A Day at the Beach – Danish Coastal Art, 1830–1910

Popular exhibition from The Hirschsprung Collection on view at the Johannes Larsen Museum from 25 January to 3 May 2026

The exhibition “A Day at the Beach. Danish Art at the Water’s Edge 1830–1910” quite literally brings the beach into the coastal Johannes Larsen Museum in Kerteminde. Visitors can experience works by some of the country’s greatest artists in the beautiful surroundings of Funen.

The exhibition A Day at the Beach. Danish Art at the Water’s Edge 1830–1910 focuses on the beach as a motif in Danish art over nearly a century. It explores how the coast functioned as a subject for Danish artists during this period, and how the significance of the beach in art changed in step with social, cultural, and artistic developments.

Visitors to the Johannes Larsen Museum can experience works by, among others, P.S. Krøyer, Michael Ancher, Bertha Wegmann, Laurits Tuxen, Carl Locher, Vilhelm Kyhn, Fritz Syberg, Johannes Larsen, and many more.

You Danish Fresh Beach

Denmark is a coastal nation where the beach and the sea have historically been of decisive importance to the country’s development, economy, and cultural self-understanding. In a contemporary context, where climate, nature, and freedom increasingly shape public awareness, the beach emerges as a central symbol of the relationship between humanity and nature.

During the 19th century, artists increasingly turned their attention to the coast. Early works depict fishermen’s working conditions, dramatic shipwrecks, and the physical toil at the water’s edge. With industrialisation and societal change, as well as the bourgeoisie’s move to the countryside, artist colonies emerged, for example in Skagen. The beach motif subsequently changed in character and became more closely associated with recreation, leisure, and time spent in nature.

Kerteminde and the Beach

Kerteminde has a maritime history spanning several centuries, and in the early 20th century the small fishing town developed into a renowned seaside resort. With the establishment of the railway and the popular bathing trains, visitors flocked to the town’s beaches and local bathing facilities. New artistic movements emerged, including the Funen Painters and Vitalism, and in their art the beach became a motif of joy in life, movement, and sensuality.

Even today, many people continue to visit Kerteminde’s beaches during the summer months, making an exhibition about life at the beach particularly meaningful at the Johannes Larsen Museum, which is located close to the water with views of the Great Belt.

The exhibition is curated by The Hirschsprung Collection and will be shown at the Johannes Larsen Museum from 25 January to 3 May 2026. During the exhibition period, the museum will host events, guided tours, and family activities inspired by the natural and cultural history of the coast.

Thanks for the support of
Albani Fonden, Carl and Sinna Blicher-Retpens Fond, Den Faberske Fond, Kerteminde Museumsforening, Consul George Jorck and Wife Emma Jorck’s Foundation, Møllerens Fond, Tulle and Nans Fond, and Dansk Tennis Fond.

Image: Laurits Tuxen, Fisherman’s Wife by the Beach. Le Portel, 1888. Oil on canvas. 22 × 32 cm. Collection Peris & Jensen. Photo: Juan Peiro.