Museet Erkebispegården

About the museum

The Archbishop's Palace (Erkebispegården) in Trondheim was the archbishop's residence and administrative centre in Norway until the Reformation, and it was home to 27 archbishops. After the Reformation the palace became the king's property and was called Kongsgården. At the end of the 17th century the military took over the complex and used it as a storehouse. Together with Nidaros Cathedral, the palace has a special place in Norwegian history.

In 1983 two large timber buildings in Erkebispegården burned down to the ground. Museet Erkebispegården was built on the fire site, where archaeologists from twelve countries took part in one of the largest excavations in Norway, with around 160,000 finds and over 100 house foundations. The most remarkable find was three coin workshops stacked on top of each other. The lowest, which belonged to Archbishop Gaute Ivarsson, is displayed in the museum as it was found, and is considered the smallest and northernmost coin workshop in the world.

The museum also shows models of how the palace looked in different periods, and a sculpture park with original sculptures from Nidaros Cathedral, including pieces from the west front and the well-known Olavsfrontalet (the St Olav altar frontal) from the first half of the 14th century. In the west wing is the Riksregalieutstillingen (regalia exhibition) with the Norwegian royal crown, the queen's crown and the other regalia, which were made mainly for Carl Johan's coronation in Nidaros Cathedral in 1818. The same wing also houses Rustkammeret, the armoury of the Armed Forces Museum (Forsvarsmuseet).

Highlights

• The smallest and northernmost coin workshop in the world, as it was found
• Original sculptures from Nidaros Cathedral and the 14th-century Olavsfrontalet
• The Riksregalieutstillingen with the royal crown and other Norwegian regalia
• Archaeological finds from the excavations at Erkebispegården
• Models of Erkebispegården through different periods
• Combined ticket with Nidaros Cathedral

Permanent exhibitions

• Museet Erkebispegården – Archaeological finds from the excavations at Erkebispegården, models of the palace and original sculptures from Nidaros Cathedral.
• Riksregalieutstillingen – The Norwegian royal crown, the queen's crown and the other regalia, with the story of the monarchy and the coronation traditions in Norway.

Operated by

Nidaros Domkirkes Restaureringsarbeider (NDR)

Admission & discounts

The ticket applies to both Museet Erkebispegården and the Riksregalieutstillingen. Entry tickets are sold at the visitor centre, and the museum recommends buying tickets in advance.

Accessibility

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

Nidaros Cathedral and Erkebispegården are adapted for visitors with reduced mobility as far as possible, but the buildings make adaptation difficult. A disabled WC (HCWC) is available in the visitor centre. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed; other dogs are not.

Kids & families

Children aged 0–7 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Erkebispegården is in central Trondheim, right next to Nidaros Cathedral.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café To Tårn and a gift shop in the visitor centre at Bispegata 5. Large bags, rucksacks and suitcases cannot be taken inside.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The oldest part of Erkebispegården is used for formal receptions and dinners and can be rented.

Plan your visit