The Kittelsen Museum
Explore one of the largest collections of Norwegian "fairytale artist" Theodor Kittelsen's originals.
Overlooking the whole of Modum, Tyrifjorden and Ringerike, the Kittelsen Museum is majestically located on Skuterudhøyden (350 metres above sea level) at the Cobalt Mines.
Theodor Kittelsen (1857–1914) is an artist most people in Norway have some relationship with. Elves and trolls, drawings and wood carvings, paintings and gadgets. Kittelsen was a multi-artist, and if you want to see the proof of just that, you should visit the Kittelsen Museum.
Do you like fairy tales, goblins and trolls? Or do you prefer being frightened by darker characters, like the shape-shifting water spirit Nøkken or Pesta, the plague hag? Either way, the Kittelsen Museum is not to be missed! There is also a small shop here with a large selection of books about Kittelsen - and Blaafarveværket's specially produced Kittelsen souvenirs.
A growing collection
Blaafarveværket's Kittelsen collection is constantly growing in number, which over the years has created a greater need for exhibition space. The collection has been created over 30 years and includes several major works, such as Nøkken (the Neck) as a white horse from 1909 and Bergtrold from 1905, not to mention the entire «Tirelil Tove” series, 12 fantastic motifs that tell the story of Tirelil Tove, as some of the highlights. The collection contains over a hundred of Kittelsen's originals in various techniques.
The latest extension to the museum opened in 2021 and even houses a meditation room with spectacular views across Modum, Tyrifjorden and Ringerike.
The story
The story about the Kittelsen Museum at the Cobalt Mines began in 1987, when Kittelsen’s surviving children, Nanna and Helge Theodor, knocked on the Cobalt Works’ door. Could we imagine building a permanent museum for Kittelsen’s art? In return, they offered to donate a number of their father’s personal items, including his furniture and painting supplies. Naturally, the answer was yes! This happened just as the Cobalt Works Museum was working to restore the industrial and cultural landmarks of the Cobalt Mines and open them to the public. It seems fitting that a former miners’ residence, with a majestic location on Skuterud Ridge, be transformed into a museum for an artist so inspired by the region’s nature and folktales.
On May 21, 1993, the Kittelsen Museum was officially opened by King Harald V. Since then, we have built up the collection with annual purchases of paintings and drawings, including such masterpieces as Nøkken as a white horse, 1909, New Years new, 1905, Houseman, 1913 and Bergtrold, 1905. The humorist Kittelsen appears in works such as Nisser og dverge bygger i berget,1907 and Å hutte tu! 1903. Several works owned by Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, has also been deposited with the museum and can be seen here.
The Kittelsen Museum follows the Cobalt Mines' opening hours and has free admission.
Are you a group that wants to plan a day with us? Take a look at our tour suggestions for groups and get in touch and we will create an unforgettable day for you!
