The Next Level & James Turrell - While we are Waiting

The exhibition is a presentation of ARoS' major expansion project The Next Level, expected to open in 2025.

The Next Level is a physical manifestation of the museum's vision for the museum of the future: ARoS will be an epicentre of knowledge - a mental fitness centre that, with a holistic approach, contributes to the development of society by inspiring active participation, independent critical thinking and social responsibility.

ARoS is convinced that we need to create, expand and develop our mental capacity so that we can constantly see the world anew. This new mental capacity is, among other things, innovative because it is built on a different foundation than today. This is where art and its institutions can play a very special role. ARoS' vision is to redefine the museum, where the museum's influence on community, society and human understanding is based on artistic experiences. Art can be used to expand our understanding of people and society and add new dimensions to our realisation. It's not just about understanding and interpreting the world, but about influencing it.

The most spectacular element of the museum's expansion is the construction of The Dome, which rises more than 9 metres above the ground. The Dome is a gigantic work of art consisting of a circular space 38 metres in diameter and 17 metres in height. At the top of the Dome is a circular opening with a diameter of six metres, so you can see the sky. In its shape and ambition, The Dome can be compared to the ancient temple Pantheon in Rome.

Inside, The Dome is embraced by James Turrell's distinctive lighting, which is known to have a strong psychological impact on people. Many experience his light installations as rooms where you lose your sense of time and place. A bench will be placed in a large circle along the inner wall of The Dome. From here you can experience the sky or the rain pouring down. You'll be able to see how light and colour affect the spatial experience, the mind or life out there. You will experience a sense of community and connection between people.

The Dome will also be able to function as a very special stage. This opens up for collaboration with other cultural institutions within music, dance and theatre.

In addition to The Dome, The Next Level will include a large new exhibition gallery that will allow ARoS to display a larger part of the museum's collection and create a platform for more exhibitions with a wide range of leading contemporary artists.

The Next Level is based on an idea by former museum director Erlend Høyersten.

Since the 1960s, American artist James Turrell (b. 1943) has worked with light, colour and spatial installations. For half a century he has been exploring how space and light can expand human perception and understanding of the world. Turrell's art has a spacious character that strives for a slow, contemplative experience, almost as a counterpoint to the accelerating speed of the world. His works envelop the audience through shifting light and colour, creating a unique spiritual experience of time and space. Turrell has exhibited in art museums around the world, and his monumental and immersive installations can be seen in over 26 countries.

Since 1974, he has been working to convert a large extinct volcano near Flagstaff, Arizona, into an astronomical facility inspired by ancient sky observatories. The project, called Roden Crater, is not yet open to the public.

Turrell has a degree in psychology and has studied maths, geology and astronomy. He obtained his pilot's licence at the age of 16 and began his career restoring aircraft and flying supplies for mining companies. He was also a test pilot for Lockheed for a number of years. Turrell's multifaceted experience is clearly reflected in his art.

Ny Carlsberg Fonden