ARKEN travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

Modern art, contemporary art and the architecture itself is well worth a visit. Over the past two years ARKEN has acquired some exciting extensions – 50 % extra space for art was added in 2008 and in autumn 2009, the museum acquired a new entrance lobby complete with museum shop. The museum by Koge Bugt puts on at least five changing exhibitions a year. Also explore German contemporary artist Katharina Grosse’s transformation of ARKEN’s 150 m ”Kunstakse” (”art axis”) with 200 m3 of soil, two giant sculptures and an uncertain number of litres of paint into a colourful universe of spray paintings, painted heaps on earth and giant sculptures which completely captivate and alter the experience of bare concrete of this monumental room.

ARKEN Museum of Modern Art was opened on 15 March 1996 by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe. In many ways ARKEN is a natural part of the development of Copenhagen. In continuation of Danish cultural politics it was natural to establish a cultural institution to give the large new population of the western suburbs an opportunity to experience the greatest national and international art, in their own region. The architect of the museum is Soren Robert Lund, whose structure is striking and bold, but nonetheless suits its surrounding in Strandparken very well.

ARKEN offers special guided tours covering the museum’s exhibitions and architecture. A tour on weekdays between 10 and 17 costs DKK 650 per group. Wednesdays after 17 and on weekends, guided tours cost DKK 850 per group. Groups may comprise up to 30 people. Special tours in foreign languages cost an additional DKK 100 (excepting Scandinavian)!

ARKEN CAFE hangs from the side of the museum like a giant lifeboat, sporting a marvellous view of Koge Bay. Like the rest of the museum the café is inspired by water and ships. The teak flooring planks are in the style of a ship’s deck, and like captains the museum’s guests can scan the horizon through the large panoramic windows. Soren Bach is the new man in charge of the ARKEN Cafe. He serves traditional cake and pasteries, the best coffee in town as well as special set menues on wednesdays. The museum also hosts a beautiful shop, where you can find a little gift or object you did not know you were missing. n the book section there is a wide selection of books on Danish and international art, architecture, photography and design, with special emphasis on contemporary art.