That’s Aros, the super modern art gallery in Aarhus, a growing city in Jutland. Terrific though the collections and exhibitions are, they have to work hard to compete with the building itself. The modern building has all of the features you would expect. Nice light, internal vistas and sweeping staircases. A pervading air of Danish design, not flashy but tasteful. I’m sure you get the picture. But the building has a crowning glory, a multi coloured walk way around its top.
Climbing to the top of the building by way of the stairs offers great views across the internal stairwell laid out with large phantasmagorical creatures complete with tinkling sound effects. It’s seven floors up but well worth the climb – emerging onto the technicolour walkway is breath taking.
The curving and sheer sides of the walkway are made of coloured glass. If you fear heights or suffer from vertigo then this is maybe not for you. As you proceed around the halo you come to stretches of walkway dominated by different primary colours – eventually completing the whole spectrum. As the colour changes interesting effects are created, and the city stretched out below takes on a whole new look. It reminded me of a 50’s sci fi film’s take on the the future. or maybe a 60’s psychedelic experience.
Felt like I should have had Hendrix on repeat on a Walkman.
(information for younger readers – The Walkman was a mobile music machine utilising tape based technology).