes on many streets, plus some shared zones in the old town. Remember to park only in marked bike stands near the surrounding blocks and be mindful of pedestrians in the narrower sections.
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Walking from central Odense
If you are already in the historic or shopping areas of Odense C, allow about 5–20 minutes to walk to Pantheonsgade, depending on your starting point. The route follows typical urban pavements with occasional cobblestones and street crossings. It is generally accessible for most visitors, though those with limited mobility may prefer to shorten the distance by combining walking with light rail or bus.
Pantheonsfrisen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Pantheonsfrisen
A quiet side street with a surprising burst of art
Pantheonsfrisen sits along Pantheonsgade, a short city-centre street in Odense where everyday life hums past cafés, shops and offices. Tucked between typical Danish brick buildings, one gable wall suddenly opens into a sweeping mural that immediately changes the feel of the street. The artwork is large enough to dominate the view, yet the surrounding space is intimate, so you can stand close and really study the details. Because it is just a minute or two off some of Odense’s busier pedestrian routes, the mural often feels like a small discovery. You are still clearly in the middle of the city, with bicycles rolling by and the sound of conversation from nearby terraces, but the wall itself creates a sort of visual pause in the urban fabric.The creative mind behind the mural
The mural is by Don John, a Danish street artist known for large, figurative works that mix animals, people and graphic elements. His pieces often feel like modern folk tales painted at architectural scale. On Pantheonsgade he uses a calm palette of greys, whites and deep tones, which helps the mural blend with the Nordic light and the surrounding brickwork rather than shouting over it. Look closely and you will notice the characteristic sharp lines and soft shading that give the figures a slightly dreamlike quality. The style bridges illustration and graffiti, rooted in street culture but executed with the precision of a studio painting. The result is a piece that rewards both a quick glance and a long, slow reading of its many details.Motifs that hint at stories and symbols
Pantheonsfrisen is not a simple picture with an obvious caption. Instead, it layers multiple motifs that invite your own interpretation. Typical of Don John’s work, there are animals that seem more like symbols than literal creatures, and human figures that appear caught in moments of transition or reflection. Geometric shapes and patterned areas tie the composition together, guiding your gaze across the wall. Depending on where you stand, different stories come to the foreground. From a distance, the mural reads as a single, coherent composition anchoring the street. Up close, you notice textures, line work and small visual surprises. There is no official explanation next to the piece, so the narrative stays open – an intentional part of its charm.Street art woven into Odense’s cityscape
The mural is part of a wider movement that has brought contemporary art out of museums and onto the walls of Odense. Around the centre you can find other pieces, but Pantheonsfrisen stands out because of its scale and its position on a street that many visitors naturally pass during a day in town. It demonstrates how a single artwork can soften a hard corner of the city and give it a distinct identity. This is also a very functional piece of public art: it covers a large gable that might otherwise feel blank and imposing. Instead, the wall now acts as a landmark people use when arranging to meet or orienting themselves in the area. In that sense, the mural has quietly become part of Odense’s everyday wayfinding and storytelling.Experiencing the mural as a visitor
Visiting Pantheonsfrisen is flexible and informal. There is no entrance fee, no set opening hours and no set route to follow. You simply walk up, take your time and step back as often as you like to capture the full composition. The piece photographs well in soft daylight, but even on an overcast Danish afternoon the limited colour palette holds up beautifully. Many travellers combine a stop here with a broader walk through the city centre, using the mural as a visual highlight between more traditional attractions. It works well as a short contemplative pause: a place to lean on a railing, sip a takeaway coffee and let your eyes wander over the wall before you move on.Practical notes for your visit
The setting is entirely urban and flat, with pavements that are generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. You are in a lived-in neighbourhood, so facilities such as cafés, small eateries and shops are close at hand, though not formally connected to the mural. Lighting is best during daylight hours, particularly mid-morning or mid-afternoon when shadows are softer and the artwork is easier to photograph. As with all street art, Pantheonsfrisen exists in a living city. Surrounding businesses may change over time and small tags or stickers can appear nearby, but the main mural remains the clear focus. Treat it as you would any outdoor artwork: appreciate it up close, avoid touching the painted surface, and take the time to notice how it interacts with the architecture and atmosphere of this corner of Odense.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
visit
0.3 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
0.5 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
0.6 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.8 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Odense St.
0.9 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.4 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
1.9 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
TheDoorOdense
2.8 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Det gamle vandtårn
3.6 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
4.9 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
7.5 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
9.3 km
An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
10.6 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
Rolfshøj
13.5 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
The Glavendrup Stone
14.0 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tidens Samling
0.1 km
Hands-on time travel through 20th‑century Danish homes, fashion and design inside Odense’s historic Brandts Klædefabrik complex.
Funen Opera
0.2 km
An intimate Danish chamber opera beside Odense’s parkland, where classic works and bold new productions unfold just a few metres from your seat.
Brandts
0.2 km
Funen’s flagship art museum in a historic woollen mill complex, blending Danish masterpieces, contemporary exhibitions, family-friendly creativity and café life on Amphi Square.
Brandts Klædefabrik - byen i byen
0.2 km
A historic woollen mill turned vibrant cultural quarter, where art, film, shopping and café life fill atmospheric brick courtyards in the heart of Odense.
The Sea Horse
0.2 km
A powerful Andersen-inspired sea horse and mermaid burst from the Odense River, marking a poetic gateway between city streets and leafy Munke Mose park.
The Darning Needle
0.3 km
A provocative Hans Christian Andersen–inspired granite sculpture on Odense’s main shopping street, where a simple needle becomes a playful, ambiguous urban conversation.
Munke Mose
0.3 km
Central Odense’s riverside wetland park where fairy-tale sculptures, grand old trees and easygoing outdoor life meet along the gentle Odense River.
Gerthasminde
0.4 km
A hidden royal villa set amidst the enchanting palace gardens of Marselisborg in Aarhus, where Danish history and tranquil beauty harmoniously meet.
Bispens lysthus
0.4 km
A tiny red timber pavilion on stilts above Odense Å, Bispens Lysthus blends riverside calm, ecclesiastical history and postcard-perfect charm in the city’s green heart.
Den Flyvende Kuffert Eventyrskulptur
0.4 km
A bronze suitcase poised for takeoff above a shimmering fountain, this H.C. Andersen–inspired sculpture turns a small Odense square into a quiet fairytale scene.
Hans Christian Andersen's Childhood Home
0.4 km
Step into the tiny yellow house on Munkemøllestræde where a poor shoemaker’s son began the journey to becoming the world’s great master of fairytales.
The maiden jump
0.4 km
Walk through history at The Funen Village in Odense, where 19th-century farmsteads, gardens, and local traditions offer a full-senses journey into rural Denmark.
Odense Cathedral - St. Canute's Church
0.5 km
A vibrant tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tales, this lively mural transforms central Odense into a colorful celebration of Denmark’s literary heritage.
Hermes (gud for handlende) vandskulptur
0.5 km
A monumental Hermes of granite and water marks the gateway to Odense’s main shopping street, weaving myth, Viking history and urban everyday life into one sculpture.
Odense City Hall
0.5 km
Enjoy serene lawns, mature trees, and recreational paths in Nyborg’s central green park—a scenic spot for relaxation and community just steps from historical landmarks.
Essential places to dine
Café Cuckoo's Nest
0.1 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Mona Lisa
0.1 km
Cozy Italian trattoria tucked into Odense’s artsy Brandts Passage, serving generous pastas, crisp pizzas and classic antipasti in a warm, candlelit setting.
Kong Volmer Odense
0.1 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Pasfall
0.1 km
Refined French-inspired fine dining in Odense’s atmospheric Brandts Passage, where seasonal Nordic ingredients, precise cooking and relaxed elegance turn meals into occasions.
Marcello's
0.2 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria
0.2 km
Cosy Roman-style trattoria and pizzeria tucked into Odense’s old-town cobbles, serving wood-fired pizzas, generous pasta plates and classic Italian comfort food.
The Burger Odense
0.2 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Mitchell's Odense
0.2 km
Denmark's only British gastro pub, serving authentic carvery and craft beverages in warm, family-friendly surroundings.
Olivia Brasserie - Restaurant Odense
0.2 km
French-inspired brasserie cooking, relaxed café energy and cobbled-lane atmosphere in the heart of Odense’s historic Vintapperstræde.
Salinaz Odense
0.2 km
Premium South American steaks and gourmet burgers in the heart of historic Odense.
Eydes Gastro Pub
0.3 km
All-day brunch, hearty pub dishes and a full bar in a cosy, central Odense gastro pub with both snug corners and lively street-side seating.
Restaurant Værdsat
0.3 km
Informal Scandinavian gourmet in central Odense, where seasonal Funen produce, playful menus and a warm neighborhood atmosphere meet from lunch until late.
KÖZ Resturant
0.3 km
Authentic Turkish grilling and traditional cuisine in Odense's vibrant city center.
I Pupi Siciliani
0.3 km
Intimate Sicilian restaurant in central Odense, serving seasonal tasting menus, handmade pasta and robust southern Italian flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Kok & Vin
0.4 km
Intimate French-inspired bistro in historic central Odense, pairing seasonal Nordic produce with thoughtful wines in a warm, candlelit setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Underground
0.2 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
0.2 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
Bog & idé - Odense C
0.2 km
Odense's premier destination for books, games, stationery, and creative supplies in the city centre.
All About Kids
0.3 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Faraos Cigarer
0.3 km
A vast 600 m² universe of comics, games, miniatures and cosplay, Faraos Cigarer Odense is the city’s colourful hub for Nordic geek culture and tabletop fun.
Friluftsland
0.3 km
Compact outdoor specialist shop in central Odense, offering quality gear, expert advice and hands-on testing for everything from city showers to Nordic trekking.
Hunkemöller Danmark A/S
0.3 km
Central Odense lingerie and swimwear boutique offering feminine designs, expert bra fitting help and relaxed browsing right on the city’s main shopping street.
Dr. Adams
0.4 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion boutique celebrating independent style since 1994.
Moby Disc
0.4 km
Odense’s long-standing record shop, where forty thousand-plus vinyl and CD titles, cozy aisles and music-savvy staff keep the spirit of crate-digging alive.
Summerbird
0.4 km
Refined Danish chocolaterie and gift shop in central Odense, showcasing elegant marzipan, pralines, and design-led treats perfect for thoughtful, gourmet gifting.
Magasin Odense
0.4 km
Odense’s classic multi-level department store, blending Danish style, fashion, beauty, homewares and cosy café stops under one roof on lively Vestergade.
SEPHORA MAGASIN ODENSE
0.4 km
A sleek, centrally located beauty hub inside Magasin, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance meet Odense’s city-center shopping life.
Rezet Sneaker Store Odense
0.4 km
Scandinavian-style sneaker boutique in central Odense, blending clean design, curated streetwear and sought-after footwear drops on lively Vestergade.
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
0.5 km
A spacious, lounge‑like whisky specialist in central Odense, pairing rare independent bottlings with relaxed tastings and knowledgeable, down‑to‑earth guidance.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
0.1 km
Closed but not forgotten, this basement bar once turned central Odense into a roaring Alpine lodge of big steins, table dancing and unapologetic après-ski energy.
Den Røde Bar
0.2 km
A cozy, crimson-toned bar inside Teater Momentum, serving relaxed drinks, local Arnbitter cocktails and cultural vibes in the heart of Odense’s creative scene.
Proud Mary Odense
0.2 km
Big, boisterous and central, Proud Mary Pub Odense turns a former arcade into a vast English-style party pub with sports screens, cocktails and dancing till late.
James Dean Bar
0.2 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
The Old Irish Pub
0.2 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Christian Firtal
0.2 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
0.2 km
Basement tequila shots, loud beats and a young crowd turn this Odense city‑centre bar into a compact late‑night party zone on weekend nights.
Tingstedet
0.3 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
The Boat House
0.3 km
A cozy, spirits-focused bar in central Odense, famed for its extensive whisky shelves, creative cocktails and laid-back themed evenings in soft, lounge-like surroundings.
Lalou Vinbar
0.3 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
No Stress Odense
0.3 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
Champagniet
0.3 km
Intimate champagne bar in Odense’s old town, pairing carefully curated bubbles with cosy hygge vibes and small plates made for slow, sparkling evenings.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
0.3 km
Smoky, old-school Danish pub energy in the heart of Odense’s main shopping street, with cheap beers, loud nights and a lived-in, brown-bar charm.
Viggos
0.4 km
Lively, wallet-friendly brown bar in central Odense, pouring cold draft beer, simple pub food and long, sociable nights for students, locals and night owls.
Pianobar odense
0.4 km
Lively late-night piano bar in the heart of Odense C, mixing sing-along classics, casual drinks and a compact, buzzing atmosphere on Kongensgade.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Quirky
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Street Art
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- 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
