Henning Larsen's Vestjyllands Kunstpavillon in Videbæk, Denmark, captured by Kim Høltermand is a striking architectural ode to the relationship between structure and nature.
Floating on the edge of a serene lake in the town's park, the pavilion blends effortlessly with its surroundings, while simultaneously asserting a bold, sculptural presence. The design concept, inspired by a traditional Japanese tea house, carries an understated elegance, where Larsen’s signature diagonal facade system reflects the swaying movement of rushes and trees around the lake. These diagonal elements, coupled with a central skylight, foster an interior bathed in natural light, creating a contemplative, adaptable space for a variety of exhibitions.
The extension, completed in 2017, added 400 square meters to the pavilion, continuing Larsen’s architectural vision while incorporating new branding and wayfinding elements. This new wing, designed in harmony with the original structure, features Henning Larsen Plaza luminaires and ensures full wheelchair accessibility. The architectural form remains centered around a delicate balance between nature and built form, with the new facade echoing the lake’s natural rhythms. The pavilion’s connection to its parkland site is palpable, inviting visitors to experience art as an integrated part of the landscape.
A highlight of the expanded space is the permanent exhibition dedicated to the artist Arne Haugen Sørensen. Made possible through a donation of 70 artworks, this addition provides a dedicated gallery space that allows Haugen Sørensen’s paintings, sculptures, and watercolors to interact seamlessly with Larsen's light-filled, airy architecture. The pavilion, run by passionate local volunteers, has become a cultural landmark, enhancing the town’s identity while offering a modern sanctuary for art and nature to coexist.
