The all embracing artist Theodor Kittelsen
Since King Harald V opened the Kittelsen Museum at the Cobalt Mines in 1993, we have worked continuously to create Norway's largest and broadest collection of Theodor Kittelsen's original works.
When you visit the museum today, majestically located on Skuterudhøyden (350 metres above sea level) overlooking Tyrifjorden, Modum and Ringerike, one of the things that will impress you is the breadth of the popular all-round artist Theodor Kittelsen's art.
Goblins and trolls, landscapes and wood carvings, The Nix and Pesta, oil paintings and drawings, Kittelsen's bear skull and personal belongings. Here you will find everything. Now we have dedicated the entire museum to the all embracing artist Theodor Kittelsen. Motifs from Sigdal and Lofoten have their places of honor and finally the entire “Tirelil Tove” series, 12 fantastic motifs that tell the story of Tirelil Tove, is in place together with the rest of our collection, which counts over a hundred large and small works.
To visit The Kittelsen Museum is a visit into the Norwegian folk soul. The all embracing artist Theodor Kittelsen 's depictions of nature, mystery and humor are an experience not to be missed.
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!
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.
