5 Art museums to visit this May
- The International
- May 4
- 3 min read
For many in Denmark, spring marks a return to culture - but discovering new art spaces can still feel like an unexplored journey. Viggo Goris looks beyond the obvious.
Photograph: Various
Text: Viggo Goris
May is a great time to explore new art museums across Denmark. Many museums present their new exhibitions and refreshed programmes in the spring. This small selection brings together a mix of lesser-known museums and a few more established ones, offering a broad view of what can be explored across the country.
ARoS, Aarhus
ARoS is one of the most famous art museums outside of the capital, and while it may be a more obvious choice, it remains highly worth visiting. The museum combines historical collections with ambitious contemporary exhibitions, offering a broad artistic experience. Its most iconic feature is ‘Your Rainbow Panorama’ by Olafur Eliasson, located on the top of the building. It transforms the panoramic views over the city into a colourful, immersive artwork. ARoS is particularly strong in large-scale installations and encourages visitors to move through the works and engagingly interact with them.
CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art Denmark, Middelfart
CLAY is a unique museum dedicated entirely to ceramic art, making it stand out within the Danish museum landscape. Located by the Little Belt, it presents both historical and contemporary works, highlighting ceramics as an artistic medium rather than just a craft. The collection includes works by Axel Salto, known for his organic and experimental forms. The museum’s modern extension contrasts with its historic villa, creating an engaging spatial experience. CLAY highlights material exploration and artistic processes within ceramics.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Copenhagen
Kunsthal Charlottenborg is one of Denmark’s leading museums for contemporary art. It is located in a historic Baroque palace in central Copenhagen, close to Kongens Nytorv. Unlike traditional museums, it doesn’t have a permanent collection. That’s why they focus entirely on temporary exhibitions, allowing them to respond quickly to new artistic trends. It is closely linked to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, often showcasing emerging artists alongside more established international figures. Charlottenborg is known for experimental formats, including installation, video, and performance art. Its dynamic and constantly changing program makes it a key site for discovering new artistic voices in Denmark and beyond.
Skovgaard Museum, Viborg
The Skovgaard Museum presents Danish art from the Golden Age to modernism in a more intimate setting. Located in Viborg’s historic town hall, it is closely tied to the collections of artists P.C. Skovgaard and Joakim Skovgaard. The collection reflects themes of landscape, religion, and national identity, offering insight into the evolution of Danish painting. Compared to larger museums, it offers a quieter, more reflective experience. Its exhibitions often connect historical works with contemporary perspectives, highlighting the lasting influence of Danish artistic traditions.
HEART, Herning
HEART in Herning is a museum dedicated to art, design, and architecture, with strong ties to the region’s industrial history. The building, designed by Steven Holl, is inspired by shirt sleeves, a reference to the local textile industry. Its collection includes works by Piero Manzoni, who was born in the area. HEART highlights collaborations among diverse art practices, often blending art with design and architecture. This combination of local identity and global perspective makes the museum a unique cultural destination in central Jutland.
