Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.

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Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg is one of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, tucked into a townhouse just off Silkeborg’s central streets. Across 600 m² and three floors, it showcases changing exhibitions focused on the CoBrA movement alongside contemporary painting, sculpture and a substantial print collection. With its in-house framing workshop and knowledgeable staff, it doubles as both an exhibition space and a serious place to buy art, yet remains welcoming and free to enter.

A brief summary to Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

Hostrupsgade 39, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
+4586814444
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

Plan at least an hour to explore all three floors; the gallery is larger than it appears from the street and the print collection rewards slow browsing.
If you see a work you like, ask staff about the artist and available editions; many pieces are for sale in different formats and price ranges.
Take advantage of the in-house framing workshop if you purchase art or bring measurements from home to discuss future framing options.
Visit earlier in the day on Saturdays if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, as afternoons can feel busier in this relatively compact space.
Check what temporary exhibition is on before you go if you are especially interested in CoBrA artists or a specific painter often shown here.

Getting There

Train and short walk from Silkeborg Station

From within Jutland, regional trains run frequently to Silkeborg Station from cities such as Aarhus and Herning, with typical journeys taking 30–45 minutes and standard adult single fares usually around 60–110 DKK depending on distance and ticket type. Once you arrive, the gallery is roughly a 3–5 minute walk on level streets from the station area, making this a convenient option if you prefer to avoid driving and parking in the center.
City bus to Silkeborg center

Local and regional bus lines connect surrounding suburbs and nearby towns to central Silkeborg, with travel times typically ranging from 10 to 35 minutes depending on the starting point. Single tickets within the local zones are generally around 20–40 DKK, and services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings or Sundays. Most buses stop within a short walk of the station and main shopping streets, placing you close to the gallery in the compact city center.
Car travel to central Silkeborg

If you arrive by car from elsewhere in Jutland, driving times to Silkeborg are typically 35–45 minutes from Aarhus and about one hour from Herning in normal traffic. There are various paid and time-limited parking options in and around the center, usually charging in the range of 10–20 DKK per hour, with some free short-stay zones. From most central parking areas you should expect a brief walk through city streets to reach the gallery, and it is worth checking local signs for any time restrictions.

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg location weather suitability

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Discover more about Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

A modern art powerhouse in the heart of Silkeborg

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg occupies a discreet corner building close to Silkeborg’s compact center, yet inside it opens into one of Scandinavia’s largest private galleries for modern art. Founded in 1962, it has grown over more than six decades into a reference point for collectors and art lovers drawn to expressive European painting and sculpture. The space feels more like an intimate art house than an institution, with creaking floors, white walls and carefully lit rooms that invite you to slow down. From street level you step straight into a world of color and bold brushstrokes. Works are arranged thoughtfully, with generous wall space and clear sightlines that allow you to appreciate each piece on its own terms. The atmosphere is quiet but not stiff; you are encouraged to look closely, ask questions and linger as long as you like.

CoBrA movement and internationally renowned artists

The gallery is particularly known for its deep commitment to the CoBrA movement, the post‑war European avant‑garde group that championed spontaneity, strong colors and almost childlike freedom in line and form. Here you often encounter paintings, sculptures and prints by key CoBrA figures such as Asger Jorn, Carl-Henning Pedersen, Egill Jacobsen, Karel Appel and Corneille, presented in a way that shows both their raw energy and their historical importance. Alongside these pioneers, Galerie Moderne regularly exhibits works by later generations who share the same experimental spirit. You may see ceramics and bronze pieces by artists like Peter Brandes, graphic works by Pierre Alechinsky, or contemporary Danish painters whose lines of influence lead directly back to CoBrA. This mix of classic and current gives the gallery a dynamic feel, as if modern art history is still being written in its rooms.

Three levels of paintings, sculptures and graphic works

The 600 m² space unfolds over three floors, each with its own character. The ground floor typically houses the main temporary exhibition: a focused show built around a single artist, a thematic idea, or a curated selection from the gallery’s stock. Moving deeper into the building and up the stairs, you find more intimate rooms hung salon-style with paintings, drawings and small sculptures. One of the distinctive features is the substantial graphic and lithographic department. Flat files and racks hold limited-edition prints that you are often invited to browse, an ideal way to discover well-known artists at more accessible price levels. Natural light is balanced with spot lighting, and sightlines through doorways let you glimpse bold canvases from unexpected angles as you move between rooms.

A working gallery with framing and art advisory

Unlike a museum, Galerie Moderne is a fully active commercial gallery. Many works are for sale, ranging from modestly priced prints to major canvases by sought‑after names. Staff members are present but unobtrusive, ready to share background stories about individual artists, production techniques or the history of specific pieces when you show interest. At the back of the building the gallery operates its own framing workshop. Here, artworks can be mounted and framed to archival standards, and visitors who purchase a piece can discuss options on the spot. This practical side of the operation contributes to the sense that you are in a living ecosystem of contemporary art, where works move from studio to wall to new homes rather than sitting behind glass in storage.

Experiencing the gallery as a visitor

A visit typically begins at the large street-facing windows, which preview current exhibitions and often display a standout painting or sculpture visible from the pavement. Once inside, you can follow a loose loop through all three levels, taking time to step back from the larger canvases and then move in close to study texture and brushwork. The staircase itself becomes a kind of vertical gallery, lined with mid‑sized works that connect the themes upstairs and down. Lighting, white walls and the relatively quiet setting make it a particularly good place for slow looking: you can sit or stand in front of a single work for as long as you like without feeling rushed. The staff’s long experience in the art world gives them a deep reservoir of knowledge, which they share in a straightforward, engaging way if you start a conversation.

Free entry, changing shows and a local art hub

Entry to Galerie Moderne is free, which encourages both locals and travelers to drop in regularly to see what is new. Exhibitions change several times a year, and the gallery also participates in art fairs in Denmark and abroad, bringing back new connections and artists to show on its walls. For Silkeborg, it functions as a cultural anchor: a place where international modern art meets a small city setting. Because of its central location near Silkeborg Station and main shopping streets, it is easy to combine a visit with other cultural stops or a walk along the lakes and river. Whether you are an experienced collector or simply curious about modern painting, the gallery offers a focused yet welcoming introduction to some of the most vivid strands of 20th‑ and 21st‑century European art.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Silkeborg Water Tower

0.3 km

A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.

silkeborg

0.8 km

Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.

Lovisehøj

3.1 km

A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

3.3 km

A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.

Bølling Lake

10.6 km

A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

10.7 km

Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.

Store Troldhøj

10.8 km

A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

11.2 km

Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.

Randershøj

11.3 km

A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.

Landal Søhøjlandet

12.7 km

Escape to Landal Søhøjlandet in Denmark's Lake District: Family fun, water park thrills, outdoor adventures, and tranquil nature await in this scenic holiday paradise near Silkeborg.

Jutland's Automobile Museum

13.9 km

Discover Denmark's automotive history at Jutland's Automobile Museum in Gjern, showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s to iconic post-war models, offering a unique glimpse into the nation's motoring heritage.

Abbey Mill

16.8 km

Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.

Øm Klostermuseum

17.9 km

Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.

Jutland

20.0 km

Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.

Mossø

20.5 km

Discover the serene beauty of Mossø, Denmark's third-largest lake, offering hiking, watersports, and historical sites in the heart of the Danish Lake District.

Unmissable attractions to see

Silkeborg Archive

0.1 km

Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.

Badeanstalten

0.1 km

Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.

Vægmaleri

0.2 km

Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.

Statue of Michael Drewsen

0.4 km

Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.

Tollundmanden

0.5 km

Meet the Tollund Man, a 2,400‑year‑old bog body whose hauntingly preserved face and story of ritual, death and discovery define Museum Silkeborg’s Iron Age heart.

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

0.6 km

Step into Silkeborg’s oldest manor house to meet Tollund Man, explore bog mysteries and trace the town’s journey from Iron Age wetlands to modern Jutland hub.

Springvand

0.7 km

Silkeborg Langsø’s towering fountain turns the town’s central lake into a stage of water and light, blending engineering spectacle with everyday lakeside life.

The Hjejle Agency

0.7 km

Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.

Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

0.8 km

A living paper workshop in Silkeborg’s old factory, where you watch pulp become sheets, learn about banknote paper and try your hand at this quietly magical craft.

Riverboat Jazz Festival

0.9 km

Swinging jazz, riverboats and long Nordic evenings fuse in Silkeborg’s lake district for a five-day celebration where the entire town becomes a waterside stage.

Kedelhuset

0.9 km

Intimate live music and performance venue in Silkeborg’s former paper mill boiler house, blending industrial charm with a modern black box concert hall.

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

0.9 km

Riverfront modern art sanctuary in Silkeborg, uniting Asger Jorn’s bold legacy, CoBrA masterpieces and hands-on creativity in an intimate, light-filled museum.

MOSES

1.0 km

Discover leading Danish and international contemporary art in the heart of Silkeborg, with exhibitions, events, and a welcoming, creative atmosphere at Galerie Moderne.

Slotsholmen

1.1 km

Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Silkeborg Søerne

1.1 km

Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.

Intimate, chef-led dining in central Silkeborg where a daily changing set menu, seasonal Danish produce and warm hygge hospitality turn dinner into an evening-long experience.

A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.

A classic Silkeborg bodega on Borgergade, where smoke, cold beer and easy conversation create an unpretentious local living room from late morning to late night.

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Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

A brief summary to Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and short walk from Silkeborg Station

City bus to Silkeborg center

Car travel to central Silkeborg

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

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Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

A modern art powerhouse in the heart of Silkeborg

CoBrA movement and internationally renowned artists

Three levels of paintings, sculptures and graphic works

A working gallery with framing and art advisory

Experiencing the gallery as a visitor

Free entry, changing shows and a local art hub

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Silkeborg Water Tower

silkeborg

Lovisehøj

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Bølling Lake

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

Store Troldhøj

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

Randershøj

Landal Søhøjlandet

Jutland's Automobile Museum

Abbey Mill

Øm Klostermuseum

Jutland

Mossø

Unmissable attractions to see

Silkeborg Archive

Badeanstalten

Vægmaleri

Statue of Michael Drewsen

Tollundmanden

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

Springvand

The Hjejle Agency

Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

Riverboat Jazz Festival

Kedelhuset

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

MOSES

Slotsholmen

Silkeborg Søerne

Essential places to dine

Green Habits

Sabel - Restaurant og Bar

Burger Beast Silkeborg

Flamingo Pizza V/Aydin Wahab

Restaurant Piaf

Okkels Silkeborg ApS

VIVI Mad- & Vinbar

La Casita

Joci Sushi

Marco Polo - Silkeborg

Hot Inn

BABBA

Madkassen V/allan Petersen

Restaurant Spyd

Four Hands Restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Pindhus.dk

Fair Retro

Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg

t.i.n.g.

Børnenes Kartel Silkeborg

Boemo

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Mr Silkeborg A / S

Companys Silkeborg

Bog & idé - Silkeborg Vestergade

Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S