Aarhus: Danish City Named European Capital of Culture 2017
Aarhus, a coastal city in Jutland, Denmark, was designated European Capital of Culture and European Region of Gastronomy for 2017, following Copenhagen in 1996. With 320,000 residents (60,000 students, average age 32), the city combines beaches, forests, fjords, UNESCO sites, Michelin-starred restaurants, and notable museums. Recent urban developments include Harbour Square, the Iceberg residential complex by Julien De Smedt Architects, and the energy-efficient DOKK1 library by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects. The iconic ARoS museum features Olafur Eliasson's 'Your Rainbow Panorama' (2006-2011), a circular walkway with rainbow-tinted glass offering 360° views. The candidacy theme 'Let’s Rethink!' promotes transforming the region into a cultural laboratory for sustainable solutions, led by CEO Rebecca Matthews and program director Juliana Enberg. Nearly 400 events throughout the year cover art, performance, theater, fashion, food, nature, sustainability, music, literature, film, design, and architecture, with exhibitions focusing on Danish traditions.
Key facts
- Aarhus was European Capital of Culture and European Region of Gastronomy in 2017.
- The city has 320,000 inhabitants, 60,000 students, and an average age of 32.
- New developments include Harbour Square, Iceberg complex, and DOKK1 library.
- ARoS museum houses Olafur Eliasson's 'Your Rainbow Panorama' installation.
- The candidacy theme is 'Let’s Rethink!' for cultural transformation.
- Rebecca Matthews is CEO and Juliana Enberg is program director.
- Nearly 400 events were held throughout 2017.
- Events span art, performance, theater, fashion, food, nature, sustainability, music, literature, film, design, and architecture.
Entities
Artists
- Olafur Eliasson
Institutions
- ARoS
- Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
- Julien De Smedt Architects
- DOKK1
- Artribune
Locations
- Aarhus
- Denmark
- Copenhagen
- Jutland