Profile and History

Kunsthal Aarhus, located in the heart of Aarhus, was founded in 1917. Focusing on contemporary art Kunsthal Aarhus is presenting exhibitions by Danish and international artists in the 1,000 square meters gallery space. Kunsthal Aarhus collaborates with the entire spectrum from new talents to established artists and is an institution with great traditions such as presenting the graduation show of the Jutland Art Academy.

In recent years Kunsthal Aarhus has opened solo exhibitions by among others: Maryam Jafri (No Lithium, No Work, 2023), Simon Dybbroe Møller (Hypnic Jerk, 2023), Nathalie Du Pasquier (paintings of things. paintings as objects, 2023), Kirstine Roepstorff (G[r]AIN, 2022), Sammy Baloji (Other Tales, 2020), Sondra Perry (A Terrible Thing, 2019), Sidsel Meineche Hansen (End-user, 2018), Thomas Hirschhorn (Pixel-collage, 2017), Otobong Nkanga (The Encounter That Took A Part of Me, 2017), and Berlinde De Bruyckere (Embalmed, 2017).

Also, several group exhibitions have been on show: Minimalism-Maximalism-Mechanissmmm (2022), GO EXTREME (2021), Grave Monuments (2021), Post Institutional Stress Disorder (2018-19), DUMP! Multispecies Making and Unmaking (2015) and Systemics (2013-14).

Network and Collaborations

Kunsthal Aarhus brings together cultural communities and engages in national and international debates and trends. Through this Kunsthal Aarhus has created new spaces for artistic expression, engaged with a wider audience, strengthened the regional art scene and helped generating artistic and academic debates. Kunsthal Aarhus also plays a significant role in Danish cultural life through its ability to establish collaborations locally, nationally and internationally.

Kunsthal Aarhus has established international partnerships by collaborating with among others: Art Sonje Center (Seoul), KW Institute for Contemporary Art (Berlin), BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts (Brussels) and Castlefield Gallery (Manchester). In Demnark Kunsthal Aarhus has worked with Statens Museum for Kunst (Copenhagen), Brandts Kunstmuseum (Odense) and Kunsthal Charlottenborg (Copenhagen). Local collaborations include Aarhus University, The Jutland Art Academy, The Artists' Easter Exhibition, Aarhus Billedkunstcenter, Malt Air, ARoS, Godsbanen and Moesgaard Museum. Kunsthal Aarhus also collaborates with national festivals such as CPH:DOX (Copenhagen) as well as those taking place in the local region.

The Building

Kunsthal Aarhus is located in a protected building, which until 2012 was known as Aarhus Kunstbygning. The building was originally designed in 1916 by architect Axel Høeg-Hansen. It went through a series of architectural reconstructions during the 1990s and 2000s and the latest changes were carried out by C.F. Møller, one of Scandinavia's leading architects.

Support

Kunsthal Aarhus is a self-governing institution that each year raises 70% of funds for its day-to-day operations and artistic programmes. This is only possible thanks to the generous support of public grants from Aarhus Municipality and the Danish Arts Foundation, and private grants from major Danish foundations.

Supported by

Kunsthal Aarhus, 2024. Photo: Jens Henrik Daugaard.
Kunsthal Aarhus, 2024. Photo: Jens Henrik Daugaard.
Kunsthal Aarhus, 2017. Photo: Kåre Viemose.
Kunsthal Aarhus, 2017. Photo: Kåre Viemose.
Kunsthal Aarhus, 2016.
Kunsthal Aarhus, 2016.
Kunsthal Aarhus, 2014.
Kunsthal Aarhus, 2014.