ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Ten floors of Danish and international art crowned by a rainbow‑coloured skywalk, ARoS turns Aarhus’s skyline into part of a bold, immersive museum experience.

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ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum is one of Northern Europe’s largest art museums, rising over 10 floors in the heart of Aarhus. Home to Denmark’s biggest art collection outside Copenhagen, it spans 18th‑century works to cutting‑edge installations. Highlights include Olafur Eliasson’s rooftop Your rainbow panorama and Ron Mueck’s hyperreal sculpture Boy, alongside ambitious temporary exhibitions that bring global names to this dynamic Danish cultural hub.

A brief summary to ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Aros Allé 2, Aarhus, Aarhus C, 8000, DK
+4561904900
Visit website
Duration: 2 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

Allow at least 3 hours to explore; there are 10 levels including large installation spaces and the rooftop Your rainbow panorama.
Head to the rainbow panorama during daylight for clear views, or close to sunset for dramatic colours over the city.
Start at the top floors and work your way down; it reduces backtracking and saves the immersive installations for last.
The café and orangery are accessible without a full museum visit, useful if someone in your group needs a break from the galleries.
Cloakrooms and elevators make it easy to manage bags and strollers; consider using them if you plan to spend several hours inside.

Getting There

Walking from central Aarhus

From the main pedestrian shopping streets in central Aarhus, ARoS is typically 10–15 minutes away on foot along paved, mostly level city sidewalks. The route is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though there may be short gradual inclines. Walking is free, and this option lets you combine the museum visit with exploring nearby cafés and shops in the city centre.
City bus within Aarhus

Several city bus lines stop within a short stroll of ARoS in the central zone of Aarhus. Travel time from neighbourhoods just outside the core is usually 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and route. A single adult ticket within the city zone typically costs around 20–30 DKK and can often be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during the day but less often late in the evening, so check the timetable when planning a night visit.
Aarhus Light Rail (Letbanen) plus short walk

If you are staying along the Aarhus Light Rail corridor, you can ride the light rail to the central area and then walk about 10–15 minutes to the museum on level city streets. Typical journey times on the light rail from outlying districts into central Aarhus range from 15–30 minutes. A standard adult ticket for the relevant zones generally costs around 20–40 DKK. Trains run regularly throughout the day, but late‑night frequency may be reduced.
Taxi within Aarhus

Taxis in Aarhus can drop you directly outside the museum entrance on Aros Allé. From most central‑city hotels the ride is around 5–10 minutes, extending to 15–20 minutes from outer districts depending on traffic. Fares typically fall in the 80–200 DKK range within the urban area. This is the most convenient option if you are travelling with limited mobility or in poor weather, but it is also the most expensive compared with walking or public transport.

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

A tower of art in the heart of Aarhus

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum anchors the cultural life of Denmark’s second city, a striking 10‑storey cube of glass and brick set just off the city’s main thoroughfares. Conceived as a vertical journey through art, its 20,000‑plus square metres unfold above and below ground, with lofty atriums, sweeping staircases and open galleries creating long sightlines between levels. Natural light filters deep into the building, constantly reshaping your perception of the works on display. Founded in 1859 as Aarhus Art Museum and rehoused in this purpose‑built structure in 2004, ARoS was designed from the outset to feel more like a contemporary cultural house than a hushed temple. Wide foyers, a lively café and an accessible ground floor encourage you to drift in and out of exhibitions, making the building itself part of the experience.

From golden‑age canvases to radical installations

The museum’s collection encompasses more than 8,000 works, charting Danish and international art from around 1770 to today. On the upper floors you encounter 19th‑century paintings, early modernist experiments and post‑war works that trace how artists grappled with industrialisation, social change and the shifting Danish landscape. Pieces by key national figures sit alongside international names, creating dialogues across borders and generations. Lower levels and dedicated black‑box spaces are given over to large‑scale installations, video works and immersive environments. Here ARoS leans into its international outlook, staging ambitious exhibitions with artists who work in light, sound and moving image. The museum’s programme rotates several major shows each year, so even repeat visits reveal completely different constellations of art.

Your rainbow panorama and the city in colour

Crowning the museum is one of Denmark’s most recognisable artworks: Olafur Eliasson’s Your rainbow panorama. This circular, glass‑walled walkway sits above the roof like a luminous halo, its panels shifting through the spectrum from red to violet. As you move along the ring, views of Aarhus are tinted by each colour, turning streets, harbour and skyline into an ever‑changing abstract composition. The installation works on several levels at once. It is a sculpture visible across the city, an observatory for studying light and weather, and a playful promenade that changes how you relate to your surroundings. On clear days the panorama becomes a vivid lens on the city; in overcast or foggy conditions, the colours deepen and the experience turns more introspective and cinematic.

Memorable encounters: from Boy to the 9 Spaces

Inside the museum, certain works have become landmarks in their own right. Ron Mueck’s monumental sculpture Boy, a hyperreal crouching figure more than four metres high, greets you in the atrium with uncanny detail and scale. The tension between his enormous size and vulnerable posture sets the tone for a museum that delights in disarming expectations. Elsewhere, a suite of galleries known as the 9 Spaces is dedicated to immersive installation and video art. Here you might step into darkened rooms pulsing with sound, navigate environments built from light and fog, or encounter slow, contemplative video works that reward unhurried attention. These spaces emphasise art as something to be physically entered and experienced, not just observed from a distance.

A welcoming house for art, food and conversation

Beyond the galleries, ARoS functions as a social meeting place. The ground‑floor café and orangery offer views back into the city, turning coffee breaks into part of the architectural choreography. A well‑stocked shop focuses on design objects, art books and exhibition‑related items, extending the museum’s creative spirit into everyday life. Throughout the year, the museum hosts talks, thematic events and family‑oriented activities that open up art from different angles. Whether you drift through for a short visit or devote several hours to moving between floors, ARoS is structured to accommodate different rhythms – from quick encounters with headline works to deep dives into complex exhibitions that linger long after you leave.

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.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

equalclub

0.4 km

Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.

Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus

0.6 km

Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.

Bernhardt Natklub

0.7 km

Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.

ZenZa Cocktailbar

0.7 km

Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.

GBAR

0.7 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.

LA Tequila Bar Aarhus

0.8 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at LA Tequila Bar, offering an extensive tequila selection and energetic ambiance in the heart of Midtbyen.

Lounge 8000

0.8 km

Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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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

Walking from central Aarhus

City bus within Aarhus

Aarhus Light Rail (Letbanen) plus short walk

Taxi within Aarhus

ARoS Aarhus Art Museum location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

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Discover more about ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

A tower of art in the heart of Aarhus

From golden‑age canvases to radical installations

Your rainbow panorama and the city in colour

Memorable encounters: from Boy to the 9 Spaces

A welcoming house for art, food and conversation

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