Paul Gadegaard in Højhuset
Herning Højskole houses one of the most remarkable examples of total decoration in Danish art history. When the school was built in 1962, artist Paul Gadegaard was invited to create a comprehensive artistic transformation of the central vestibule – a work where art and function are seamlessly.
Here, visitors encounter painted walls, doors, and ceilings, suspended sculptures, custom-designed lighting, and even the students’ mailboxes, all forming part of a unified artistic expression. The work is rooted in the spirit of Concrete Art – a visual language based on geometry, colour, and line, without symbolism. The art “is what it is.”
Gadegaard’s decoration is not only an aesthetic experience, but also a testament to shirt manufacturer Aage Damgaard’s vision: to bring art close to everyday life – into both the workplace and education.
Herning Højskole became a place where creativity and learning merged in modern surroundings. Today, Herning Højskole stands as a newly restored gem of Danish art and design heritage, where Paul Gadegaard’s work can still be experienced in its original architectural context.