Inside, ten stories of art await us. ARoS Aarhus Art Museum stands as a beacon of creativity in the heart of Aarhus. The museum is one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe. It was established in 1859. However, the current building opened in 2004.
ARoS is not just a museum. It’s a space where the past, present, and future collide. The name ARoS itself is derived from the Old Danish name for Aarhus, Áros. The capitalized letters hint at the Latin word for art, ars. This reflects the museum’s dedication to art.
Prepare to be captivated by the museum’s collection of over 8,000 works. These masterpieces are by both Danish and international artists. Among the most famous are Olafur Eliasson’s Your rainbow panorama. Also, Ron Mueck’s oversized sculpture, Boy is very popular.
Your rainbow panorama sits atop the ARoS building. It is a circular skywalk featuring all the colors of the spectrum. As you walk through it, the city transforms before your eyes. Each color offers a unique perspective of Aarhus and its bay. The installation cost DKK million 60 to construct and was sponsored by the Realdania foundation. It opened in 2011.
Boy is another iconic artwork at ARoS. This 4.5-meter sculpture weighs 500kg. Its intricate details are amazing. Look closely at the veins in the foot and the scratches on the boy’s knees. The Australian artist Ron Mueck completed Boy in 1999.
ARoS also presents six to eight major exhibitions each year. These exhibitions feature lectures, debates, and events. ARoS has showcased groundbreaking exhibitions. These exhibitions include artists like J.W.M. Turner, Claude Monet, and Salvador Dalí.
In 2025, ARoS will cement its position as a leading museum for installation art. The Dome, a Skyspace by James Turrell will open then.
Below the surface lies The 9 Spaces. This gallery features installation art. The art is from James Turrell, Shirin Neshat, and Bill Viola. The number 9 refers to Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy and the 9 circles of hell. The rooms are painted black. This contrasts with the bright white exterior.
ARoS attracts over 600,000 visitors every year. They come to experience art, shop, dine, or enjoy the architecture. Admission is always free for those under 18.
As you leave ARoS, remember the journey. The museum wants to take you from hell to heaven. It emphasizes this movement with a grand spiral staircase. The museum is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Aarhus’s commitment to art and culture.