Lillesand Town- and Maritime Museum

Lillesand Town- and Maritime Museum (Lillesand By- og Sjøfartsmuseum) is the local history museum of Lillesand, a small coastal town in Agder county on Norway's southern coast. It tells the story of the town through its ships, its merchant houses and the everyday life of the people who lived here.

What is the museum about?

The museum is devoted to the cultural history of Lillesand, with a strong focus on the sea. Shipbuilding, seafaring and the way the town developed from the 1800s onwards are the main themes. The collections include ship models, paintings and displays of crafts and daily work.

Where is it and who runs it?

The museum stands in the centre of Lillesand, in the municipality of the same name. It was established in 1970. For a period it belonged to a wider regional museum organisation, but since 2012 it has again been run by Lillesand Municipality. Anne Sophie Hoegh-Omdal has served as museum director since 1 May 2010.

What will I see in the main building?

The museum is housed in Carl Knudsen-gården, an old merchant's property. The main house dates from 1827 and is built in the Empire style. Inside, rooms are furnished as a middle-class home of the late 1800s, the period Norwegians call "klunketiden". You will find a large collection of tools, kitchen utensils and furniture from the nineteenth century.

What is in the courtyard?

The outbuildings, dating from 1833, contain workshops, a smithy, a stable and a cowshed. A rope-driven carpentry workshop, moved here from another part of town, still works. In the cowshed there is a small, original cinema, an unusual find in a museum courtyard.

Is there anything beside the harbour?

Yes. The old customs house by the harbour holds a customs museum, along with a studio and space for art exhibitions. It is worth combining with a stroll along the waterfront.

Exhibitions and events

Exhibitions change during the summer season. One season, for example, focused on notable men of Lillesand, including Hans Jacob Grøgaard and the rebel Kristian Lofthus. The museum also organises lectures and other events, and part of its collection can be browsed online through DigitaltMuseum.

Practical information

The museum lies at coordinates 58.2496, 8.3792, in the centre of Lillesand. Opening hours vary by season and the main season is summer, so check the museum's current schedule before you go.

Frequently asked questions

When was the museum founded? In 1970.

What style is the main building? Empire, dating from 1827.

Is there more than one building to visit? Yes: the main house, the courtyard outbuildings from 1833 and the former customs house by the harbour.

What is the museum's main theme? The cultural and maritime history of Lillesand, including shipbuilding and seafaring.

Who owns the museum today? Lillesand Municipality, since 2012.