In June 2025, ARoS had the great honour of welcoming the American artist James Turrell to Aarhus. His visit marked a pivotal moment in the development of The Dome—a monumental Skyspace that will redefine the museum’s relationship with light, space, and the city itself.

“Welcoming James Turrell back to ARoS was a true milestone,” says Museum Director Rebecca Matthews. “His vision and presence transformed the process, creating an unforgettable moment in the museum’s history. We’re excited to share this extraordinary artwork with our audiences in 2026.” says Museum Director Rebecca Matthews.

Opening in 2026, The Dome is the centrepiece of The Next Level—ARoS’ historic expansion project. This major initiative also includes the newly opened Salling Gallery, an underground space for large-scale contemporary art, and the upcoming Art Square, a public outdoor plaza designed for rest, reflection, and encounters with art. When The Dome and Art Square open in 2026, The Next Level will be fully realised, ushering in a new era for ARoS.

Master of light, space and perception
James Turrell is internationally acclaimed for his pioneering work with light, space, and human perception. The Dome will be the largest Skyspace he has ever created within a museum context. Rising 16 metres above ARoS’ new Art Square, the installation will offer visitors an immersive, contemplative experience of sky and light—becoming a future landmark for both ARoS and the city of Aarhus.

“Turrell’s work is a sculptural and atmospheric structure that unites light, colour, and sky in a meditative experience. Through a circular opening – an oculus – the light will shift throughout the day and across seasons. It will be a place for quiet, reflection, and shared experience in an evolving world,” says Rebecca Matthews.

During his visit, Turrell worked intensively on the lighting composition for The Dome, fine-tuning the calibration of over 1,100 custom-designed lamps that together form the heart of the immersive installation.

The visit was carried out in close collaboration with ARoS’ technical and curatorial teams, along with representatives from Aarsleff, schmidt hammer lassen architects, and the broader team behind the construction project.

“His presence underscored the extraordinary partnership between artist, architects, and museum,” Matthews concludes. “It’s this spirit of collaboration and vision that truly defines The Next Level.”