Eidsvoll 1814

About the museum

The Eidsvollsbygningen (Eidsvoll Building) is one of Norway’s foremost national symbols, as the place where the Constitution (Grunnloven) was written and adopted in 1814. At the time the house was a private home at Eidsvoll jernverk (ironworks), owned by Carsten Anker. The house is built of log timber and panelling and, when it was completed around 1770, was the largest timber building in the country. The large hall on the 2nd floor, which was never finished as the planned banqueting hall, was used for the meetings of the Riksforsamlingen (National Assembly) and is called the Rikssalen (the State Hall).

The state took over the building in 1851, and it was made ready for the first constitutional jubilee in 1864. Since then it has been restored for the jubilees every fifty years. The restoration up to 2014 aimed to recreate Anker’s interior with reconstructed wallpapers, colours, textiles and furnishings, and the basement with kitchen and servants’ quarters has been reconstructed and is included in the guided tour.

The museum comprises the Eidsvollsbygningen with side buildings and park area, and the visitor centre Wergelands hus with the Demokratisenteret for unge (Democracy Centre for Young People), an auditorium, a museum shop and Kafé Standpunkt. The exhibition in the Demokratisenteret takes visitors from 1814 to the present day and highlights threats to democracy. Eidsvoll 1814 is part of the Norsk Folkemuseum foundation.

Highlights

• The Eidsvollsbygningen and the Rikssalen where the Constitution was adopted
• Guided tour of the historic rooms from 1814
• Wergelands hus, the Democracy Centre with an exhibition for young people
• The reconstructed basement from Anker’s time
• Kafé Standpunkt with a view of the old industrial area
• Park along the Andelva

Permanent exhibitions

• Eidsvollsbygningen – Guided tour of the historic rooms where the Constitution was written and adopted in 1814, including the Rikssalen and the reconstructed basement.
• Demokratisenteret Wergelands hus – Exhibition that takes visitors from 1814 to the present day and addresses the responsibility we have as members of society, especially for young people between 15 and 20 years old.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Stiftelsen Norsk Folkemuseum

Director

Bård Frydenlund

Admission & discounts

OBOS members receive a discount. Tickets can be bought on arrival, but places on the tours of the Eidsvollsbygningen are limited, so advance purchase is recommended.

Accessibility

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

The Eidsvollsbygningen has a stair lift into the basement, step-free access to the ground floor and a lift between the ground floor and the 2nd floor, where the Rikssalen is; please notify staff of any special needs on arrival. Portable folding chairs are available for those who need to rest during the tour, and everyone must put on shoe covers (skotrekk) at the entrance. Wergelands hus has a threshold-free entrance and a wheelchair lift between two levels, is adapted for blind and partially sighted people with floor markings and contrasts, and has an accessible (HC) toilet. Accessible (HC) parking is at the main car park and outside the entrance to Wergelands hus.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Children always have free admission. During school holidays there are activities for children and families, and in summer families can solve a secret mission outdoors, try historical costumes and experience walking theatre (vandreteater) in the Eidsvollsbygningen. There is an outdoor playground between Wergelands hus and the Eidsvollsbygningen, and toilets and a changing room are in Wergelands hus.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located at Eidsvoll Verk, 60 km north of Oslo and 21 km north of Oslo Airport. From the E6, take exit 55 and follow the signs. From Eidsvoll Verk station it is 1.8 km (15–20 minutes) on foot.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Kafé Standpunkt has light dishes, coffee, cakes and ice cream, with a view of the Eidsvollsbygningen and a large terrace. The museum shop is in Wergelands hus. Food brought with you may be eaten in the park, which has tables and benches; barbecuing is not permitted.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Meeting and function rooms; to hire, call +47 22 12 36 50.

Plan your visit