Ilulissat Kunstmuseum

Visiting the Ilulissat Art Museum in Greenland

The Ilulissat Art Museum is a distinctive cultural spot in Greenland, offering a mix of historical and modern art. Located in Ilulissat, a town renowned for its icebergs and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, this museum is one of only two art museums in Greenland. It houses a collection derived from former private art collections donated to the local municipality.

Museum History and Exhibits

Originally built in 1923 by architect Helge Møller as a residence for the colony manager, the building was transformed into a museum in 1995. The ground floor displays around 50 paintings by Emanuel A. Petersen, while the upper floor is dedicated to temporary contemporary exhibitions by various artists.

Getting to Ilulissat

To reach Ilulissat, fly into Ilulissat Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or enjoy a hike into town. Many hotels provide shuttle services as part of their accommodation packages.

Attractions in Ilulissat

While in Ilulissat, consider exploring the following attractions:

• Ilulissat Icefjord
• Boat tours among icebergs
• Whale watching
• Knud Rasmussen Museum

The Ilulissat Art Museum itself offers a permanent collection of colonial period paintings and contemporary exhibitions.

Admission and Tips

Tickets for the Ilulissat Art Museum are priced at 60 DKK, which also includes entry to the Ilulissat Cultural History Museum.

Tips for Your Visit

• Check the museum’s seasonal opening hours on their Facebook page before planning your visit.
• Utilize the combined ticket to explore both the Art Museum and the Cultural History Museum.
• Visit local artisan workshops and markets for unique souvenirs.
• Consider visiting during summer for the midnight sun or in winter for the Northern Lights.
• Learn some basic Greenlandic phrases to enhance interactions with locals.
• Prepare for the variable weather conditions typical of the Arctic region.