KUBEN

About the museum

KUBEN is the museum and archive for Aust-Agder and is located at Langsæ farm on the outskirts of Arendal city centre. The institution was founded on 8 March 1832 as Arendals Skoles offentlige Bibliothek og Museum (Arendal School's Public Library and Museum), one of Norway's first museums, and in 1840 moved into a purpose-built museum building on Tyholmen. In 1951 it became Aust-Agder-Museet, and the archive was separated out as its own institution in 1958.

In 2003 the Aust-Agder kulturhistoriske senter (Aust-Agder Cultural History Centre) was formed, and in 2015, KUBEN became part of Aust-Agder museum og arkiv (AAma) together with Grimstad bys museer and Setesdalsmuseet. The new museum building at Langsæ was opened on 19 November 2014 by Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and the building was given the name KUBEN.

The exhibitions cover everything from the Stone Age and the Viking Age to childhood in the 20th century, the slave trade, the 1886 bank crash in Arendal and shipping. On the farmstead stand older buildings such as Langsæ gård and Aust-Agder-tunet. KUBEN is also the archive depot for the municipalities of the former Aust-Agder and manages large photo collections and maritime archives. During the summer season, the Merdøgaard museum on the island of Merdø also operates as a branch.

Highlights

• The exhibition “Livstegn” (Signs of Life) from the Stone Age to the Viking Age
• “Krakket i Arendal 1886” (The Crash in Arendal)
• “De hvide Seil” (The White Sails) about people and ships
• Childhood exhibition for children
• Older buildings at Langsæ gård and Aust-Agder-tunet
• Archive and reading room for genealogists

Permanent exhibitions

• Livstegn – Exhibition about life in Aust-Agder from the Stone Age to the Viking Age.
• Barndom – Exhibition about what it was like to grow up in the 20th century, made for children.
• De hvide Seil – Newer exhibition about people and ships, told through stories.

Founded

1832

Operated by

Aust-Agder museum og arkiv IKS

Admission & discounts

Tickets are bought online. An annual pass gives free access to KUBEN and 39 other museums and sites in Aust-Agder and Vest-Agder, and is available as family and single cards.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchairs can be borrowed at reception, and there is a lift in all floors. Accessible parking is available at the entrance from Ragnvald Blakstadsvei. The older buildings at Langsæ gård and Aust-Agder-tunet are not built according to universal design principles, so access may be limited. Adapted guided tours for visually impaired visitors can be arranged.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children and young people up to and including 18 enter free of charge. The museum has the exhibition “Barndom” (Childhood), made for children, and special offers such as Babytirsdag (Baby Tuesday) and Øy for barn (Island for Children).

Getting there & parking

KUBEN is located at Langsæ farm on the outskirts of Arendal city centre, at Parkveien 16.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Oselia café.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Meeting rooms can be hired.

Plan your visit