Stavanger kunstmuseum

About the museum

Stavanger kunstmuseum grew out of the permanent gallery of Stavanger kunstforening (Stavanger Art Association). The history of the collection began on 11 February 1865, when consul Jens Z. Kielland, father of Kitty and Alexander Kielland, became chairman of the newly founded art association, whose main aim was to build up an art collection. Throughout the 19th century works by, among others, Lars Hertervig, Kitty Kielland, Hans Gude, Harriet Backer and Christiane Schreiber entered the collection. The association got permanent premises on the ground floor of Stavanger Museum in 1893 and built a temporary gallery in Madlaveien in 1915.

In 1966 public responsibility for the collection was taken over, and it was separated into the foundation Stavanger Faste Galleri (Stavanger Permanent Gallery), which in 1990 was renamed Rogaland kunstmuseum, today Stavanger kunstmuseum. In 1992 the museum moved into its present premises in Mosvannsparken, designed by the architect Per Faltinsen. The collection is centred on the country’s largest Lars Hertervig collection and a growing collection of Kitty Kielland’s paintings. In addition, the Jan Groth and Steingrim Laursen collection and the Trond Mohn collection of 67 contemporary artworks, given as a gift in 2012, are included.

The museum has around 3,500 artworks, shows three to five exhibitions at a time, and has the interactive exhibition room NONA with the workshop Studio Nona. Because of roof renovation the museum has been closed since 16 March 2026 and reopens on 14 November 2026.

Highlights

• Norway’s largest collection of Lars Hertervig
• Paintings by Kitty Kielland
• The Jan Groth and Steingrim Laursen collection
• The Trond Mohn collection of contemporary art
• NONA with Studio Nona

Founded

1865

Operated by

Museum Stavanger (MUST)

Admission & discounts

One ticket gives admission to all open MUST museums on the same day. 25% discount with Aftenbladet Fordel.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchairs can be used in the museum. The exhibition halls are on two floor levels with a lift; the rest of the public area is on one level. The museum has a revolving door (karuselldør). There is no special provision for reduced sight or hearing, but certified guide dogs are permitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Children under 18 have free admission. The museum has a Family Sunday (first time after the reopening, 15 November 2026, 11:00–16:00) and the interactive room NONA with Studio Nona.

Getting there & parking

It is about a 40-minute walk or a 15-minute bike ride from Stavanger city centre via the pedestrian and cycle path through Kannik and along Mosvatnet.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café and museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Plan your visit