Kunstmuseet Brundlund Slot

About the museum

Brundlund Castle was built in the 15th century on an island surrounded by a moat south of Aabenraa and served for centuries as the seat of the county administration. Corner towers were added in the 16th century, one of them with a prison cellar. Between 1805 and 1807, the royal master builder C. F. Hansen thoroughly rebuilt the building and gave it its present plain, neoclassical form. In front of the castle stands one of the oldest surviving water mills in Denmark.

After the county governor moved out in 1996, Aabenraa Kommune took over the castle and set up an art museum there, which opened on April 4, 1998. Since 2007 it has been part of Museum Sønderjylland. The collection comprises several thousand works by artists from Sønderjylland from the 18th century to today, including paintings by C. W. Eckersberg. In 2012 the estate of the Aabenraa-born painter Franciska Clausen, comprising around 2,500 works, was added; Museum Sønderjylland also owns an important collection of Danish Surrealism.

Because space is limited, the collection is shown in changing selections. The winding tower rooms provide a special setting, and scratched drawings by former prisoners can be seen in the prison cellar. In the castle park, redesigned in 2006, stand sculptures by South Jutland artists and works created specifically for Aabenraa.

Highlights

• Moated castle from the 15th century, rebuilt by C. F. Hansen
• Works by Franciska Clausen and Danish Surrealists
• Art from Sønderjylland since the 18th century
• Prison cellar with prisoners' graffiti
• Freely accessible sculpture park

Founded

1998

Operated by

Museum Sønderjylland

Admission & discounts

An admission ticket is also required to visit the café. The castle park is freely accessible.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Guests with mobility impairments can drive through the gate and park west of the building; from there, step-free access to the main entrance. An elevator serves all floors, thresholds have ramps, and an accessible restroom is on the first floor. The prison cellar and the Schützenkeller (marksmen's cellar) are reachable only by steep stairs; there are steps leading to the café and the education room. Dogs only as guide and assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Surrealist picture hunt in the exhibition, an art workshop with materials and instructions, and an overhead projector for image experiments on the castle walls; outdoors, a sculpture hunt in the park. During holidays, special workshops, plus a weekly art school for children and teenagers. Baby changing table near the restrooms.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Café with coffee, tea, cake, wine, beer, and cold drinks from local providers, with outdoor seating in summer. Museum shop with design items, jewelry, toys, posters, art supplies, and books, including on Franciska Clausen.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

Rooms for corporate and club events such as dinners, receptions, small conferences, or concerts, each including admission. Private celebrations are possible only in the café.

Plan your visit