Current exhibition

Rasmus Klump visits Thyborøn together with all his friends aboard the good ship, Mary! Experience our new exhibition about the lovable little bear and all his wonderful friends as they explore Thyborøn. See Rasmus Klump, Skæg, Pelle, Pingo, Gøjen, and Pildskadden beautifully sculpted in crystal-clear ice.

An ice-cold tribute to a beloved Danish classic

When you step into the frozen world of Iskunsten, you encounter far more than an exhibition of familiar characters. You also experience an important part of Danish cultural history. In 2026, it will be 75 years since Rasmus Klump first appeared in print. For three quarters of a century, the good-natured bear has been a cherished part of childhood for generations of children—not only in Denmark, but also in many countries around the world. This anniversary makes this year's exhibition in Thyborøn much more than a family attraction; it is also a tribute to one of Denmark's most successful comic series of all time.

 

75 years of adventure, friendship and pancakes

The beloved bear was created by the husband-and-wife team Carla and Vilhelm Hansen. They shared the work between them: Vilhelm Hansen illustrated the characters and their distinctive surroundings, while Carla Hansen wrote the stories and dialogue. The stories follow Rasmus Klump and his loyal friends as they travel around the world. Aboard their ship, Mary, which they build themselves, they meet new people, animals and cultures. Their adventures are rarely about defeating enemies. Instead, the stories are driven by cooperation, ingenuity and a willingness to help others. Perhaps this is exactly why the series has remained relevant across generations. Although the world has changed dramatically since the early 1950s, its core values are still easy to relate to and aspire to.

These same values form the foundation of the exhibition Rasmus Klump visits Thyborøn. Here you can meet Rasmus Klump and his friends as they explore Thyborøn and its maritime surroundings. In this way, the familiar story is brought together with the town hosting the exhibition, creating an experience where imagination, curiosity and the local environment come together.

Many people naturally associate Rasmus Klump with the pancakes prepared by mother Mary before every great adventure—and again when the friends return home. The pancakes have become one of the series' most recognizable trademarks and are now almost as iconic as Rasmus Klump's red polka-dot trousers. His friends have also earned a special place in the hearts of Danish readers. Pingo, Pelle and Skæg each bring their own unique personalities and humour, and the chemistry between the characters is one of the key reasons for the series' enduring popularity.

 

Imagination, crystal-clear ice and sub-zero temperatures

Creating characters from ice requires both artistic talent and exceptional technical skill. Although ice may seem fragile, it is surprisingly strong when kept at a stable temperature. Every sculpture begins as massive blocks of crystal-clear ice, which are shaped using chainsaws, chisels, saws and specialized tools. Throughout the process, the artists must constantly take the material's unique properties into account. Ice responds to both temperature and pressure, and even a small mistake can cause a delicate detail to break. The work therefore demands great precision, while the artists continually assess proportions, light and surface textures to bring the sculptures to life.

For children, the exhibition is first and foremost an opportunity to meet familiar characters in an entirely new form. Many are captivated by standing face to face with towering ice sculptures illuminated so that the figures seem to glow from within. Adults often appreciate the technical craftsmanship and precision behind each sculpture. As a result, the exhibition appeals to several generations at once—just like the timeless world of Rasmus Klump itself.

 

Experience the exhibition from 20. June - 27. september and again 1. October-1. November 2026

The artists behind this exhibition are:

Peter Hausgaard Gregersen
Mikkel Duusgaard
Alberte Grau Møller
Morten Grau Møller
Betina Brøj Rønn (Iskunsten)
Thierry Capezzone (Illustrator)