MAPS – Museum of Art in Public Spaces creates engaging experiences for local, national, and international audiences through a wide range of exhibitions, art projects, research, education, and events. MAPS is present both in the museum building in Køge and in public spaces, where art fosters new encounters between people and places and addresses current societal issues through ambitious art projects.
From 2025 onwards, MAPS will expand its activities with a dual focus: The Story of Public Art, a semi-permanent art history exhibition, will be established in the museum building, while MAPS will also branch out into an extensive network of public spaces with new art projects.
With The Story of Public Art, MAPS will, for the first time, offer a comprehensive narrative on contemporary art in public spaces’ recent art history. This ambitious, globally oriented exhibition showcases significant historical examples of art’s ability to engage societal questions and everyday life and create lasting changes. Through The Story of Public Art, MAPS offers a solid foundation for understanding and experiencing art in public spaces. In continuation hereof, MAPS will cultivate new partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations contributing to the production and development of future art in urban spaces, landscapes, digital platforms, and media based public spheres.
Education
MAPS offers engaging educational programs aimed at making art a vital and active asset in the education of children and young people. Education is a central aspect of the museum’s work, and since 2018, MAPS has developed a specific practice and pedagogical methods for teaching art in public spaces. Learn more about MAPS’ educational initiatives.
Research
Research plays a fundamental role in MAPS’ work as an independent, professional institution and voice, qualifying and debating art in public spaces. The museum initiates research that academically strengthens the field and challenges the understanding and development of art in public spaces, both nationally and internationally. MAPS’ research focuses on projects that connect the museum’s activities to art-historical and current developments and positions within the field. Additionally, it engages in collaborative projects that generate new knowledge, which can be applied in practice.
Collection
MAPS collects, registers, and preserves the material and digital traces of public art projects to ensure they are maintained for future generations and accessible to the present. The collection consists of over 18,000 unique sketches, models, and preparatory works for art in public spaces, along with an archive documenting processes and discussions surrounding the art. The museum’s collection and registration practices bridge the gap between the artistic preparatory works and the archive’s documentation of processes, events, and interactions involving art in public spaces and its engagement with citizens, situations, and contexts in different public spaces.
The museum’s acquisitions focus on expanding and strengthening the collection with significant works and projects that have influenced the development of the field of public art, both nationally and internationally with emphasis on works situated in urban and landscape settings.
History
The museum was founded in 1977 as Køge Skitsesamling and has been known as KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces since 2009. From January 14, 2025, the museum will be called MAPS – Museum of Art in Public Spaces.
Becoming CLIMAVORE
Cooking Sections, CLIMAVORE: On Tidal Zones, 2017-ongoing. Installation view, Isle of Skye, Scotland. Courtesy: the artists. Photo: Cooking Sections.
MAPS is conscious of the environmental challenges facing our society. Since 2022, the museum has been part of the international network Becoming CLIMAVORE, initiated by the London-based artist duo Cooking Sections. MAPS’ involvement in Becoming CLIMAVORE is integrated into various activities—from exhibitions, event programs, and educational initiatives to the café menu and our annual food market. Learn more about MAPS’ role in Becoming CLIMAVORE.
Contact
MAPS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
info@mapsmuseum.com / tlf. +45 56 67 60 20
DIRECTOR
Malene Natascha Ratcliffe
mnr@mapsmuseum.com
ALL INQUIRIES REGARDING:
PRESS AND MARKETING
Head of Communications
Karoline Graugaard Boisen
klgb@mapsmuseum.com / tlf. + 45 31 32 96 69
EVENTS
Senior curator
Kit Leunbach
kl@mapsmuseum.com / +45 24 90 20 77
EDUCATION
Head of educational programme
Sofie Andreassen
san@mapsmuseum.com / tlf. +45 56 67 60 31
GUIDED TOURS
Senior museum host & digital coordinator
Emilie Marie Pedersen
emp@mapsmuseum.com / tlf. +45 53 89 38 88
EXHIBITIONS AND CURATING
Director Malene Natascha Ratcliffe
mnr@mapsmuseum.com
Senior curator Irene Campolmi
ic@mapsmuseum.com
Senior curator Kit Leunbach
kl@mapsmuseum.com
CAFÉ AND SHOP
Museum and hospitality
Sara Sønderskov Ravn
ss@mapsmuseum.com / tlf. +45 31 31 90 91
COLLECTION
Head of collection and production
Ieva Ose
io@mapsmuseum.com
RESEARCH
Director Malene Natascha Ratcliffe
mnr@mapsmuseum.com
FINANCE AND HR
Account Manager
Karin Krüger Søndergaard
kks@mapsmuseum.com
Inge Meilbak
ime@mapsmuseum.com