With its raw, industrial character, exposed installations and advanced sound and lighting technology, The Salling Gallery sets a new standard for how contemporary art can be experienced and understood. The space is tailored to large-scale, site-specific works that combine video, installation and performance art – exhibited over an extended period to ensure both depth and accessibility.

“In 2025, we continue ARoS' innovative tradition of fusing art and architecture. The new subterranean Salling Gallery is not just an architectural extension of the museum – it is an expansion of our artistic ambitions,” says Rebecca Matthews, museum director of ARoS.

“The Salling Gallery is designed for projects that interact with the architecture – a raw, industrial concrete space; a new ‘dream space’ where original artistic ideas come to life, offering guests powerful sensory encounters with art that both expands perspectives and sparks dialogue. It is a space where contemporary art can unfold on a grand scale, and where we as a museum can give voice to those who challenge and transform our view of the world,” says the museum director, and she continues:

“With the new gallery, ARoS gains an entirely new arena and stage for artistic innovation – a playground for artists, which we look forward to turning into an unexpected meeting place for our many guests.”

An artistic breakthrough for Aarhus 
Designed in collaboration with Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, The Salling Gallery is not only a gain for ARoS, but for the entire city. With the opening of The Salling Gallery, ARoS expands its exhibition space by 20 percent, taking another step toward establishing Aarhus as an international cultural city.

“We wanted to create something that elevates not only the museum – but all of Aarhus,” says Laura Hay Uggla, Chair of the ARoS Board. “With The Salling Gallery, we gain a space where the art does not adapt to the room – but where the room is shaped for the art. It sends a strong signal that in Aarhus, we dare to think big.”

The construction company Aarsleff is responsible for building the museum extension, with Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects as architect and overall consultant and Aarhus Municipality as client. Aarhus Municipality sees the project as an important element in the city's overall cultural strategy, says Rabih Azad-Ahmad, Councillor for Culture and Citizen Services:

“Aarhus has been an international cultural city for several years. With The Salling Gallery, Aarhus gains yet another impressive cultural beacon. It is a gallery that will deliver major artistic experiences and make the museum even more attractive. I am confident that The Salling Gallery will attract a wide audience – not only among current visitors to ARoS, but it will also appeal to entirely new audiences,” says the councillor.

Art with lasting impact 
The Salling Gallery has been realized thanks to a donation from the Salling Foundations, which for decades have worked to strengthen the cultural life of Aarhus and the entire region – focusing on projects that create value for both present and future generations.

“At the Salling Foundations, we believe in the power of culture to bring people together and strengthen the community. With The Salling Gallery, a unique space is created where contemporary art can unfold freely and where audiences can encounter exceptional works. I am delighted that we can contribute to a project that will benefit and inspire many – both now and in the future,” says Karin Salling, Vice Chair of Købmand Herman Sallings Fond.

The first exhibition in the new gallery is created by British artist and filmmaker Jenkin van Zyl (b. 1993), who has gained international attention for his distinctive aesthetic and installation art. The exhibition Lost Property is his first solo presentation in Denmark and is supported by the Augustinus Foundation, the New Carlsberg Foundation and Ege Carpets.

The expansion of the museum has been made possible through the generous support of the Salling Foundations, the New Carlsberg Foundation, Aarhus Municipality, ARoS and a private anonymous donation. The gallery fit-out has been made possible thanks to a donation from the Salling Foundations.

Press photos are available for download via Dropbox and may be used freely with proper credit.

For further information, please contact: 
ARoS Press and Communications
presse@aros.dk
+45 61904883