Things to do in Arendal, Southern Norway: The Best Museums

Eydehavn Museum displays the industrial history of Eydehavn and the new industrial times after 1913. The two cornerstone companies Arendal Smelteverk AS and Det norske nitridatieselskap (Nitriden) plays a central part in the exhibitions as they catch a glimpse of life at home and at work. In addition the exhibitions contains topics such as housing conditions, social life and political activity . We also have a restored, fully equipped apartment from the 1920s, Maren Aanonsens collection of older domestic utensils and our temporary exhibitions. The museum has an outdoor exhibition located in the neighbourhood. The exhibition is based on street names with personal names and provides an insight into the history of Eydehavn through these people. The exhibition is open throughout the year.

The location of the museum is idyllic, on the old outport and beautiful island of Merdø. The island is worth a visit to those who want to experience the nature, old coastal culture, or just enjoy themselves in cosy surroundings. The part of the island facing Skagerrak is rocky, scattered with pebbles and boulders, and has a fantastic view both summer and winter. Merdø was one of the most important outports in Sørlandet, with a customs station, pilot station, school, shop and post office. The Merdøgaard museum is a small coastal farm with a main building from 1736, kept as it was in about 1800. The museum offers tours in Norwegian every full hour during the summer season. Merdøgaard museum is a department of Aust-Agder kulturhistoriske senter, the county museum. Ferry to the island goes from Pollen in Arendal.

A fun and educational experience for the whole family! In addition to our exhibition area, we also have fun science-activities. Se our website for the daily program. You find the Science Center at the quay in the center of Arendal, and our mini-Science Center in Kristiansand, in the main street. Welcome!

New and modern museum and archive located at Langsae in Arendal. Exciting exhibitions for kids and adult.

Southern Norway's largest location for contemporary art. The former textile factory from 1898 is located in lovely surroundings. Changing exhibitions 5 times a year, in addition to the permanent art collection containing works by 40 of the country's leading artists. Guided tours for groups by appointment, adapted teaching programme for children and youths in separate workshop. Free admission. Open during exhibitions Tuesday-Sunday 12-16, Mondays closed.

The building was built as a private residence in 1826 by Johannes Nicolai von Klöcker. It is built in an empire style and clearly influenced by the building style of Copenhagen. Here are furniture from the 1800s. The parts of the house in the back are from the 1600s. The house was privately owned until 1982, when it was taken over by Stiftelsen Klöckers Hus - a local philanthropic organisation. Today this building is a museum displaying how a well-off family lived at the time. There is a living room, dining room, office and kitchen, and a wash-house with a baking oven. Part of the museum displays the home of the sailor, a small apartment in the back of the building, where a sailor lived with his family. In Klöckers Hus you can also find the old village shop with interiors from the last century. Here it is still possible to buy sugar candy, oldfashioned candy, homemade jam, local historical magazines, and postcards with pictures from old Arendal etc. The house landau, which has transported royalty visiting Arendal in the 1900s, is in the stable.

Museum about K. K. Lien & Co AS Plough Factory. The factory existed from 1900 to 1987, and produced ploughs and agricultural equipment for both Norwegian and international markets. They also produced winter sports articles that a lot of the grown up kids in the area will recognize. The museum also includes a skateboard ramp for the other kids.