Museum expansion

The museum is temporarily closed due to renovation – but we will return even stronger in spring 2027.

For 14 months, Trapholt will be closed to visitors as the museum undergoes a major transformation. We’re expanding, renovating, and reimagining – with a focus on sustainability, improved accessibility, more opportunities, and even more space for communication and community. The vision is clear: Trapholt will be a cultural beacon and green haven that invites even more people to experience world-class art and design.

The renovation doesn’t mean we’re disappearing – quite the opposite. During this period, we’ll be present throughout Kolding with Trapholt To Go, workshops, school projects, and events. Trapholt comes to you while we build the museum of the future.

FAQ

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When does the renovation start, and how long will the museum be closed?

The renovation will begin on January 1, 2026. The last day the museum is open to the public will be December 30, 2025, and we expect to reopen on March 1, 2027. You can already look forward to a big reopening celebration!

Why is the museum closing completely – can’t it remain partially open?

The renovation affects large parts of both the interior and exterior of the museum, making it impossible to ensure a safe and high-quality experience for visitors during the work. A complete closure is necessary to carry out the project efficiently and safely.

What can we look forward to afterward?

Trapholt will have more space and improved facilities to match the growing number of visitors and our high ambitions for communication and guest experience. Among the new features will be:

  • A new CRAFT/learning center with flexible spaces that can be adapted for everything from children’s workshops to large conferences and lectures with up to 500 participants.

  • A new sculpture lounge adjacent to the guest reception area – a gathering place for people and significant artworks, featuring glass panels that open the museum toward the park and surrounding nature.

  • An upgraded park area with new pathways, art installations, scenic viewpoints, and relaxation spots that invite all visitors – regardless of mobility – to enjoy the interplay between art and nature.

Is sustainability considered in the project?

Yes – sustainability is a key guiding principle for the entire project. Trapholt aims to be a role model for sustainable museum construction of the future, working with four dimensions of sustainability:

  • Social: The building must be inclusive and accessible to everyone – both physically and mentally.

  • Cultural: Respect for Trapholt’s existing architecture and C.Th. Sørensen’s historic park is fundamental.

  • Environmental: Requirements include low CO2 emissions, use of eco-labeled materials, and life cycle assessments (LCA) from the architectural competition stage.

  • Economic: The building is designed with high flexibility, ensuring that the space can be used for various purposes and support sustainable operation.

What is the renovation process?

The renovation of Trapholt began with an architectural competition, announced as an EU public tender with prior prequalification. This ensures that the project complies with EU regulations for public construction and guarantees an open, transparent, and fair competition.

Five interdisciplinary teams – consisting of architects, landscape architects, engineers, and sustainability specialists – have been selected to participate. Each team is developing a comprehensive and visionary proposal that meets Trapholt’s functional needs and sets a new standard for sustainable and inclusive architecture. The winner was selected at the end of April 2025, and the winning proposal is the basis for the continued development of the project. See more further down this page.

What will happen to Trapholt’s staff during the closure?

Even though the building will be closed, the museum will still be active. We’ll continue to work on future exhibitions and everything else that typically happens behind the scenes. Additionally, through the projects Trapholt To Go and Trapholt Pop Up, we’ll move out into Kolding Municipality with art projects, events, and educational programs. We’ll visit schools, take part in city events, and bring the Trapholt spirit into new spaces – we look forward to meeting you out there!

What will happen to Café Gustav Lind?

Café Gustav Lind will close along with the rest of the museum. Already planned and pre-booked events will, of course, proceed as scheduled.
Restaurateur Rasmus Vemmelund is also working on exciting new ventures elsewhere in the city – more on that soon.
If you have questions about the café, feel free to contact Rasmus directly at: Rasmus@gustavlind.dk

How can I stay updated on the project?

We’ll regularly update this page, but you are also very welcome to sign up for our newsletter via this link.

Still have questions?

Please don’t hesitate to write to us at: kunstmuseum@trapholt.dk – we’re happy to help!

Selected Illustrations

The winner of the architectural competition was 3XN. The winning project includes an expanded guest reception area, the creation of a sculpture lounge, a flexible learning and CRAFT center, as well as a new, integrated experience of the museum’s unique park landscape. Below, you can see selected illustrations from the project.