[1] The museum is among Denmark's major contemporary and modern art collections, holding a variety of international cultural works and exhibitions.

The museum focuses on an overview of contemporary and modern art, presenting cultural and research-based exhibitions, architecture and design, sculptures, paintings, prints, site installations and mixed-media displays.

The initial idea was for Arken to be located on the beach as a characteristic maritime architectural form to reflect its Danish title.

[10] Arken underwent two major renovation and expansion projects, designed by original architect Søren Robert Lund alongside C.F.

The museum encompassed permanent collections and donations of works from 2005-2008 by Damien Hirst, Marc Quinn, Mona Hatoum, Jeppe Hein, Jeff Koons and Elmgreen & Dragset.

The expansion allowed the museum to shift its focus on paintings, design and artworks on paper to include sculptural works.

[1] The refurbishment consisted of 3 sections: a new sculpture gallery and main entrance by Søren Robert Lund, and education and experience workshop areas designed by Anna Maria Indrio of CF Møller Architects.

The museum removed load-bearing walls or columns in all individual rooms, with the new exhibition hall structured as four white quadrants.

Detlefs Foundation lent financial support to the new 1,100 square metres (12,000 sq ft) extension, both donating approximately $10 million.

"[3] The museum was moved to an island, instead of the original plan of a beach-side placement, due to environmental conservation factors regarding ecological balance and heritage.

A research-based series of exhibitions was held in 2008–2011 at Arken Museum of Modern Art, comprising works of "A Chinese railroad, a floor and wall painting and a corridor full of fog".

"[clarification needed][25] The museum displayed large-scale installation of saris, artistic replications of street vendors and high-tech shadow plays.

[27] The exhibition was in collaboration with Kröller-Müller Museum, exclusively focusing on humanity, religion and nature as thematic retrospect on Van Gogh's art.