2008: First Extension

More room for the art at ARKEN

In January 2008 ARKEN opened its doors to 1,600 m2 of new galleries, giving ARKEN a total exhibition area of 5,000 m2 and making it one of Denmark’s biggest museums.

The new exhibition rooms were situated as white cubes in direct connection with the original galleries.

The purpose of the rooms was to expand the museum’s exhibition area with new, so-called “National Indemnity” or NI galleries. NI galleries contain advanced lights, ventilation and safety appliances and therefore can be used to exhibit the most valuable works of art.

The extension meant that ARKEN was now able to exhibit its own collection permanently while at the same time presenting several special exhibitions. The new galleries were to be used for the museum’s changing exhibitions, while the Art Axis could hold the more experimental exhibitions and installations, and the museum’s own collection could be shown permanently in the original galleries. Thus the visitor will pass through the exhibitions of contemporary art in the Art Axis and the exhibition of ARKEN’s permanent collection en route to the special exhibitions in the new galleries.

ARKEN’s collection of contemporary art ranks among the most significant in Denmark. 2008 was the year when ARKEN was able to open the first permanent presentation of the museum’s collection – a long held desire. The new galleries doubled the exhibition area but increased the experience immeasurably.

The extension was designed by Anna Maria Indrio from C.F. Møller Architects. It was shaped to keep the respect for ARKEN’s particular and striking architecture, and so that it was in harmony with the proportions of the existing façades.