COME CLOWN - Børglum Kloster

Art at the Abbey – Come Clown

For many years, Børglum Abbey has been a centre for art, culture, and history in North Jutland. The historic buildings and atmospheric exhibition spaces provide a unique setting for changing art exhibitions featuring both established and acclaimed artists.

Today, the abbey is owned and inhabited by the 6th and 7th generations of the Rottbøll family. Anne and Hans Rottbøll have opened the abbey to visitors, creating a vibrant cultural destination where art exhibitions, monastic history, and manor house life come together.

Current Exhibition: Come Clown

This autumn, Børglum Abbey presents Come Clown, featuring works by the artist couple Helle Abildgaard and Viggo Salting.

Over a number of years, they were the only artists to immerse themselves in life behind the scenes of the legendary Circus Benneweis. They followed the touring circus under the leadership of Eli Benneweis from 1985 until his death in 1993.

Through drawings, paintings, and graphic works, they documented daily life behind the circus ring, creating a unique artistic insight into the world of the circus.

Their fascination with the circus continues to inspire their art today.

In his works, Viggo Salting explores the psychological interplay between the White Clown, the Auguste clown, and the person behind the mask. Helle Abildgaard tells stories through her images, where performers, animals, and the magical universe of the circus merge into atmospheric narratives.

Viggo Salting is also the artist behind the Danish Circus Award, which is presented annually to a prominent figure within Danish circus arts.

Art in Historic Surroundings

A visit to Børglum Abbey offers much more than an art exhibition. Visitors can explore the abbey’s rich history, visit the church, and experience a range of permanent exhibitions.

One of the abbey’s most remarkable treasures is its unique replica of the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Created over 14 years by nine embroiderers, the approximately 70-metre-long reproduction can today be viewed in the Abbey’s former stables.

Over the years, Børglum Abbey has also welcomed many distinguished artists, including Peter Brandes, Mikael Melbye, and Esben Hanefeldt Kristensen.

The combination of art, history, and architecture makes Børglum Abbey a fascinating destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and families alike.