Since January 5, James Turrell has been working in his Skyspace at ARoS, creating the unique lighting design that will illuminate the large dome-shaped space at sunrise and sunset when the artwork opens in June.

On Tuesday afternoon, the artist received a special visitor as H.M. King Frederik made a private visit to see how the work is progressing.

His Majesty has had several opportunities to follow the creation of the artwork during the construction process, and on Tuesday he met the American artist in Aarhus for the first time.

“We are, of course, delighted that His Majesty shares our enthusiasm for James Turrell’s work. It is truly extraordinary. The more than a thousand luminaries that Turrell is currently meticulously programming to respond to the movement of the sky, the weather, and the changing light add something remarkable to this already awe-inspiring  space—an experience that must be encountered in person,” says museum director Rebecca Matthews.

The lighting experience will be available at sunrise on selected days and at sunset every day throughout the summer, after the artwork opens on June 19. This means that visitors will be able to experience ARoS and the Skyspace both very early and very late in the day, as the nights remain bright in the weeks following midsummer.

In addition, James Turrell is working on shorter light sessions that can be experienced during the day.

“Together with the artist, we are spending these weeks putting the final touches on the art experience. We look forward to sharing more soon about how we will celebrate the opening, and how visitors and members alike will be able to experience the museum’s new landmark,” says Rebecca Matthews.

Read more about the Skyspace at ARoS here.

Press photos can be downloaded via Dropbox and may be used freely with proper credit: 
Photo: Mads Smidstrup © ARoS, 2026

For further information, please contact:  
ARoS Press and Communications  
presse@aros.dk  
+45 61904942