Architecture in Aarhus - where new meets old
Aarhus is a city in constant evolution, where the architecture tells the story of both the past and the future. Here, historic buildings stand side by side with modern landmarks, and you can clearly see how the city has developed over time.
In the city centre, you’ll encounter classic Danish architecture with beautiful brick buildings, cobbled streets and iconic structures such as Aarhus Town Hall. At the same time, the area offers well-preserved urban environments where proportions, materials and details reflect the building traditions of bygone eras.
Historic architecture in the city centre
Aarhus City Hall - although over 75 years old, Aarhus City Hall is still a modern, functionalistic building that still houses the municipality of Aarhus and hosts major events throughout the year. Built by Arne Jacobsen and clad with Norwegian marble, it represents Danish design and architecture at their best and is by many recognised as a big symbol of Aarhus and Danish architecture.
The structure of Aarhus Cathedral, Aarhus Domkirke, has a long history. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Clemens, who was the Roman Pope 100 a.d. who died as a martyr when he was drowned with an anchor tied to his neck.
The Aarhus Theatre is a historic theater in the heart of Aarhus. With 4 stages and a total of 1,200 seats it is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Aarhus. The listed building just opposite the Cathedral was designed by the architect Hack Kampmann, and was inaugurated in 1900. The Theatre has an all-embracing repertoire during the season from early September until mid-June, including some 15 of its own productions and also a few guest performances.
Oplev arkitekturen fra de danske købstæder gennem fire forskellige tidsperioder.
As you head towards the waterfront, a completely different architectural narrative unfolds. Here, modern buildings characterise the city’s skyline with striking forms, innovative solutions and new urban spaces.
Areas such as Aarhus Ø demonstrate how architecture and urban development go hand in hand. Here, the focus is on light, views and proximity to the water, and the new buildings create a dynamic contrast to the historic city centre.
Modern architecture by the water
Lighthouse, Denmark's tallest building, is situated on Aarhus Ø and welcomes all who approach Aarhus from the waterfront. Lighthouse is the new beacon for Aarhus, a monumental architectural gem.
Dokk1 is the cultural meeting point of Aarhus. Wether it is the architecture you will admire, the library you will explore or if it is the concerts and theatre that draws your attention, you have arrived to the right place.
Enjoy the beautiful and architectonic building "The Iceberg" on Aarhus Ø.
Whether you feel like putting on your bathing suit and jump in the water or simply walk around and around enjoying the view of the sea, the beach and the forest, The Infinite Bridge is an amazing place to spend the day with family and friends.
The connection between city and nature
A distinctive feature of Aarhus is the interplay between architecture and nature. Buildings are often situated with respect for their surroundings – close to forests, beaches and green spaces.
This can be seen, for example, in areas such as Marselisborg, where architecture forms a natural part of the landscape, and at Aarhus University, where the buildings are designed to blend into the terrain and the green surroundings.
Architecture – close to nature
Marselisborg Palace is the Summer and Christmas residence of the Danish Royal family. When the Royal family is in residence at the Palace, the Changing of the Guard by the Life Guard takes place at noon every day.
Designed by the Danish architect C. F. Møller, Aarhus University is recognised internationally for its stylish yet sympathetic architecture and for how it blends with the contours of the surrounding parkland.
ARoS is one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe. And each year, ARoS has about half a million visitors, making it the most frequented art museum in Scandinavia.
Explore the architecture on foot
Aarhus is a compact city, making it easy to explore the architecture on foot. Within a short distance, you can move from historic neighbourhoods to modern urban spaces and gain a comprehensive understanding of the city’s development.
Explore the narrow streets, along the harbour or through the city’s green spaces – and see how architecture binds Aarhus together.
