KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad

About the museum

In 1883, the Silkeborg Vandkuranstalt, a hydrotherapy spa in a wooded setting on Lake Ørnsø, opened on the site. The idea went back to the paper manufacturer Michael Drewsen; after his death it was carried out by a circle of physicians and townspeople. The water of the iron-rich Arnakke spring played a central role in the treatments. The spa attracted guests from all over Denmark and the Nordic countries, was called Silkeborg Bad from 1919, and closed in 1983 after one hundred years.

The surviving buildings still shape the grounds today: the Societetsbygningen, Søvilla, and the core of the Kurbygningen are by Vilhelm Dahlerup, the Art Nouveau Skovvilla by Anton Rosen. They were renovated so that they once again look as they did in the spa era.

KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad was founded in 1992 as an independent institution, among other things on the initiative of Silkeborg Municipality. In the former spa halls, it shows changing exhibitions, mainly of contemporary Danish art. In the park stand 52 sculptures from the permanent collection, from figures of the spa era to contemporary works; a sculpture hall explains techniques and materials. A graphic art collection of around 4,000 prints by more than 200 artists from about 1830 to the 1990s can be viewed by arrangement, and in the Skovvilla, a permanent exhibition tells of daily life at the spa.

Highlights

• Sculpture park with 52 works on Lake Ørnsø, freely accessible around the clock
• Changing exhibitions in the restored halls of the former spa
• Permanent exhibition on the Silkeborg Vandkuranstalt in Anton Rosen's Skovvilla
• Sculpture hall with models, workshop, and small library
• Graphic art collection with around 4,000 prints by Danish artists
• Free admission for children and young people under 25

Permanent exhibitions

• Skulpturparken – 52 sculptures from the spa era to the present, spread across the park between forest and lake and freely accessible at any time.
• Silkeborg Vandkuranstalt – Documentary exhibition in the Skovvilla about the spring, treatments, physicians, staff, and guests of the former spa, with texts in Danish and English.
• Skulptursalen – Education space in the Kurbygningen with models of park sculptures, a timeline of sculpture history, films on techniques, and a workshop.

Founded

1992

Operated by

KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad (selbstständige Institution)

Director

Iben From

Admission & discounts

Members of Silkeborg Bads Venner have free admission. The sculpture park is free. Visitors to the exhibitions and to Café Ørnsø wear the admission badge issued at the ticket desk where it is visible.

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

The Kurbygningen is fully wheelchair-accessible with an elevator, a fixed ramp, and a mobile rail, as is the café; accessible restrooms in the reception area. The Skovvilla has no elevator; only the first floor is reachable with rails. The sculpture park is largely navigable by wheelchair. Loan wheelchair in the vestibule at the entrance, two accessible parking spaces near the entrance, drop-off at the door possible. Assistance dogs are welcome in the exhibitions.

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

At reception, there is a bag with picture cards for a search game in the Kurbygningen and a children's audio guide. For families with children up to about 12 years old, a sculpture hunt through the park is available. Workshops for children take place during school holidays. Strollers can be taken along or left inside; baby changing area in the first restroom by reception.

Getting there & parking

On Gjessøvej coming from the direction of Silkeborg, vehicles over 3.60 m in height cannot pass through an underpass; buses must take a detour. The R31 cycle route between Silkeborg and Horsens passes directly by.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café Ørnsø with a lake view (light lunch dishes, cake; summer Tue–Sun 10:00–16:00, winter 11:00–16:00; table reservation recommended) and Café Søvilla in the red wooden house in the park (Sat–Sun 11:00–16:00). Museum shop with art books, posters, jewelry, crafts, toys, and original prints, freely accessible. Backpacks, bags, and umbrellas are not allowed in the exhibitions; coat check with lockable lockers. Picnicking is possible in the pergola in the park, but not in the café or in the exhibitions.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 120 guests.

For companies only: small meeting room (12 people), the Skulptursalen (approx. 20), Søvilla (48, Tue–Fri only), and the Panoramasalen and Søjlesalen (up to 120 people each, preferably outside opening hours). Catering via Café Ørnsø, tours can be booked.

Plan your visit