Rustkammeret

About the museum

Rustkammeret is one of Norway’s oldest museums and was founded in 1826 as “Den historiske våbensal” (the Historical Armoury). The name comes from the armouries (rustkamre) of medieval castles and fortresses, where weapons were stored and repaired. The museum is housed in the Erkebispegården (Archbishop’s Palace) beside Nidaros Cathedral, which was used for defence purposes for over 300 years, from 1686 to 1988.

In 1967 the private Nordenfjeldske hjemmefrontmuseum (Home Front Museum) was established in the southern wing of the timber military storehouse building of the Erkebispegården, and in 1979 it became part of Rustkammeret. A fire in 1983 destroyed the two military storehouse buildings to the east and south, and the entire home front museum was lost. In 1987 the Armed Forces transferred the management of the Erkebispegården to the restoration work of Nidaros domkirke, but retained the right to use the premises it had in the building. The Hjemmefrontmuseet reopened in 1990 on the second floor of Rustkammeret.

Today the exhibitions in the Feltartillerifløyen (Field Artillery Wing) show both local and national military history, from Viking Age battles to the world wars, through weapons, uniforms and historical objects. The museum also offers guided tours to other military history sites in Central Norway and is part of Forsvarshistorisk museum.

Highlights

• Weapons, uniforms and objects from the defence history of Trøndelag
• The Erkebispegården (Archbishop’s Palace) beside Nidaros Cathedral
• The Hjemmefrontmuseet (Home Front Museum) on the second floor
• Guided tours to military history sites in Central Norway

Permanent exhibition

• Rustkammerets utstillinger i Feltartillerifløyen – The exhibitions give an insight into local and national military history, from Viking Age battles to the battles of the world wars, with weapons, uniforms and historical objects.

Founded

1826

Operated by

Forsvarshistorisk museum (Forsvaret)

Admission & discounts

Armed Forces personnel and veterans have free admission.

Accessibility

• Partially 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 museum is accessible for people with reduced mobility, with a wheelchair ramp, a lift and an accessible (HC) toilet. The Minne-fanehallen is not accessible by wheelchair. Parking for people with reduced mobility is arranged with reception. Dogs are not allowed inside the museum, except guide dogs and assistance dogs.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

A changing table for small children is in the toilet on the second floor. School classes and kindergartens have free admission.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the south-western building of the Erkebispegården beside Nidaros Cathedral.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit