Plizio Visual Lab

Aarhus City Hall

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Aarhus City Hall was built between 1937 and 1941, designed by the world-renowned architects Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller. It stands as a premier example of Danish Modernism and Functionalism, characterized by a holistic design approach where everything from the furniture to the door handles was custom-made. The iconic 60-meter-tall clock tower, clad in Norwegian marble, was not part of the original minimalist design and was only added after public demand for a more monumental civic landmark. The building's exterior is faced with Porsgrunn marble, giving it a distinctive light and elegant appearance that changes with the daylight. Inside, the grand ceremonial hall features warm wood paneling and striking staircases that create an inviting atmosphere within the functional civic space. Centrally located near the main railway station and the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, the city hall is surrounded by a small, well-maintained park. It continues to house the municipal administration of Aarhus and serves as a popular venue for weddings and official city receptions. The architecture represented a bold step forward for the city during the mid-20th century, contrasting sharply with the traditional brickwork of the era. Since 1994, the entire building has been a listed heritage site to preserve its unique architectural integrity for future generations.

Location: Denmark
Top sights: GalleriV58 · Teater Refleksion · Aarhus Rådhus
Nearby: Egå Bro (7 km)
Population: ~285.273 (2024)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	1	3	7	11	15	17	17	14	9	6	3
Rain mm	65	52	47	44	55	73	82	86	69	85	73	67

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Aarhus City Hall is a public building that can be visited during office hours. Access to the representative rooms is usually free of charge.

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Typical hours

Opening hours typically follow regular office hours from Monday to Friday. On weekends and public holidays, the city hall is usually closed.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in the public areas without flash or tripod. The architecture by Arne Jacobsen provides numerous geometric patterns.

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Time needed

A visit to the city hall takes about 30 minutes. For a guided tour, allow 45 to 60 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine a visit with Aarhus Cathedral, just a few minutes' walk away. The ARoS Art Museum is also nearby.

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Getting there

The city hall is centrally located at the City Hall Square, within walking distance from the station. Buses and trams stop nearby.

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Insider tip

Ask at the reception for a free brochure about the architecture. The elevator to the roof features an interesting view of the Aarhus skyline.

Geography

Population

285,273 (2024)

Coordinates

56.15340, 10.20330

Facts

The city hall was officially opened on July 2, 1941, marking Aarhus's 500th anniversary.
The distinctive clock tower reaches a total height of 60 meters.
The exterior is covered with approximately 6,000 square meters of Norwegian marble.
Architects Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller won the design competition in 1937.
The clock faces on the tower each have a diameter of 3.2 meters.
The building has been a listed heritage structure since 1994 for its architectural significance.