Skagens Museum
Skagen’s Museum is an internationally reputable museum dedicated to the painters of Skagen, the artist colony with painters such as Krøyer, Anna & Mic...
Culture and history in Skagen
Photo:Peter Jørgensen& Skagens Kunstmuseer
Immerse yourself in Skagen’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant history – from iconic artists and the unique light that has inspired generations to fascinating museums and historical landmarks that tell the town’s unique story.
The Skagen Painters
The members of this group came to Skagen primarily to paint in the distinctive light that existed – and still exists – here. However, they also came for other reasons, particularly to find inspiration in Skagen’s unique nature and the people who lived there.
The residents of Skagen lived a life of "true" values, untouched by the roaring industrial society that had transformed Denmark a few decades earlier. The Skagen Painters were inspired by the impressionists, often painting outdoors, creating naturalistic images of the sea, realistic depictions of fishermen and their hard, dangerous lives, as well as everyday scenes of nature and ordinary people.
©P.S. Krøyer: "Hip, hip, hurra!". (1888)Photo:Kirsten Bojstup
The Skagen Painters were not a fixed group of artists, and they likely did not consider themselves part of a collective. Most of them were quite different, and some stayed in Skagen only briefly. The most famous members include the couple Anna and Michael Ancher, P.S. Krøyer, and later Tuxen.
Hip hip hurra! This iconic painting by P.S. Krøyer, completed in 1888 after four years of work, is perhaps the most famous piece of Skagen’s art legacy.
The Skagen Painters helped usher in the so-called modern breakthrough in Nordic art, drawing inspiration from France. Their works can be found in many Scandinavian museums, especially at Skagens Museum and Anchers Hus.
Michael Ancher: "The Drowned" (1896), Skagen's Art Museums.
©Michael Ancher: ”Den druknede”. (1896)Photo:Skagens Kunstmuseer
Art in Skagen
At the northern tip of the European continent, an artist collective in the late 19th century discovered the special light and brought it to life in both high and humble scenes of the small fishing community. This gave the town international renown and a unique place in art history. The art created then remains unparalleled and continues to play a significant role in Skagen’s identity.
Historical Skagen
Skagen is steeped in history – from the Buried Church and the iconic Vippefyret to fascinating museums that tell the town’s unique story. Take a tour to learn about Skagen’s cultural heritage, which has shaped both its art and history.
About Skagen
Skagen is more than just a popular holiday destination; it is a place with a deep and fascinating history. The town originated as a fishing settlement in the early Middle Ages, where fishing was the foundation of its existence, although agriculture was also practiced in the surrounding area of Højen, now Old Skagen. In 1413, Skagen gained town privileges and became an important trading hub in the 15th and 16th centuries, primarily through fish exports. However, the town was severely affected by storms and flooding from the late 16th century, and fishing declined during the 17th century.
The golden age of Skagen as a town gradually waned, and by the 17th and 18th centuries, it subsisted on small-scale fishing and income from salvage operations. Despite these challenges, Skagen’s unique location attracted an artist colony in the 1870s, which played a central role in the town’s development. The artists’ presence brought cultural growth and laid the foundation for the tourism that has since become an essential part of Skagen’s identity.
The railway from Frederikshavn opened in 1890, prompting the town’s development with new streets, commerce, and an increasing number of tourists. A harbor was constructed in the early 20th century, mainly for fishing, and from 1930 to 1960, the population grew significantly. As tourism flourished, it surpassed fishing in importance, transforming Skagen into a town that attracts artists and visitors from around the world.
