Læsø Kunsthal

About the museum

The Læsø Kunsthal was founded on July 1, 2012, by the Norwegian couple Jon Eirik Lundberg and Helene Høie. It moved into the former forge at the harbor of Østerby, where fishing boats used to be built; on two floors, about 260 square meters of exhibition space are available. Since summer 2015, the art hall has been a self-managed, non-commercial institution whose work is carried to a large extent by volunteers.

The core of the collection consists of almost 30 iron sculptures by the art blacksmith Erik Sparre (1936–2008), who worked in obscurity on Læsø for decades and never wanted to exhibit or sell his works. Lundberg acquired the holdings from Sparre's family in 2008, and since Easter 2009 the works have been on view on the island. In 2019 the art dealer Henry Dyson, who had a summer house on Læsø for over 40 years, gave the art hall a large collection of prints, including works by Picasso, Dalí, Chagall and Klimt. In addition there are photographs of the island by the Florentine photographer Luca Berti.

Every summer the art hall shows a thematic exhibition with Danish and international artists, so far for example on Per Kirkeby, Asger Jorn or political art. Around Østerby Havn it has brought art into the landscape: in 2018 Per Kirkeby's last brick sculpture "Vinduestårnet" was created, followed later by further freely accessible works. The program has also included a literature festival, a publishing house and a children's art school.

Highlights

• Iron sculptures by the art blacksmith Erik Sparre as a permanent collection
• Prints by Picasso, Dalí, Chagall and Klimt from the Henry Dyson donation
• Per Kirkeby's last brick sculpture "Vinduestårnet" at the harbor
• Annual summer exhibition of contemporary art
• Café with free Wi-Fi in the old harbor forge

Permanent exhibitions

• Fast samling: Erik Sparre – Iron sculptures by the art blacksmith Erik Sparre, who worked in seclusion on Læsø for decades; about half of his work is gathered here.
• Verdenskunst på Læsø: Henry Dyson-donationen – Lithographs, woodcuts and portfolio works by important artists of the 20th century from the donation of a summer guest; part of it is shown in the art hall.

Founded

2012

Director

Jon Eirik Lundberg

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

The art hall is in the former forge at the harbor of Østerby in the east of the island. Note the ferry schedule, which varies by season.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Café with coffee and free Wi-Fi in the high-ceilinged hall. Shop with art books (including on Per Kirkeby), postcards and jewelry. Card payment possible.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit