The Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Aarhus, Denmark

Housed in atmospheric and historic surroundings in the heart of Aarhus, GalleriV58 represents a number of prominent Danish and international contemporary artists working in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography and drawing. One of the most distinctive and interesting galleries in Denmark, GalleriV58 represents over 35 national and international artists. Throughout the year, the gallery holds exciting solo exhibitions, thematic exhibitions, art events and bespoke corporate events. Artists represented include Elin Engelsen (Norway), Alexei Svetlov (Russia), January Mannesmann (Great Britain), and Michael Schuh (USA) as well as Danish artists such as Ole Fick, Steen Larsen and Peter Juul. The gallery has a policy of seeking out exciting new talent as well as representing established artists.

GalleriV58, Hans Hartvig Seedorffs Stræde 12, Aarhus, Denmark +45 8625 9100

A former factory building in the heart of Aarhus, LYNfabrikken is a vibrant creative space that is home to a number of small businesses, a rooftop café and BOX exhibition space. LYNfabrikken was founded in 2002 by Louise Gaarmann, Jeppe Vedel and Lasse Schuleit, who share a passion for design, people and creative ways of putting the two together. The BOX exhibition space offers a place for concepts and ideas in the intersection of design and art by international and Danish creatives in the fields of design, architecture, art and crafts. There are also full-length podcasts of exhibitions and guest lectures available.

LYNfabrikken, Vestergade 49B, Aarhus, Denmark, +45 8730 0075

ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, with its 17,700 square metres spread over nine floors, is one of Northern Europe’s largest art museums. The building, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, is shaped like a cube with a floor plan of 52 x 52 metres and a height of 43 metres. Through the cube is laid a curved section that makes up the museum ‘street’. In the middle of the ‘street’ is a spiral staircase, allowing visitors to move around the different galleries and other facilities in the building. In three galleries are presented works from the museum’s collection of art of more than 8000 works including works by Danish modernists and prominent international contemporary artists such as Bill Viola, Olafur Eliasson, Ron Mueck and Gilbert and George. The museum also holds international exhibitions each year and workshops for children.

ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, ARoS Alle 2, Aarhus, Denmark +45 8730 6600

Founded in 2006, Charlotte Fogh Gallery is owned and directed by Charlotte Fogh, an MA in art history who also works as a curator and consultant to museums, private collections, companies and art societies. The gallery is located in an urban backyard in the centre of Aarhus, in an expanding district for contemporary art and design. The gallery, which is a member of the Danish Gallery Society and the Federation of European Galleries Association, focusses on both upcoming and established artists working with a range of media and expressions. All artists represented have achieved wide appreciation from gallery exhibitions, museums and international art fairs. The gallery hosts seven to eight exhibitions a year and includes an art shop and outdoor art space. Artists represented include Christina Malbek, Pilaiporn Pethrith, Ragnar Persson, Andreas Schulenberg and Søren Behncke.

Charlotte Fogh Gallery, Mejlgade 18 B, Aarhus, Denmark +45 2929 7105

Galleri Lyrum represents a wide range of artists of all styles, including a large selection of Danish art. Here, one can browse contemporary lithographs, paintings, posters and cards. There’s also an in-house framing studio. Our big pick here, however, are the quirky handmade ceramics.

Galleri Lyrum, Rosensgade 26, Aarhus, Denmark, +45 86 13 12 50

Højkant is a lively art and design cooperative run by six permanent members, and is a mix of workshop, gallery and design store. Here you can meet artists and designers, watch them at work in the Horizontal Workshop and even sign up for a creative workshop. The space also includes the Graphics Thanks gallery featuring original collages, photography, illustrations, linocuts, etchings and more. Graphics can be purchased with or without frames. Also on display and for sale, is a range of fashion accessories, ceramics, leather work, recycled haute couture, and items made from hand-printed textiles all made in the workshop. Of particular note are the quirky knitted homewares by Line Dyrholm, including flags and even lampshades.

The largest gallery in the Aarhus area, Gallery Art Expo has been growing from strength to strength since 2000, and is particularly adept at spotting new, emerging talents. In addition to the works on permanent display both in the gallery and online, temporary exhibitions are organised as a means of showcasing the gallery’s most prized gems and new additions. Recent shows have included the quirky paintings of Danish artist Henriette Lorentz, and an interactive exhibition put together by musician Kent Secher and artist Henning Kyed. A true oasis for any art lover, Art Expo lies a short, 15-minute drive from Aarhus, right on the edge of a lake and forest – picnics can be arranged pre- or post-visit!

Gallery Art Expo, Søvejen 35, Horning, near Aarhus, Denmark, +45 8614 7796