Visit ARKEN art gallery near Copenhagen, Denmark
Just south of Copenhagen lies one of the best art galleries in Denmark, called ARKEN.
A short bus or bikeride from Ishoj train station, the beautiful gallery and surrounding sculptures offer tranquil coastal views and works from some of the world’s greatest artists.
In this guide, I’m taking you through a short history of ARKEN, as well as my advice on what to see when you are there, and how to get there.
Arken is a renowned contemporary art museum which opened in 1996. Designed by the Danish architectural firm, Søren Robert Lund, the striking building features modern, minimalist architecture, blending with the surrounding landscape. Its location by the coast offers great views, enhancing the museum’s connection to art and nature.
Arken's collection focuses on 20th and 21st-century art, showcasing a broad range of works, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations. The museum is home to pieces by both Danish and international artists such as Olafur Eliasson, Damien Hirst, and Michael Kvium.
In addition to its permanent collection, Arken hosts temporary exhibitions, often exploring contemporary issues and innovative artistic practices. The museum emphasizes engaging its visitors with thought-provoking, immersive experiences, offering workshops and educational programs for all ages. In the past few years some of my personal highlights have been Frederik Næblerod’s ‘All Walks of Life’, Julian Charriere’s ‘Solarstalgia’ and Refik Anadol’s ‘Nature Dreams’.
Arken’s beautiful and spacious galleries are complemented by a great on-site café with a view of the coastline, making it a perfect destination for art lovers and tourists alike.
I have a season card for Arken, which means I have free entry for a year and can bring someone with me each time. Definitely recommended if you have frequent visitors to the area and want to show some of the cultural attractions of the area.
Anadol’s AI generated Nature Dreams (video) and one of the temporary galleries at Arken (image).
Visiting ARKEN
To get to ARKEN Museum of Modern Art from central Copenhagen, you have several convenient options:
By Train: Take a train from Copenhagen Central Station (Hovedbanegården) to Ishøj Station, which takes about 20-25 minutes. From Ishøj Station, it's a 15 to 20-minute walk to the museum.
By Bus: Several buses, including line 125, run from central Copenhagen to the museum area, with a journey time of approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
By Bicycle: Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city, and cycling to ARKEN is a great option. The museum is around 15 km from the city center, which is roughly a 40-minute ride along scenic routes.
By Car: If you're driving, ARKEN has a large free parking lot available for visitors. The museum is accessible via the E20 motorway, and the drive takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
While you are visiting Denmark, you might also be interested in my guides to
Tivoli Amusements and Gardens