Arendal Old Town Hall
Aust-Agder
Arendal Old Town Hall, locally known as Arendal gamle rådhus, is a historic building located on the south side of Tyholmen in Arendal, Norway, facing the harbor. Originally built as a merchant's mansion, it served as the town's town hall from 1844 until 2004. The current structure was constructed between 1812 and 1813 in the Empire style, designed by Danish architect Peder Krogh Bonsach Jessen. It was the tallest wooden building in Norway at the time, with four stories and a hipped roof. The building was originally a private residence for shipowner and merchant Morten Michael Kallevig and featured elegant Empire style furnishings, many imported from France. The first floor was used for commercial purposes, the second as a private home, and the third housed grand assembly rooms. After Kallevig's death, the municipality acquired the building, which then functioned as the town hall for 160 years. It hosted various municipal offices, courtrooms, and social institutions. The Old Town Hall is notable for its large portrait collection, the largest in Norway, initiated during King Oscar II's visit in 1891. Today, it is a protected cultural heritage site housing municipal offices and cultural activities, with its third-floor halls available for events.
Plan your trip to Norway with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors should explore the third-floor assembly halls, which are used for cultural events and can be rented for gatherings. The best time to visit Arendal is during the summer months when the town and harbor area are lively. While the building itself is not a typical tourist museum, checking local event schedules may provide opportunities to enter and experience its historic interiors. Booking in advance is advisable if planning to attend or rent the event spaces.
Interesting facts
- •The Old Town Hall was Norway's tallest wooden building when completed, second only in size to Trondheim's Stiftsgården.
- •It houses Norway's largest portrait collection, with around 140 portraits of benefactors and notable citizens.
- •The building reportedly featured Norway's first water closet, installed during the early 19th century.
- •The architect Peder Krogh Bonsach Jessen designed three drafts before finalizing the building's Empire style design.
- •Conrad Schwach, who wrote the unofficial Norwegian national song 'Mens Nordhavet bruser,' was a guest at the house in the 1820s.
History
The original building on the site was constructed in 1712, known as 'Riedemanns palé.' In 1812, shipowner Morten Michael Kallevig purchased and demolished the old structure to build a new mansion, completed in 1813.
It was the first architect-designed building in Arendal and Norway's tallest wooden structure at the time.
The municipality bought the building in 1844, converting it into the town hall, a function it served until 2004.
During King Oscar II's visit in 1891, the building was modernized and decorated with significant artworks.
The Old Town Hall was replaced by a new municipal building in 2005 but remains a protected cultural monument.
Place Guide
Third-floor Assembly Halls1891
Grand halls used historically for social gatherings and today for cultural events and private rentals, decorated with large paintings by Ludvig Skramstad and Christian Rummelhoff.
Portrait Collection1891
The building hosts Norway's largest portrait collection with about 140 portraits, primarily of local benefactors and legators, started during the 1891 royal visit.
Empire Style Architecture1812-1813
Designed by Danish architect Peder Krogh Bonsach Jessen, the building is a fine example of Empire style architecture executed in wood, unusual for its scale and elegance.
Contact
Phone: 37 01 30 00
