Visit the ARoS museum in Aarhus (+ insider tips)
THIS, my friends. This is ARoS. This is the colorful, cultural ARoS in Denmark. Think light shows and magical mirrors with 3D-effect, über-cool rainbow panoramic views of the city, live performances, and Jack Black.
Wait, what? Yes, think Jack Black in Gulliver meets Gollum. SUPERSIZED and twice as bizarre. That’s ARoS in a nutshell.
ARoS is one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe and most likely the coolest place in all of Aarhus.
If you ever visit Aarhus (and you totally should), be sure to swing by ARos. UR GONNA LUV IT.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
This post contains referral links for products I love. Adventurous Miriam earns a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. I appreciate your support ♡ Learn more
About Aros Museum Aarhus
ARoS Art Museum is huge, with 20,700 square meters spread across ten floors, making it one of the biggest art museums in Northern Europe.
It’s super popular too, with more than 500,000 visitors each year, which is the highest number for any art museum in Scandinavia.
There are four big galleries in ARoS, plus a focused gallery space, and a whole floor where they set up art installations.
They show art from their own collection and famous artists from both Denmark and around the world, like Grayson Perry, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Francis Bacon.
ARos opening hours
When you’re planning to visit ARoS Art Museum, here’s the quick info you’ll need:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed (Open in June, July, August) |
| 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 |
Entrance prices
Here’s a quick look at the ticket prices for ARoS:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | €25 |
| Under 31 years | €21 |
| Students | €21 |
Things to see at Aros Aarhus Art Museum
Olafur Eliasson – Your Rainbow Panorama
Olafur Eliasson’s “Your Rainbow Panorama” is on top of the ARoS Art Museum, and it’s the most popular sight at the museum.
Open since May 2011, it’s a 150-meter round, colored glass walkway, hovering on columns above the museum.
It offers a 360-degree rainbow view of Aarhus city and bay. There’s full access to this walkway and the roof terrace.
It’s a cool mix-up of art and architecture, blurring indoor and outdoor lines, and it’s a real head-turner about 50 meters up.
Roof Pavilion
The Roof Pavilion at ARoS Art Museum is a 310-square-meter space on the roof terrace.
It’s got a killer view and includes an info center, the Sky Room, and the swanky Sunset Lounge, which features Eliasson’s “Your Condensation.”
It’s a direct path to “Your rainbow panorama” and has stuff for both regular museum-goers and pros.
Boy
Ron Mueck’s “Boy” at ARoS Art Museum in Aarhus is a showstopper.
Created in 1999, this 4.5-meter-tall, 500-kg sculpture wowed folks at its London debut in 2000 and at the Venice Biennale in 2001, ARoS snapped it up that year.
Mueck’s 8-month journey from a 40 cm maquette to this lifelike giant shows in the detailed skin and hair. It’s part of a neo-realist wave, with a nod to Aboriginal vigilance.
ARos art collection
ARoS Museum is Denmark’s largest art collection outside Copenhagen and features Danish art from the last 300 years.
It’s got classics, abstracts, and even new international art. Plus, it’s home to famous pieces like “Boy” and “Your Rainbow Panorama.”
It’s a must-visit for art lovers.
Café and Orangery
At level 4, you’ll find the ARoS Orangery and Café for a chill vibe and some tasty bites.
They’ve got everything from a light lunch to organic coffee or tea, plus snacks for both grown-ups and kids.
Stick around for dinner if you’re there in the evening. The best part? You can pop into the café and orangery anytime for free.
At ARoS, they’re all about good food made with care. They’re big on sustainability and organic quality, and they love to show off local produce in their green kitchen. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy some delicious eats.
Looks like a very cool art museum :-). And nice views of Aarhus too!
It’s the coolest I’ve been to. I’m not an artsy person, but I love how this ARoS has managed to make the visit a fun experience.
Love it! You’re making me (almost) regret not studying in Aarhus!
Aarhus is lovely – no denying in that 🙂
This place looks amazing! Love the colours shining in through the windows in the ‘rainbow panorama’! Never even heard of this place before but will definitely have to remember it if I’m ever in Denmark!
Thanks, Catherine. It is such a cool place, plus it offers a great panoramic view over Aarhus. It’s definitely worth going if you’re here.