Kilden Performing Arts Centre
Agder
Kilden Performing Arts Centre, located on Odderøya in Kristiansand, Norway, is a state-of-the-art cultural venue combining theater, opera, symphony concerts, and other artistic expressions under one roof. Opened in 2012, it is home to Kilden Teater, the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, and Kilden Opera, offering a unique collaboration between these institutions. The building was designed by Finnish ALA Architects and Norwegian SMS Arkitekter, featuring acoustics by Brekke & Strand and Arup, ensuring world-class sound quality. With a gross area of 16,000 square meters and a volume of 128,000 cubic meters, it includes four main performance halls: a concert hall seating 1,130, a theater and opera hall with 700 seats and an orchestra pit for 60 musicians, a multi-room for 220 seated or 400 standing guests, and an intimate hall with 100 seats. The centre is owned by a company shared by Kristiansand Municipality and Agder County, symbolizing regional cultural cooperation. It hosts a wide variety of concerts, theatrical performances, and cultural events, making it a vibrant hub for arts and culture in Southern Norway.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the official Kilden website for the latest program and ticket availability, as popular performances can sell out quickly. The best time to visit varies with scheduled events, but spring and autumn seasons often feature rich cultural programs. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, and discounts may be available for students and seniors. The venue is accessible and offers various amenities to enhance the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •Kilden Performing Arts Centre is one of Norway's largest cultural buildings with a volume of 128,000 cubic meters.
- •The concert hall seats 1,130 people and features acoustics designed by renowned consultants Brekke & Strand and Arup.
- •Crown Princess Mette-Marit laid the foundation stone in 2009, highlighting the centre's national significance.
- •The building was designed through a collaboration between Finnish and Norwegian architectural firms, blending Nordic design traditions.
- •Kilden Teater, housed in the centre, has been the regional theater for Agder since 1995 and moved to Kilden in 2012.
History
The idea for Kilden Performing Arts Centre was initiated in 2003 by the founding company owned by Kristiansand Municipality and Agder County.
Construction began in 2007, with Crown Princess Mette-Marit laying the foundation stone in 2009.
The centre officially opened on January 6, 2012, representing a major cultural investment costing nearly 1.7 billion Norwegian kroner.
It unified previously separate institutions, including Kilden Teater, which had been established in 1991 and served as the regional theater for Agder since 1995, moving from its former location in Kristiansand to Kilden in 2012.
Since then, Kilden has become a landmark for performing arts in Southern Norway.
Place Guide
Concert Hall2012
The largest hall in Kilden, seating 1,130 guests. Designed for a variety of concerts with exceptional acoustics ensuring an immersive musical experience.
Theatre & Opera Hall2012
A versatile hall with 700 seats and an orchestra pit for 60 musicians, suitable for opera productions, theater performances, and large-scale shows.
Multi-room2012
A flexible space accommodating 220 seated or 400 standing guests, used for smaller concerts, events, and cultural gatherings.
Intimate Hall2012
The smallest venue within Kilden, seating 100, designed for intimate performances and small-scale cultural events.
Contact
Phone: 90 58 11 11
