Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum

About the museum

The idea for an industrial workers’ museum arose in 1978, and the closed Norsk Hydro power station at Vemork was early on identified as the site. The foundation Stiftelsen Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum was established in 1983, and the museum opened in the old power station on 20 June 1988. In 1995 it became a national museum.

Vemork was once one of the world’s largest power stations and was linked to Hydro’s production of artificial fertiliser and heavy water. The plant was shut down in 1971, and in 1977 the large factory building was destroyed by an explosion. The cellar where the heavy water was produced was found almost intact in 2017, and today it is part of the exhibition Tungtvannskjelleren.

Over time the museum was merged with several other museums, including Tinn museum, Heddal bygdetun, Rjukanbanen and Telemark Kunstmuseum in Notodden. Vemork is part of the World Heritage site Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage, and the museum tells the story of industrial society, working life and the wartime acts of sabotage against heavy water production.

Highlights

• Tungtvannskjelleren (Heavy Water Cellar) – interactive exhibition in the rediscovered cellar where heavy water was produced
• Maskinhallen (Machine Hall) with turbines and generators
• The experience of the heavy water saboteurs
• Sabotørstien (saboteurs’ trail), a guided 8 km walk from Rjukan Fjellstue to Vemork in summer
• Part of the World Heritage site Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage

Permanent exhibitions

• Tungtvannskjelleren – stedet som forandret verden – Interactive exhibition in the rediscovered cellar where heavy water was produced, and on why the site became so significant during the war.
• Maskinhallen – The old Machine Hall with turbines and generators shows how the power station produced electricity.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Stiftelsen Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum

Admission & discounts

The ticket to Vemork includes the Heavy Water Cellar. Tickets bought online are cheaper than tickets bought on site.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Ramp at the entrance and lift to all floors. Exhibition texts are in Norwegian and English. Visitors with a disabled parking permit can use the accessible parking space; others who need support can contact the museum. The walk from the general car park takes about 20 minutes, with steep sections and stairs.

Kids & families

Tegnekrok (Drawing Corner) and Oppdagelsesferd (Discovery Expedition) are experiences designed for children.

Getting there & parking

It is about a 20-minute walk from the car park to the museum, on steep paths and stairs. A minibus to and from the museum can be booked.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café Vemork on level 2 (first floor) serves hot and cold dishes, cakes and drinks with a view of Vemork. Open during museum opening hours from 1 June to 1 November; the rest of the year only for pre-booked groups. The museum shop sells souvenirs and gifts.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit