Museum Ovartaci
Museum Ovartaci in Aarhus opens the door to a wondrous world where you can explore the many facets of the human mind. The exhibition raises questions aiming to challenge common perceptions and prejudices and encourages dialogue on difficult topics - such as identity and normality.
The foundation of Museum Ovartaci rests on two inseparable collections - a psychiatric history collection with items from the first psychiatric hospital in Denmark from 1852 up to today, and an internationally recognized art collection of works created by people with psychiatric diagnoses.
In Museum Ovartaci's permanent exhibition, the museum's two collections interact dynamically, highlighting current topics about the human mind.
Ovartaci – the Chief Lunatic
The centrepiece of the Museum is the artist Ovartaci who spent 56 years as a patient at the hospital. His completely unique style illustrates both the institution, the history and the freedom to express oneself through art. Ovartaci was born at Ebeltoft in Denmark and christened Louis Marcussen. He came up with the name Ovartaci himself – as a way of tweaking the Danish word ‘Overtosse’ (Chief Lunatic).
Ovartaci’s unique art affects everybody – not because he was a psychiatric patient or strange, but because of the undeniable strength and artistic quality that can be found in his work.
A Unique Insight into Psychiatry
Museum Ovartaci's artists provide a unique insight into the fragile and multifaceted mind. Through their art, the artists show that the world can look quite different than we thought.
The museum is involved in a wide range of partnerships and collaborations, offers children and youth activities, and runs the non-referred offer for mentally vulnerable individuals - The Creative Workshop "Frirummet."
The museum is easily accessible for wheelchair users. You can get directly to the museum with the Light Rail L2 (stop Nehrus Allé) or city bus 6a (stop Olof Palmes Allé). There are also free parking spaces.
Free admission for children and young people up to the age of 27
All children under the age of 18 have free admission to Museum Ovartaci, but from 17 May 2024 until 17 May 2025, the museum also invites young people between the ages of 18 and 27 to visit the museum for free.