Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
Riverfront modern art sanctuary in Silkeborg, uniting Asger Jorn’s bold legacy, CoBrA masterpieces and hands-on creativity in an intimate, light-filled museum.
Museum Jorn in Silkeborg is Denmark’s leading museum for modern art linked to Asger Jorn and the CoBrA movement, dramatically set by the Gudenå river. Inside its low, sculptural buildings you find one of the country’s largest art collections, spanning Jorn’s own prolific work, fellow CoBrA artists, and a strong line-up of international names. Interactive workshops, family-friendly creative spaces, and a riverside café make it as playful as it is thought‑provoking.
A brief summary to Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
- Gudenåvej 7-9, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- +4586825388
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
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-9 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan for at least two to three hours to explore both the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions without rushing.
- Check current exhibitions and workshop times in advance if you are particularly interested in hands-on activities or specific artists.
- If visiting with children, head straight to the creative workshop areas early, then alternate gallery time with making sessions.
- Combine your visit with a short walk along the Gudenå river outside the museum to fully appreciate the setting and architecture.
- Use the lockers and cloakroom near the entrance so you can move comfortably through the galleries without bags or coats.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Train and local bus from Aarhus
From Aarhus, take a regional train to Silkeborg Station; the journey usually takes around 45–55 minutes and standard adult tickets typically cost in the range of 80–120 DKK one way, depending on time and fare type. From Silkeborg Station, local buses serve the museum area in about 10–15 minutes, or you can walk through town in a longer but pleasant stroll. Trains and buses run frequently during the day, but evening and weekend services can be less frequent, so check return times in advance.
-
Car from Aarhus or Herning
Driving from Aarhus or Herning to Silkeborg usually takes about 35–50 minutes, depending on traffic and starting point. Once in Silkeborg, follow signs towards the museum district and riverfront; Museum Jorn offers dedicated parking, and parking is generally free of charge for visitors. Traffic is usually light outside rush hours, but be aware that special events at the museum or in the town can make parking spaces fill faster.
-
Regional bus within the Silkeborg area
Regional and local buses connect Silkeborg’s residential districts and nearby towns to the central area near Museum Jorn, with typical journey times of 10–30 minutes. Single tickets on local buses are usually in the range of 20–35 DKK per adult, with discounts for children and some travel cards. Services are relatively frequent on weekdays, less so in the late evenings and on Sundays, so it is worth checking timetables if you plan an early or late visit.
-
Cycling from central Silkeborg
From central Silkeborg, cycling to Museum Jorn is straightforward and typically takes about 10–20 minutes, depending on your starting point. The town has a generally bike-friendly layout with a mix of cycle lanes and calm streets, though you may share the road with cars in certain stretches. This option is low-cost if you already have a bike or rental, and it allows you to follow more scenic routes along the river or through green areas when the weather is favourable.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
Modern art on the banks of the Gudenå
Museum Jorn sits in a green curve of the Gudenå river, its low, angular volumes stepping down towards the water and the surrounding park. The setting feels surprisingly tranquil for such a dense concentration of colour and experimentation: trees frame the museum, and glimpses of the river surface appear through glass as you move from gallery to gallery. The architecture is deliberately understated, placing focus on the works while still creating a sculptural presence in the landscape. Inside, the layout encourages wandering rather than marching through in a straight line. Long views across several rooms, sudden turns, and changing ceiling heights echo the restless energy of the art on the walls. Natural light is carefully controlled, with some spaces glowing softly while others feel like intimate dens for more intense works.Asger Jorn’s vision and the spirit of CoBrA
The museum was founded on the initiative of Asger Jorn, one of Denmark’s most influential 20th‑century artists and a central figure in the post‑war avant‑garde. His idea was not simply to build a personal monument, but to create a living collection that would keep expanding and dialoguing with international art. The result today is a vast assembly of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, works on paper and experimental pieces that trace Jorn’s trajectory from early figurative work to wild abstraction. A major strand of the collection follows the CoBrA movement – an alliance of artists from Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam who embraced spontaneity, bright colour and a kind of untamed, child‑like imagination. Here you can see Jorn alongside fellow travellers such as Karel Appel, Constant and other European contemporaries, often hung in ways that highlight shared motifs and clashes in approach.A collection that reaches far beyond Denmark
Beyond Jorn and CoBrA, Museum Jorn has grown into one of Denmark’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art. Works by international names from across Europe and beyond are woven through the galleries, setting up cross‑cultural conversations: surreal figures, gestural abstract canvases, rough‑hewn sculptures and graphic works on paper appear in varied combinations. Danish artist Per Kirkeby is particularly well represented, his layered, geological paintings and brick sculptures offering a very different take on form and colour from Jorn’s. Temporary exhibitions add another layer, often spotlighting individual artists, themes in modern art or unexpected pairings that recontextualise the permanent holdings. These shows can range from historically focused presentations to more playful, immersive installations that reimagine what a painting or sculpture can be.Hands-on creativity and family-friendly spaces
A key part of the museum’s identity is its emphasis on participation. Workshop areas and try‑it‑yourself stations invite you to experiment with drawing, printmaking or collage techniques related to what you have just seen in the galleries. Materials are usually laid out so you can drop in spontaneously, making it easy for both adults and children to get involved. Families will find dedicated activity zones where play and learning blend together: low tables for making, prompts that encourage close looking, and tasks that reframe abstract art as something to respond to with your own hands rather than simply observe. School groups use larger workshop rooms on the lower floors, adding a gentle buzz of creative energy to the building.Café, riverside atmosphere and practical comforts
On the lower level, large windows open towards the river, where the on‑site café serves light meals, cakes and drinks with a view of trees and water. It is a place to decompress between galleries, leaf through an art book or simply people‑watch. In good weather, the green areas around the museum extend the visit outdoors, with paths leading along the river and across the surrounding parkland. Practical details are well considered: cloakrooms and lockers near the entrance, accessible toilets on the main floor, baby‑changing facilities and step‑free access through the exhibition areas. The museum shop focuses on art books, prints and design objects that echo the bold visual language of Jorn and his peers, allowing you to take a fragment of that experimental spirit home.A Silkeborg anchor for culture in the Aarhus region
Museum Jorn acts as a cultural hub for Silkeborg and the wider Aarhus region, anchoring a network of galleries, events and seasonal highlights. Throughout the year, the calendar includes artist talks, special family days and creative programmes linked to current exhibitions. In late autumn and early winter, the outdoor areas can transform for thematic events that combine art, light and seasonal food, further blurring the line between museum, meeting place and local gathering point. Whether you come for a focused encounter with Asger Jorn, to introduce children to modern art in a playful way, or simply to enjoy architecture and landscape working together, the experience is both concentrated and spacious. Allow a few unrushed hours: this is a place where works reveal more the longer you stay with them, and where the river outside offers a quiet counterpoint to the vivid worlds on the walls.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Silkeborg Water Tower
0.7 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
1.1 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Lovisehøj
2.2 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
3.4 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
9.8 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
10.2 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Store Troldhøj
10.4 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Randershøj
10.8 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Bølling Lake
11.4 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
13.5 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
15.9 km
Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Øm Klostermuseum
17.0 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Mossø
19.5 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.
Jutland
20.1 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
The Uncovered Bridge
22.5 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg
0.4 km
A powerful World War II memorial in Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where Knud Nellemose’s bronze freedom fighter rises from granite reliefs of occupation, resistance and liberation.
Dronningestolen
0.4 km
A modest forest hill with a royal name, Dronningestolen offers a framed Silkeborg panorama, woodland quiet and a sense of history above the lakeside town.
Indelukkets Friluftsscene
0.5 km
Historic open-air theatre hosting rock festivals, concerts, and cultural events in scenic Silkeborg parkland.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
0.9 km
Freshwater worlds, playful otters and splash-filled playgrounds come together in Silkeborg’s lake-district aquarium and Danish wildlife park.
Tollundmanden
0.9 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.
Badeanstalten
0.9 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
Silkeborg Archive
0.9 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
0.9 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.
Vægmaleri
0.9 km
Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.
The Hjejle Agency
0.9 km
Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.
Galerie Moderne Silkeborg
0.9 km
One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
1.0 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.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
1.1 km
Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
1.1 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
1.1 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.
Essential places to dine
Resturant indelukket
0.3 km
Modern Danish comfort food on the edge of Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where classic flavors, fresh ingredients and riverside greenery create an easygoing dining escape.
Gl. Skovridergaard
0.5 km
Historic forester’s lodge turned serene hotel, restaurant and conference haven, wrapped in parkland with forests, lakes and Silkeborg’s cultural life close at hand.
Orangeriet
0.5 km
Seasonal Nordic cuisine in a historic orangery surrounded by gardens and natural light.
Skovbakken Silkeborg
0.7 km
Hilltop event restaurant with sweeping river and harbor views, hosting weddings, celebrations and meetings above Silkeborg’s green waterfront.
Ristorante Pizzeria Roma
0.7 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort in central Silkeborg, with stone-oven pizzas, generous pasta plates and a cosy, family-friendly dining room ideal for relaxed evenings.
Tin's
0.8 km
Casual, cozy Vietnamese cooking in central Silkeborg, serving steaming pho, crisp banh xeo and fresh herbs in a relaxed, modern setting ideal for lunch or dinner.
Restaurant Spyd
0.8 km
Charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and Middle Eastern specialties in casual Silkeborg dining.
Regatta Sandwich
0.8 km
Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.
Asian Restaurant & Café
0.8 km
Cozy Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Silkeborg, pairing Vietnamese and Thai dishes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
La Casita
0.9 km
Colorful Mexican comfort food, tequila and hygge in a cozy, rustic cantina right on Bindslevs Plads in the heart of Silkeborg.
Daruma Ramen
0.9 km
Cosy Japanese noodle bar on Søndergade in Silkeborg, serving comforting ramen and crisp chicken katsu in a simple, relaxed setting ideal for casual meals.
Madkassen V/allan Petersen
0.9 km
Casual Silkeborg sandwich and tapas kitchen serving generous box lunches, easygoing takeaway and tailored catering from a friendly Tværgade storefront.
BABBA
0.9 km
Mediterranean-inspired social dining, wine and cocktails in a cosy Silkeborg townhouse with a lively bar and atmospheric courtyard terrace.
Marco Polo - Silkeborg
0.9 km
Authentic Italian and Brazilian cuisine in cozy Silkeborg surroundings.
Hot Inn
0.9 km
Casual Middle Eastern–inspired comfort food, fresh from the charcoal grill, served in a simple, welcoming space on bustling Nygade in central Silkeborg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pindhus.dk
1.0 km
Hand-curated Scandinavian design, gifts, and lifestyle treasures in the heart of Silkeborg.
t.i.n.g.
1.0 km
Scandinavian design paradise in central Silkeborg, offering two floors of curated furniture, lighting, interiors and gifts in a calm, inspiring boutique setting.
Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg
1.0 km
Welcoming women’s fashion boutique in central Silkeborg, specialising in quality jeans, flattering fits and personal styling in a calm, uncluttered setting.
Fair Retro
1.0 km
Curated mid-century and retro furniture in a cosy Silkeborg shop, where vintage Danish design, characterful lighting and sustainable home inspiration fill every corner.
Buksecompagniet
1.0 km
Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Femilet
1.0 km
Premium Scandinavian lingerie and intimate wear for women seeking comfort, quality, and perfect fit.
Bivs.dk
1.0 km
Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.
TOFT SHOP
1.0 km
Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.
Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S
1.0 km
Established jeweller on Silkeborg’s main square, blending classic gold and silver pieces, quality watches and attentive service in a calm, central setting.
Normal
1.0 km
Denmark's original discount retailer where treasure hunting meets affordability in quirky, welcoming surroundings.
b.young Silkeborg
1.0 km
A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.
Companys Silkeborg
1.0 km
Modern Scandinavian womenswear in a calm, central Silkeborg boutique, ideal for curated wardrobe updates between café stops and city-center strolls.
Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S
1.0 km
Family-run multibrand womenswear house in central Silkeborg, combining 400 m² of contemporary fashion, personal styling and Scandinavian labels on lively Vestergade.
Bustedwoman.com
1.0 km
Curated European fashion and personalized styling in Silkeborg's premier women's boutique.
Elkjær Lingerie
1.0 km
Intimate lingerie boutique on Silkeborg’s main square, offering personal fittings, classic Scandinavian styles and a calm pause from the town centre’s everyday bustle.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe' Paradis
0.6 km
A compact, old‑school bodega in central Silkeborg, serving cold beers, local atmosphere and late‑night conversation in an unpretentious, lived‑in bar setting.
Bodega Hjørnet
0.6 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
The Admiral Pub
0.8 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Café Kling Klang
0.8 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Sportspubben Målet
0.9 km
A cozy, no-frills sports pub in central Silkeborg, where big screens, cold beer and local chatter turn every match day into a shared living room.
Roxy Malt
0.9 km
Irish-inspired Silkeborg pub with live music, quizzes, speciality beers and a cosy courtyard, blending retro charm with late-night energy in the town centre.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
0.9 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Bakkens bodega
1.0 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Århusvej where locals, cold drafts and simple pub fare create a slice of everyday Silkeborg life from late morning to late evening.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
1.0 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Rabalder Bar
1.0 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
Bifrost Sports Pub
1.0 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Butchers Silkeborg
1.0 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Kaffebaren
1.1 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
1.2 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
The Smoke Pub
1.7 km
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
