Things to do in Al, Eastern Norway: The Best Museums

The al Stave Church dating from the latter part of the 12th century was richly decorated at the time of its demolition in 1880. The main doorway and the ceiling painting can be seen at the medieval exhibition at the Historical Museum in Oslo. Some of the church's fittings as well as a copy of the al ceiling can be found at al Church. The site of the church was examined and planned and today it forms part of the church park. In the 1990s, the al Stave Church Museum in Prestegardslaven in the church park opened. The museum restores and displays decorative panels from stave churches and it has a copy of the al doorway. The exhibition provides information about al Stave Cchurch and about Norway’s other stave churches in Norway. Free admission for children up to the age of 16, when accompanied by an adult.

al Bygdamuseum is built up around a listed farm yard from the 1600s. The museum has been supplemented with other buildings that could have belonged to the old farm, among others a cotters farm and a mountain farm with a stone cottage. Today, the museum has 30 buildings. The contents of the buildings tell the story of the everyday lives of previous generations. The museum has a beautiful location with a fantastic view over al. A museum brochure for the museum with a description of all the buildings can be found at al Tourist Information. The brochure also describes the other outdoor museums connected to Hallingdal Museum. Guided tours outside normal opening hours can be arranged after agreement.

The Nesch Museum houses the world's largest permanent collection of the works of the internationally renowned German-born artist, Rolf Nesch (1893-1975). After many years wandering, Rolf Nesch moved to al in 1951. He lived and worked here for the last 25 years of his life. In 1993 - the year he would have turned 100-years old - a separate museum was established in al for his art. The museum's permanent collection comprises graphics, sculptures, collages and oil paintings, and is representative for an exciting range of his artistic oeuvre from 1916 to 1972. The museum is visited by art enthusiasts from all over Europe. Opening hours are extended during the summer season and guided tours are offered. Guided group tours can be arranged throughout the year after agreement.

A gallery in the al Culture Centre with different exhibitions throughout the year. The exhibitions change approx every 4 weeks, expect for the summer exhibition which is on display for 8 weeks. The gallery can also be used for parties, concerts and meetings. The Culture House is situated in the centre of al. The exhibition is also open during the evenings, where you will find the cinema, or other events being held. Free admission.

The exhibition Hallingrosa at al Culture House contains world class rose painting art, and special focus is placed on the development of the Halling rose. Over the last few centuries several great rosepainting artists grew up in al, and this exhibition has gathered some of their work. Among these artists are Herbrand Sata, Nils Baera and Embrik Baera, all three originate from al. Hallingrosa focuses on the history of art and its development from the end of the 1700s until more recent rose paintings. In addition to the normal opening hours, the exhibition is usually open during the evenings where you will find the cinema, or other events being held. The exihibition may be closed when the room is being used for meetings. Free admission.