Theodor Kittelsen-museet

About the museum

The Kittelsen museum came about after Theodor Kittelsen's children, Nanna and Helge Theodor, contacted Blaafarveværket in 1987 with a wish for a permanent museum for their father's art. They wanted to give part of the family's objects and drawings to the museum. The proposal fitted well with the work under way at the Koboltgruvene, and a former residential house for mine workers high up on Skuterudhøyden was taken into use as the national Kittelsen museum. King Harald V opened the museum on 21 May 1993.

Since the opening, the collection has grown through annual purchases of paintings and drawings. Today it comprises over a hundred original works in various techniques. Among the main works are “Nøkken på hvit hest” (“Nøkken on a White Horse”, 1909), “Bergtrold” (“Mountain Troll”, 1905) and the series “Tirelil Tove” with twelve motifs. Some works owned by Sparebankstiftelsen DNB are on deposit at the museum.

The latest extension was completed in 2021 and provided more exhibition space, including a meditation room with a view over Modum, Tyrifjorden and Ringerike. The museum lies at 350 metres above sea level and is part of Blaafarveværket, which also runs mine tours and museums at the Koboltgruvene.

Highlights

• Over a hundred original works by Theodor Kittelsen in various techniques
• Main works such as “Nøkken på hvit hest” (1909) and “Bergtrold” (1905)
• The series “Tirelil Tove” with twelve motifs
• Meditation room with a view over Modum, Tyrifjorden and Ringerike
• Free admission and a small shop with Kittelsen books and souvenirs

Permanent exhibition

• Kittelsens originaler – Permanent exhibition of paintings, drawings and other works by Theodor Kittelsen, including the nøkken (water sprite), trolls and the Tirelil Tove series.

Founded

1993

Operated by

Blaafarveværket

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission. A ticket is needed only for the guided mine tours and the art exhibition at Blaafarveværket.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 Koboltgruvene and the Kittelsen museum are adapted and easy to access. Wheelchairs can be borrowed, there are accessible toilets and separate parking spaces for wheelchair users. Contact Blaafarveværket on +47 32 77 88 00 with questions about accessibility arrangements.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

From Blaafarveværket it is an eight-kilometre drive along the old Malmveien road up to the Koboltgruvene.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Small shop in the museum with books about Kittelsen and Kittelsen souvenirs of its own. The mine inn (Gruvekroa) and the mine shop are at the Koboltgruvene.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit