2024 was a landmark year with eight major exhibition openings, including the critically acclaimed Richard Mortensen – Between the Lines and Art and Life, where Ron Mueck’s monumental work A Girl (2006) – a five-meter-long, hyper-detailed sculpture of a newborn – alone attracted 504,000 visitors. In total, more than 650,000 people visited ARoS in 2024, of which 565,484 held admission tickets or annual passes, making the museum one of the most visited art institutions in Denmark. 

Museum Director Rebecca Matthews states: 

 “2024 was a pivotal year in which we combined artistic gravitas with strong public support. The anniversary programme forged new connections between audiences and art, and we experienced a marked increase in interest both nationally and internationally. I am proud of the foundation we have laid for ARoS’ onward journey as a museum with ambition, rootedness, and vision.” 

The annual result shows a surplus of DKK 0.8 million and a strengthened equity. This reflects a stable and well-managed organisation with high visitor numbers and strong support from foundations and the business community. With a self-financing rate of 74%, ARoS continues to consolidate its financial foundation towards 2033 – the year in which the museum’s long-term vision will be realised. 

In 2024, the collection was expanded with significant works by renowned American artist Sarah Sze (b. 1969) and British visual artist and filmmaker Sir Isaac Julien (b. 1960) – both of whom explore themes and forms closely linked to current global issues. These acquisitions support ARoS’ ambition to strengthen its profile in the field of international contemporary art. 

The construction of ARoS’ major expansion project The Next Level marks a new chapter in the museum’s development. The expansion includes a new underground gallery, an open Art Square, and the iconic building and artwork The Dome, a Skyspace by James Turrell. In total, the project will increase the museum’s exhibition area by 20 percent. 

In October 2024, the extension was connected to the existing museum building. On 20 June 2025, the first phase of the historic expansion will officially open with the inauguration of the new underground gallery, The Salling Gallery, featuring the exhibition Lost Property by British installation artist Jenkin van Zyl. The opening date for The Dome will be announced later in 2025. 

Chair of the Board, Laura Hay Uggla, states: 

“The Board is very pleased with the results for 2024, which provide a solid foundation for the museum’s ambition to remain a unique cultural landmark at the heart of Aarhus – for years to come. With The Next Level, ARoS takes an important step in a strategic development based on institutional strength, artistic ambition, and the desire to contribute actively to both Aarhus’ cultural life and society at large. The expansion creates new spaces for the public and supports our vision of being a leading art institution – locally rooted with international reach.” 

The annual report also highlights progress within sustainability, research, and brand development. In 2024, ARoS maintained its Green Attraction certification, launched a new visual identity, reached high visitor numbers, and became the most popular museum among young people during the national K7 Week. At the same time, research activities were strengthened through the appointment of postdoctoral researcher Marie Arleth Skov, peer-reviewed publications, and new international collaborations. 

Read ARoS’ Annual Report 2024 here.

Press photos can be downloaded from Dropbox and used freely when giving due credit.

For further information and details about the opening and press viewing, please contact:   
ARoS Press and Communications 
presse@aros.dk    
+45 61904883