ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

One of Northern Europe’s largest art museums, ARoS blends landmark architecture, immersive installations and rooftop rainbow views over Aarhus’ skyline.

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ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum is one of Northern Europe’s largest and most innovative art museums, rising over 10 floors in the heart of Aarhus. Home to Denmark’s biggest art collection outside Copenhagen, it blends classic and cutting-edge works from the 18th century to today. Highlights include Olafur Eliasson’s rooftop circular skywalk “Your rainbow panorama,” Ron Mueck’s hyperreal sculpture “Boy,” immersive installation floors, and sweeping views over the city from a striking contemporary building.

A brief summary to ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Aros Allé 2, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
+4561904900
Visit website
Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Tuesday 10 am-9 pm
Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
Thursday 10 am-9 pm
Friday 10 am-9 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Plan at least three hours to explore; with ten floors and major installations, ARoS easily fills the better part of a day.
Head to the rooftop later in your visit so you can enjoy Your rainbow panorama with an unhurried stroll and time for photos.
Check current exhibitions in advance if there are particular artists you want to see, as major shows are often time-limited.
Bring comfortable shoes; the museum’s ten levels are linked by ramps and stairs, and you will be on your feet most of the time.
The café and orangery are handy for a mid-visit break, letting you split your time between the collection and the rooftop.

Getting There

City bus

From central Aarhus, take a city bus service that stops near Rådhusparken or Park Allé; the ride typically takes 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. Single tickets within the city zone usually cost around 20–25 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses are low‑floor and generally accessible, but can be crowded in rush hour and during major events.
Walking from Aarhus Central Station

From Aarhus Central Station, allow around 10–15 minutes on foot to reach the museum. The route leads through level city streets and pedestrian‑friendly areas with crossings and pavements, making it manageable for most visitors with standard mobility, though those using wheelchairs or pushing prams should allow extra time, especially in busy periods.
Light rail and bus combination

If you arrive in Aarhus by light rail (Letbanen), travel to Aarhus H or Skolebakken, then transfer to a city bus heading toward the town hall area; combined travel time is usually 15–25 minutes within the central zones. Standard public transport fares apply, with city zone tickets around 20–25 DKK and Rejsekort or similar smartcards offering slightly lower per‑trip prices.
Taxi within Aarhus

Taxis from central locations such as the harbor front, Latinerkvarteret or major hotels typically reach the museum in 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. Fares within the city center usually fall in the range of 80–150 DKK, with supplements in evenings and on weekends. Most taxis accept cards and provide space for at least one wheelchair or stroller in the boot.

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures

Discover more about ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

A vertical world of art in the heart of Aarhus

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum towers above the city center, a monumental cube of brick and glass that houses ten floors of art beneath the famous circular skywalk on its roof. Inside, gently sloping ramps, tall atriums and long sightlines invite you to wander, with galleries unfolding both above and below street level. The design encourages you to move vertically, discovering new perspectives on each level as the city slowly falls away and the art takes over. The museum’s name nods to Aarhus’ Viking origins, while its architecture signals a thoroughly contemporary outlook. Light pours in through high windows and cut-out voids, creating surprising encounters between artworks and the changing Danish sky. Even before you reach the exhibition floors, the building itself feels like part of the collection, framing views, drawing you upward and setting the stage for ambitious installations.

From 18th‑century masters to bold contemporary voices

ARoS holds Denmark’s largest art collection outside the capital, spanning more than two centuries of Danish and international art. One moment you might be standing before 19th‑century landscapes that helped define the nation’s image of itself; the next, you step into a room where moving images, sound and light challenge what a museum experience can be. Classic paintings, sculpture and works on paper sit alongside photography, video and large-scale installations. The museum’s curators regularly draw unexpected connections across time, placing historic works in dialogue with contemporary pieces. Major temporary exhibitions bring in international names from across modern and contemporary art, while dedicated spaces highlight key Danish figures who helped shape the country’s artistic identity. The result is a dynamic mix where quiet contemplation and provocative ideas share the same building.

Icons: Your rainbow panorama and the giant Boy

Two works have become inseparable from ARoS’ identity. On the rooftop, Olafur Eliasson’s “Your rainbow panorama” forms a circular glass walkway that encircles the museum. Stepping inside, you walk through bands of color that tint the entire city in shifting hues. Aarhus’ skyline appears in red, then yellow, then deep blue, turning a simple city view into a slow, cinematic experience. Closer to ground level, Ron Mueck’s five-meter-tall sculpture “Boy” crouches in a vast white gallery. Hyperreal down to the pores on his skin, he seems both vulnerable and monumental, towering over visitors while tucking into himself in a protective huddle. These two works capture ARoS’ dual character: outward-looking and playful on the roof, introspective and emotionally charged inside.

Immersive installations and future‑facing projects

An entire floor of the museum is devoted to installation and media art, where rooms are transformed into enveloping environments of light, sound and movement. Here, visitors may find themselves walking through projected landscapes, standing beneath shifting skies or surrounded by sculptural light. The museum has become known for this kind of experiential art, often collaborating with leading international artists to realize ambitious projects. New commissions and long-term installations continue to expand ARoS’ focus on perception and atmosphere. Light-based works, skyspaces and other immersive pieces invite you to slow down, look closely and become aware of how color, brightness and space shape your mood. It is a place where art is not just observed at a distance, but felt with the whole body.

Cafés, city views and a full‑day museum experience

Beyond the galleries, ARoS functions as a cultural hub. A café and orangery offer coffee, light meals and a chance to pause between exhibitions, with design-conscious interiors that echo the museum’s modern architecture. The shop stocks art books, design objects and creative gifts, making it a pleasant final stop before you leave. Many visitors spend several hours exploring the ten floors, returning to favorite works before heading up to the rooftop to finish with wide-open views of Aarhus filtered through the rainbow ring. Whether you are deeply interested in art or simply curious about the city’s signature landmark, ARoS offers a layered experience that combines serious collections, playful installations and a striking urban panorama under one colorful crown.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Den Svangre

0.3 km

A bronze sculpture celebrating the female form in Aarhus's cultural heart.

Agnete og Havmanden

0.3 km

Discover the poetic fusion of Danish folklore and modern sculpture at Aarhus’ Agnete og Havmanden, a landmark bronze fountain embodying myth and emotion.

Frederiks Plads

0.7 km

A vibrant, contemporary city square where modern architecture, open green space, and urban life converge in the heart of Aarhus near Frederiksbjerg.

History Hunts med Hvem.nu

0.9 km

Malmo Live Concert Hall blends iconic Nordic architecture, world-class live music, and a vibrant atmosphere in Malmö, just across the bridge from Copenhagen.

Herman Sallings Plads

0.9 km

Aarhus’s vibrant harborfront plaza, bridging the historic city and the modern waterfront, alive with urban energy, culture, and panoramic views.

Endless Connection

0.9 km

Experience the dynamic interplay of art and water at Aarhus's Endless Connection, an interactive fountain by Jeppe Hein.

Aarhus waterfront

1.0 km

Aarhus Waterfront blends urban vibrancy, Nordic design, and harbor heritage with panoramic sea views and lively promenades, making it a quintessential Danish experience.

Botanical Garden

1.1 km

Experience Denmark's artistic heritage and international masterpieces at SMK, Copenhagen's dynamic national gallery housed in landmark architecture beside the Kings’ Garden.

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

1.2 km

Explore contemporary art at Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden, Aarhus' premier gallery showcasing local and international talent.

Steno Museum

1.3 km

Explore the Steno Museum in Aarhus, where science and history come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.

Folkehuset Trøjborg

1.6 km

Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.

University Park, Aarhus

1.7 km

Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.

Tivoli Friheden

1.9 km

Experience the thrill and magic of Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus' premier amusement park with rides, live music, and family-friendly fun for all ages.

Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg

2.1 km

Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.

Trøjborg Beboerhus

2.2 km

Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.

Unmissable attractions to see

Musikhuset Aarhus

0.1 km

Northern Europe's largest concert hall delivering world-class performances in stunning Scandinavian architecture.

Kunsthal Aarhus

0.2 km

Free contemporary art in a light-filled modernist space, showcasing international and Danish artists since 1917.

Sherlock Holmes Pub

0.2 km

Discover Aarhus’ charismatic Latin Quarter—a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lively cafés, creative boutiques, and historic charm at the city’s vibrant core.

Mølleparken

0.2 km

Compact yet characterful, Mølleparken is Aarhus’ riverside green room, blending mill-town history, public art, student life and festival energy in one urban pocket.

Rådhusparken

0.3 km

Stately royal residence set amid sweeping landscaped gardens, Marselisborg Castle is an emblem of Danish tradition and a tranquil green escape in Aarhus.

Aarhus Culture Walk

0.3 km

Discover Aarhus' oldest neighborhood, Latinerkvarteret, where historic charm meets modern culture in a vibrant blend of cafés, boutiques, and artistic venues.

Museumsbroen

0.3 km

Historic hilltop observatory in Aarhus offering hands-on astronomy, guided stargazing, and a unique glimpse into Denmark’s pioneering scientific past.

Møllestien

0.3 km

Pastel cottages, cobbled stones and climbing roses – a tiny historic lane where centuries of Aarhus history live behind colourful facades.

Flodhestefontæne

0.4 km

Aarhus waterfront fuses cutting-edge architecture, vibrant public spaces, and breathtaking bay views, offering an essential experience at the heart of Denmark's dynamic cityscape.

Flodhesteungen Frederikke

0.4 km

A small granite hippo resting in the middle of Frederiksgade, Flodhesteungen Frederikke adds a playful, tactile pause to the busy streets of central Aarhus.

Strøget

0.4 km

Aarhus’ 850‑metre pedestrian high street, where shops, cafés and everyday city life line a car‑free spine between the central station, riverfront and cathedral.

Salling ROOFTOP

0.5 km

Sky-high city park, glass-floored skywalk and stylish café-bar rolled into one panoramic rooftop above Aarhus’ main shopping street.

Our Lady Church

0.6 km

Dokk1 is Aarhus’ iconic harborside library and cultural center—where award-winning design, vibrant community life, and panoramic waterfront views combine.

Vadestedet

0.6 km

Historic river crossing turned vibrant canal-side strip, Vadestedet blends cafés, bars and bridges into Aarhus’ cosiest, most atmospheric urban meeting place.

Sankt Clements Torv

0.6 km

Compact, historic and constantly in motion, Sankt Clemens Torv is the everyday crossroads between cathedral, Viking past, riverside cafés and modern shopping Aarhus.

Big‑hearted Italian dining on Frue Kirkeplads, where homemade pasta, good wine and a lively, sociable room turn an evening in central Aarhus into its own celebration.

Curated fashion boutique in Aarhus city center offering distinctive clothing and contemporary design pieces.

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Clemens Bar, where friendly vibes and delicious drinks await every night.

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ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

A brief summary to ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Local tips

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

Getting There

City bus

Walking from Aarhus Central Station

Light rail and bus combination

Taxi within Aarhus

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

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Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

A vertical world of art in the heart of Aarhus

From 18th‑century masters to bold contemporary voices

Icons: Your rainbow panorama and the giant Boy

Immersive installations and future‑facing projects

Cafés, city views and a full‑day museum experience

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Den Svangre

Agnete og Havmanden

Frederiks Plads

History Hunts med Hvem.nu

Herman Sallings Plads

Endless Connection

Aarhus waterfront

Botanical Garden

Kunst ved Kaserneboulevarden

Steno Museum

Folkehuset Trøjborg

University Park, Aarhus

Tivoli Friheden

Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg

Trøjborg Beboerhus

Unmissable attractions to see

Musikhuset Aarhus

Kunsthal Aarhus

Sherlock Holmes Pub

Mølleparken

Rådhusparken

Aarhus Culture Walk

Museumsbroen

Møllestien

Flodhestefontæne

Flodhesteungen Frederikke

Strøget

Salling ROOFTOP

Our Lady Church

Vadestedet

Sankt Clements Torv

Essential places to dine

SYV NI 13

Raadhuus Kafeen

Restaurant L'øst

Tir Na nÓg - Irish Gastropub

Restaurant Dauphine ApS

GÄST

MASH - Restaurant Aarhus

Bardok

AmoRomA

Restaurant Amalfi

Pho C&P

Møf

Restaurant Nögen

Restaurant Malt - Mad, Øl & Vin

Lupo

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Bog & idé - Aarhus, Svend A. Larsen

Epic Panda

Royal Copenhagen - Aarhus

Asian food store (Østens Specialiteter)

Bahne

UNIQ

Far-East Trading

Salling Aarhus

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Mrs. P Coffee & The

1 + 1 Textil & Design