Art and culture in Trondheim: 7 galleries worth visiting
June 11, 2025
Trondheim, Norway's third largest city, boasts not only a rich history and picturesque landscapes, but also a vibrant art scene. In this fascinating metropolis, art and culture are an integral part of everyday life, with numerous galleries and museums offering unforgettable experiences for art lovers and casual tourists alike. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of seven of Trondheim's most interesting galleries that you absolutely must visit during your visit to this charming Norwegian city. Each of these spaces has its own unique atmosphere and character, showcasing a variety of art forms - from classic paintings to modern multimedia installations. Whether you're an avid art connoisseur or simply looking for an interesting way to spend your time, these galleries are sure to inspire you and leave an indelible impression. Get ready for a fascinating journey through the world of Norwegian creativity and artistic innovation!
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Modern art in the heart of Trondheim
Let's start our artistic journey with the Gallery of Modern Art AS, located in the heart of Trondheim at Olav Tryggvasons gt. 33. This exhibition space, known for showcasing the latest trends in contemporary art, enjoys an excellent reputation among visitors, as evidenced by its high 4.5-star rating. Visitors praise the gallery for 'great exhibitions' and 'good service,' stressing that it is 'a gallery for everyone.' It is noteworthy for the variety of art forms on display here, including 'art made of glass' and 'taut paintings,' which provides an interesting experience for people with different artistic tastes.
Another spot on our map is AKRON gallery, located in the charming Bakklandet neighborhood at Øvre Bakklandet 17. This small but cozy gallery has won the hearts of visitors, as evidenced by its impressive 4.8 star rating. AKRON gallery stands out not only for its high-quality art, but also for its unique atmosphere. Visitors often mention the opportunity to meet the artists in person, which adds a special touch to the visit. In addition, the gallery offers complimentary drinks and mini-snacks, making viewing the exhibitions more enjoyable.
Not to be left out is Kunsthall Trondheim, located at Kongens gate 2. This institution, with a 4.5-star rating, is praised for its 'great exhibitions' and 'free admission'. Kunsthall Trondheim is a place where art meets innovation, offering visitors 'the friendliest staff photos.' The gallery is praised for the variety of works on display and its friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place for art connoisseurs and those just starting out with contemporary art.
When comparing the three galleries, it is worth noting their unique features. The AS Gallery of Modern Art is distinguished by its central location and the wide range of art forms on display. AKRON gallery, on the other hand, offers a more intimate atmosphere and the opportunity for closer contact with artists. Kunsthall Trondheim, on the other hand, attracts with its free admission and innovative approach to art presentation. Each of these galleries has its own unique character, making it worth visiting them all to fully experience the diversity of Trondheim's art scene.
Tradition and modernity in the Trondheim galleries
Continuing our art tour of Trondheim, we can't miss Trondhjems Kunstforening, located at Bispegata 9A. This gallery, with an impressive 4.8-star rating, combines tradition with modernity. Visitors praise it for its 'excellent coffee, great pastries and friendly staff,' making it an ideal place not only to admire art, but also to relax. It's worth noting, however, that the quality of the exhibitions can vary, as evidenced by one visitor's comment: 'Nice place, but with different quality on display.
Another spot on our map is Galleri Dropsfabrikken, located at Nedre Ila 27. This gallery, with a rating of 4.6 stars, stands out for its unique approach to presenting Norwegian contemporary art. Visitors describe it as a 'great exhibition venue' and praise it for its 'impressive and memorable way' of presenting works by both established and young artists. Noteworthy is the competence of the artistic director, Anniken Storhaug, who also curates the exhibitions.
We can't leave out K.U.K. Kjøpmannsgata Ung Kunst, located at Kjøpmannsgata 38. This gallery, with a 4.5-star rating, offers free admission and is particularly praised for its diversity. Visitors praise it for its 'amazing experience' and 'inspiring' exhibitions. It's worth noting that the gallery frequently changes its exhibitions, which means that each visit can bring exciting new discoveries.
Comparing the three galleries, we can see that each offers something unique. Trondhjems Kunstforening stands out for its combination of tradition and modernity, as well as its pleasant café atmosphere. Galleri Dropsfabrikken focuses on promoting contemporary Norwegian art, offering professional and memorable presentations. K.U.K. Kjøpmannsgata Ung Kunst, on the other hand, attracts visitors with free admission and frequently changing, inspiring exhibitions.
In terms of accessibility, all three galleries are relatively close to each other, making it easy to visit them all in one walk around the city. Trondhjems Kunstforening and K.U.K. Kjøpmannsgata Ung Kunst are located in the city center, while Galleri Dropsfabrikken is a bit further away, but still within walking distance.
In terms of price, K.U.K. Kjøpmannsgata Ung Kunst stands out for its free admission, making it an attractive option for travelers on a budget. Trondhjems Kunstforening and Galleri Dropsfabrikken may require an admission fee, but offer high-quality exhibitions and often additional attractions in return, such as a café in the case of Trondhjems Kunstforening.
Also worth noting is the variety of art on display. While Trondhjems Kunstforening may offer more traditional forms of art, Galleri Dropsfabrikken and K.U.K. Kjøpmannsgata Ung Kunst focus on contemporary art and often present works by young, promising artists. This diversity means that by visiting all three galleries, you can get a complete picture of Trondheim's art scene - from the classics to the latest art trends.
Art in Trondheim's museums and unusual spaces
To conclude our art tour of Trondheim, we can't leave out the Trondheim Art Museum, located at Bispegata 7b. This place, with a 4.2-star rating, offers an extraordinary art experience in the heart of the city. Visitors praise the museum for its 'works by notable Norwegian painters' and 'very well-appointed setting.' Noteworthy are the helpful staff and additional perks, such as souvenir photo opportunities and complimentary tea or coffee refreshments.
The Trondheim Art Museum stands out from other galleries for its comprehensive presentation of Norwegian art. It offers not only temporary exhibitions, but also a permanent collection that traces the development of Norwegian art over the centuries. It is an ideal place for those who want to deepen their knowledge of Norway's art history.
When comparing the Trondheim Art Museum with the previously discussed galleries, there are several aspects worth noting:
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location: the museum is located adjacent to Nidaros Cathedral, making it easily accessible to tourists visiting the city's main attractions. This is a more convenient location than, for example, Galleri Dropsfabrikken, which is a bit further from the center.
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prices: the museum offers varying ticket prices - NOK 140 for adults, NOK 80 for students, and children under 18 have free admission. This is slightly more expensive than some of the smaller galleries, but offers a more comprehensive experience instead.
3 Scope of exhibitions: Unlike smaller, more specialized galleries, the Trondheim Art Museum offers a broad cross-section of Norwegian art, making it ideal for those looking to get a general overview of the country's art scene.
4 Amenities: Complimentary coffee and tea is a nice addition that not all galleries offer. In addition, the opportunity to take a souvenir photo is a unique attraction of this museum.
- Atmosphere: Visitors praise the 'cozy lobby' and 'comfortable couches,' suggesting that the museum offers not only exhibits, but also a space to relax and contemplate art.
To sum up our tour of Trondheim's galleries and museums, it's worth noting the variety of art experiences on offer. From modern, experimental spaces like AKRON gallery and Kunsthall Trondheim, to traditional galleries like Trondhjems Kunstforening, to a comprehensive art museum, each offers a unique perspective on the Norwegian art scene.
It's worth planning your visit to Trondheim to visit as many of these places as possible. Each gallery and museum has its own character and atmosphere, making exploring art in this city a fascinating adventure. Whether you are an avid art lover or simply looking for an interesting way to spend your time, Trondheim's galleries and museums are sure to offer you unforgettable experiences and inspiring encounters with art.
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