The Works
... there is hardly a more idyllic spot in the Norwegian summer months than Blaafarveværket - stated when awarded MUSEUM OF THE YEAR
Blaafarveværket consists of a number of cultural heritage that convey an important phase in Norwegian industrial history. In the 1840s, Blaafarveværket was Norway's largest mining operation with significant exports to the world in general and Europe in particular. The old half-timbered houses from the end of the 18th century create a unique atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else. Blaafarveværket was one of the most technologically advanced companies in the mid-19th century and is one of the best-preserved technological monuments in Norway.
Blaafarveværket is idyllically located below Haugfossen waterfalls, along river Simoa's bank. We are widely recognized for our annual art exhibitions, Sunday concerts, home-cooked food and sale of unique blue glass. Our aim is that everyone should have something to look forward to when they visit us. In the Smeltery from 1779, the chemical smelting processes took place, while today it is our main hall for cultural events. The former operating buildings – the smithy, the distiller's workshop and the mill building – are today serving and selling points with historical exhibitions.
The Children's Farm is a popular meeting place for all generations, and is well arranged for close contact with the animals that live on the farm. here there are chickens, rabbits, goats, calves and other farm animals.
The Director of Cultural Heritage Hanna Geiran stated on 21 May 2022 that Blaafarveværket is a leading place for everyone in cultural heritage protection, when it comes to protection in use and value creation, but also development of the cultural environment and cultural heritage. In the development of the industrial museum Blaafarveværket, it has been important for director Tone Sinding Steinsvik to create spaces for people to meet. At Blaafarveværket, you are never far from a seat where you can enjoy the green surroundings.
... the park is appealing and idyllic, and has a distinctive character with a good balance in its varied content. And the park facility appears in line with the intentions of Blaafarveværket, is itself, and does not strive to imitate a specific style or fashion. The facility appears to be particularly well-maintained, considering the great wear and tear that comes with being one of Norway's major tourist destinations - from the judge's statement in the Nordic Green Space Award.
Kunstutstilling på The Works
Utstillingen “Alle snakker om skogen” på Blaafarveværket i 2024 vil vise et bredt utvalg motiver skapt av norske kunstnere på 1800-tallet, som hver på sin måte har gitt oss passasjer inn i skogens vidunderlige verden.
Opening hours
May 11 - June 21
| Tuesday - Sunday | 11-17 |
| Monday closed * | |
| * Pentecost Monday | 11-17 |
June 22 - August 18
| every day | 11-17 |
August 19 - September 22
| Tuesday - Sunday | 11-17 |
| Mondays closed |
Blaafarveværket is the old industrial area along the river Simoa, which for 50 years has been transformed from a collection of dilapidated buildings into one of Norway's most visited tourist attractions. Here you will be served industrial history, art exhibitions and experiences for all generations - in beautiful association and green surroundings.
The chemical processing from ore to blue color took place at the Blaa dye plant itself. After driving the ore by horse and cart from the Cobalt Mines to Haugfoss, and crushing in the crushing plant by the river Simoa, it was transported further across the river to Blaafarveværket. Here, cobalt ore, quartz and potash were fused together into blue glass, before being ground into a fine, blue color pigment.
The industrial area, which grew up beyond the 19th century, gradually became Norway's largest company. With over 2000 employees at most, this was a fairy tale story unparalleled in the Norwegian context. But as is well known, all adventures end, and in 1893 there was also a snap, snap, snout for Blaafarveværket.
The old log house is the first thing that meets you when you come here to Værket. Here you will find information about the whole region. Here you will also find a small kiosk, ticket sales (see below!) - and a small selection of our products.
It is important to us that the museum is available to everyone. That's why no parking fee or ticket to enter and use the area. The only ticket you can buy is for the art exhibition. Even the Sunday concerts in Glasshytten in the summer have free admission!
In Glasshytten you will find the exhibition «Blaafarvefabrikken - From cobalt ore to blue color». Here you can get to know the whole magical process on which the mining operations at the Cobalt Mines are built. From ore in stone to finished, blue color pigment at Blaafarveværket. In Glasshytten's main hall, where the large smelting furnaces were previously located, we also arrange concerts. The hall is also used as a party and dining room, and there is plenty of space (for around 300 people!).
Here it was once upon a time - you might have guessed it - a cooper's workshop and smithy. Today, however, barrels have been replaced with tasty meals. This has become the Kroa itself at Blaafarveværket, where we serve delicious homemade food from our kitchen.
In the wheelhouse were the water wheels that drove the color production at Værket. Here you can see Blaafarveværket's historical and technical production processes. You will also find a presentation of Blaafarveværket's archive material.
In Farvemøllen, the molten glass was finely crushed into blue toner. Here you will now find "The Blue Shop" - with Scandinavia's largest sale of cobalt-colored glass! Here you can also get to know Blaafarveværket's customer base from all over the world, which is presented in a permanent collection of old cobalt blue glass and porcelain.
The children's farm is always a hit with the little ones. Here you will find a number of kind animals, old work tools and farm buildings. It also has its own lunch area. For what is cozier than enjoying a delicious packed lunch while the hens trip around nearby?
At Blaafarveværket, opposite Glasshytten, there is a cave in the mountains. Some people think it's a little mysterious. And in all the years, visitors, young and old, have been drawn to this cave - and wondered what it is. Someone wonders if this is the Cobalt Mines themselves? Others create their own theories about the cave, and many children believe that the troll lives there. The mystery is still alive, but the area of use is clear: For now, the cave has become the CHILDREN'S BULDRE Cave! Read more here!
Since 1978, the Blaafarveværk's annual art exhibition has shown Scandinavian art of high quality to a wide audience. In the exhibition building we have our own bookstore with a wide selection of our own art literature, cards and posters.
We are concerned that Blaafarveværket is a place where you can be. That's why we spend a lot of resources on keeping it green and nice here. The large, award-winning park has both tables and money - and is popular places for picnics and recreation. There is also a playground for the little ones.
On hot days, the swimming area is a tempting haunt, with swimming and fishing opportunities in the river Simoa.
The village yard with old buildings from the region is home to the popular Children's Farm, where many get in close contact with animals for the first time. Here you will also find a separate lunch area.
Blaafarveværket is surrounded by beautiful nature, and is the starting point for several cultural trails that are marked - both Haugfossen Rundt and Nymoen Rundt. These are exciting and educational tours in the local area that show more of Blaafarveværket's history.
