Kunsten is a living art museum allowing space for immersion, wonder and fascination. The museum houses a unique collection comprising over 4000 works of art, mostly post-1900, by Danish and foreign artists. The exhibition area consists of five galleries providing visitors with ample opportunity to experience the permanent collection as well as a number of special exhibitions. Kunsten also hosts a variety of events including lectures, film screenings, concerts, family workshops, guided tours, and other activities suitable for all age groups.

The museum building, completed in 1972, is an attraction in its own right. Designed by the world-famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, assisted by Elissa Aalto and Jean-Jacques Baruël, it is the only museum building outside Finland designed by Aalto. The museum is built of striking white marble, a style that is continued inside with stunning marble flooring and copper lamps, also designed by Aalto.

Following a period of refurbishment, the museum reopened its doors in January 2016. The renovation work has been carried out with the utmost respect for the original structure, which is a listed building. The result is a new and improved version of the old building. The extensive restoration work has provided the museum with a brand new exhibition gallery, new teaching rooms, new café & shop facilities, a fully refurbished sculpture park featuring a large new terrace and, not forgetting, the replacement of 317 tons of Italian marble both inside and outside the building.

Rita Kernn-Larsen