Gimle Gård

About the museum

Gimle Gård was built as a summer residence for the merchant Bernt Holm and his family. The main house was raised in two stages, the first part from 1797 and the second from 1807, and an English landscape park was laid out around the house. Between 1770 and 1820, about thirty such country estates were built around Kristiansand; they were places for social life and model farms for modern agriculture.

The estate gradually became a year-round home and passed down through five generations. The last owner, Ottilie (Titti) Arenfeldt Omdal, ran the estate until her death in 1982, and she bequeathed it to Kristiansand municipality on the condition that the house, its contents and the park were preserved. Gimle opened to the public in June 1985.

Today the main house stands as it was then, with furnishings and an atmosphere that tell of the political, cultural and social currents of the last two hundred years. Vest-Agder-museet, department Kristiansand museum, is responsible for the house. The park is shared with Naturmuseum og botanisk hage ved Universitetet i Agder.

Highlights

• Country estate from 1797–1807 with English landscape park
• The house has stood untouched since 1982
• The Malerisalen (painting room) is used for concerts and lectures
• Guided tours and plays in the summer
• Shares its site with Naturmuseum and botanic garden

Permanent exhibition

• Det urørte hjemmet – The main house is preserved as it was when its last owner died, with furniture and contents from several generations.

Founded

1985

Operated by

Vest-Agder-museet IKS (avdeling Kristiansand museum)

Admission & discounts

Adult ticket from age 18. Naturmuseum og botanisk hage in the same park requires a separate ticket.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• 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

The entrance is one flight of steps up from the courtyard, and there is no lift or ramp. The doors are wide enough for a wheelchair if both door leaves are opened, but there are stairs between the floors and high door thresholds, and not all rooms are accessible. There is a toilet on the ground floor, but no accessible (HC) toilet. Dogs are not allowed inside. There is HC parking at Naturmuseet, a three-minute walk from the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children's tours and outdoor activities on Thursdays in the summer season, and a treasure hunt for children.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

Food and drink are not allowed inside the estate without special permission.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 60 guests.

The painting room can be rented for concerts, lectures and meetings (seating for up to 60 people); the first hour costs NOK 2,500 and each additional hour NOK 1,900.

Plan your visit