The Telemark Art Museum sits in a converted industrial hall at Tinfos in Notodden, inside a protected industrial park that is itself part of the wider heritage landscape. It is co-located with the World Heritage Centre, and the two share a joint entrance ticket.
The collection focuses on Norwegian art from the Telemark region, including works from the so-called Golden Age by painters like Christian Skredsvig and Theodor Kittelsen. Kittelsen is the artist who drew the trolls that most Norwegians and many visitors picture when they think of Norwegian folklore. His illustrations for Askeladden and the troll stories are deeply embedded in Norwegian visual culture. Seeing the originals here, in the landscape that inspired them, adds a layer that reproductions do not capture.
The museum also shows contemporary art and has rotating exhibitions. There is a café and a museum shop. The facility is wheelchair accessible with free parking.
If you are visiting Heddal Stave Church nearby, combining it with the museum and the World Heritage Centre makes for a solid half day in the Notodden area.
The collection focuses on Norwegian art from the Telemark region, including works from the so-called Golden Age by painters like Christian Skredsvig and Theodor Kittelsen. Kittelsen is the artist who drew the trolls that most Norwegians and many visitors picture when they think of Norwegian folklore. His illustrations for Askeladden and the troll stories are deeply embedded in Norwegian visual culture. Seeing the originals here, in the landscape that inspired them, adds a layer that reproductions do not capture.
The museum also shows contemporary art and has rotating exhibitions. There is a café and a museum shop. The facility is wheelchair accessible with free parking.
If you are visiting Heddal Stave Church nearby, combining it with the museum and the World Heritage Centre makes for a solid half day in the Notodden area.