Arken

ARKEN Museum of Contemporary Art is a state-recognised cultural institution in Vestegnen, west of Copenhagen. It opened in 1996 and was inaugurated by Queen Margrethe II. The building was designed by Danish architect Søren Robert Lund, who won the competition while still a student. Its Deconstructivist architecture is inspired by the form of a ship, with a 150-metre-long central Axis forming its main structure. Maritime references can also be seen in the lifeboat-shaped restaurant, raw concrete surfaces, steel doors and porthole-like windows.

The museum has been expanded twice: in 2008 with an extension designed by C.F. Møller, and in 2009 with a new entrance hall designed by Søren Robert Lund’s practice.

ARKEN’s collection focuses on Danish and international contemporary art, encompassing a wide range of artists, media and themes. It includes works addressing subjects such as identity, conflict, society and the relationship between humans and their environment. The museum also aims to increase the representation of different ethnic backgrounds and genders within its collection, recognising the historical imbalance in museum collections.

The museum is located near Køge Bay and Strandparken, in a coastal landscape with lakes, wetlands, beaches and diverse wildlife. The surrounding area is home to migratory birds and a variety of plant and animal species, making the natural environment an additional element of the museum experience.