Government funding for the rehabilitation of Kunstnernes Hus

“The Government has decided to contribute to financing the rehabilitation of Kunstnernes Hus. This means that we are granting NOK 64.6 million, which constitutes the state’s share of the funding needed to carry out the work,” says Jaffery. “Kunstnernes Hus is a meeting place for artists from across the country. It provides an important framework for high-quality exhibition venues, and it is therefore important that the state also contributes its share towards the rehabilitation of Kunstnernes Hus.”

The grant is part of the national funding scheme for cultural buildings and covers one third of the rehabilitation costs for Kunstnernes Hus, which are estimated at approximately NOK 194 million.

“This is the best birthday present Kunstnernes Hus could have received! The Government’s contribution of NOK 64.6 million is a significant recognition of Kunstnernes Hus and of the importance of preserving this unique, protected building for future generations,” says Sarah Lookofsky, Director of Kunstnernes Hus.

“Safeguarding a national cultural building such as Kunstnernes Hus is a major undertaking, but with the support of the Government, Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, the City of Oslo, and everyone who has contributed and supported us, we now have a solid foundation for realising the project. We will make it happen — and together, we will ensure that Kunstnernes Hus remains strong for the next hundred years as well,” Lookofsky continues.

“It is an iconic building, and it is incredibly important that we preserve it for the future. I look forward to spending time at Kunstnernes Hus in the years to come,” the Minister of Culture and Equality concludes.

Kunstnernes Hus is a national architectural treasure — named Norway’s most important public building. Built in 1930 by architects Blakstad and Munthe-Kaas, it is a landmark of Norwegian Functionalism and represents a unique model: a house established by artists, for artists and for the wider public. Its iconic skylit exhibition halls and clear modernist structure make the building irreplaceable.

Kunstnernes Hus is home to some of the country’s most sought-after exhibition spaces and has been an independent foundation since it was established. This independence is essential. As one artist recently put it: “Kunstnernes Hus is both root and spearhead.”

The building is now facing major challenges:

• Temperature fluctuations from 5–38°C in the skylit exhibition halls
• Deteriorating terrace and load-bearing structures
• Leaks
• Inaccessible spaces for learning and public engagement
• Large areas that cannot be used in accordance with current requirements

To secure the building for future generations, we need to act now.

1. Save the building
Secure the structure, roof, brickwork and technical systems.
→ Preserve a national treasure before the damage becomes irreversible.

2. Open the building to everyone
A new lift and universal accessibility without compromising the architecture.
→ A Kunstnernes Hus for everyone.

3. Strengthen the conditions for art
Modern ceiling rigging and blackout solutions, climate control and a goods lift.
→ A building equipped to support contemporary art and productions at current international standards.

4. Space for children and young people
New teaching and learning spaces.
→ Room for entire school classes and creative learning experiences.

5. Secure the building for the future
Upgraded spaces and improved energy efficiency.
→ More sustainable operations and a stronger financial foundation.

Read more about the #HusetVårt campaign