Summer Holiday in Aalborg: Art Experiences for the Whole Family, Mini Festivals and Arty Mini Golf

If you’re planning a summer holiday in North Jutland, there are several excellent reasons to include Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg in your holiday plans – whatever the weather.

Throughout the summer, this marble museum, designed by the architect Alvar Aalto, has a programme of experiences and activities for both children and adults. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the museum is even open until 9.00 pm – and every day the Brasserie will be serving summery food and refreshing beverages.

Three of the Most Influential Voices in German Post-War Art

The museum presents top-notch art exhibitions that appeal to both seasoned guests and new, curious visitors.

This summer, the museum is presenting major works by three of the most influential voices in German post-war art – Sigmar Polke, Anselm Kiefer and Georg Baselitz – many of the works from the collection of Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

“From 19 June, you can also discover the work of Vivian Maier – one of the greatest street photographers of the 20th century. This special exhibition features 150 photographs of New York and Chicago taken during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Vivian Maier was a nanny. Her talent photography was not discovered until after her death – by chance. Today, she is acclaimed for her ability to capture what is referred to ‘the decisive moment’,” says Lasse Andersson, Director of Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg.

Danish Contemporary Artist in Special Solo Exhibition

You can also visit the first solo exhibition in a Danish art museum in seven years devoted to the Danish contemporary artist John Kørner. The exhibition CRAZY AWAKE features a range of ‘problems’ – the recurring theme in the artist’s works. For example, look out for the ‘sleeping problems’ on the roof of the museum or explore the many problems lurking in the basement in the shape of sculptures, paintings and the artist’s so-called ‘painting machine’.

Garden Party & Evening Opening Hours

Visit the museum on Wednesdays and you can also hang out in the sculpture park to enjoy concerts featuring some of today’s most sought-after artists or talks by leading personalities. They are part of the Kunsten Summer Lounge garden festival concept. This year’s will be the 8th such event. In addition to live music and talks, each Summer Lounge also features art performances, pop-up events and cool drinks.

Arty Mini Golf

For this summer, the artist John Kørner has created two unique miniature golf courses in the museum’s sculpture park. But even if you have a familiar ball and club, the rules are not the same as usual. All visitors to the museum can have a go on the courses, which will be opened officially on 3 July and be available during museum opening hours.

Art Hunting & Creative Workshops

As a supplement to the John Kørner exhibition, in the museum’s creative workshop children and families can create a unique brush and then use it to paint their very own artwork – perhaps with rubber bands, twigs or fabric such as “brush hair”.

“If you fancy getting to know the museum in a new way, children and the young at heart can also go hunting for various works of art in this summer’s ‘Art Hunt’. You have a map to guide you around the museum and its different exhibitions. Along the way, you help each other solve fun tasks,” explains Lasse Andersson.

An Unpredictable Fountain

Of course, throughout the summer you can also enjoy the sight of the museum’s now iconic fountain – a piece titled Water Pavilion, created in 2011 by Jeppe Hein – for example, while enjoying an ice cream, lunch, or coffee from the Brasserie.

“On warm days, it’s not uncommon to see children jumping around between the jets of water, which change location at lightning speed. You never know whether you’ll avoid them, get a cold thrill or briefly get trapped by walls of water,” says the Director.