Trondheim Kunstmuseum, often shortened to TKM, is the city’s main art museum and one of the best places to meet Norwegian art up close. With a calm atmosphere, strong regional roots, and a steady flow of contemporary exhibitions, it’s a rewarding stop whether you’re wandering the cathedral district or exploring the riverfront neighborhoods. I grew up with this museum as a rainy-day refuge and a quiet counterpoint to the buzz of downtown, and it still delivers that mix of reflection and discovery.
Short answer if you’re deciding where to spend limited time: yes, prioritise Trondheim Kunstmuseum if you’re curious about Norwegian art or want a balanced culture day alongside Nidaros Cathedral. Expect a polished but welcoming experience, thoughtfully curated shows, and a collection that highlights names you’ll hear across Norway, including artists with deep Trondheim ties.
Let’s dive into what to see, how to plan your visit, and a few local tricks to make the most of your time.
Getting to Know Trondheim Kunstmuseum
Trondheim Kunstmuseum is split across two venues that complement each other. One sits just steps from Nidaros Cathedral in the historic core, while the other is in a revitalised riverside area with cafes and easy walking paths. Together they cover everything from early 20th-century Norwegian painting to cutting-edge contemporary installations. Exhibitions rotate throughout the year, so you’ll almost always find something new.
Locals use the museum for slow mornings and rainy afternoons, but it’s equally good after a cathedral visit when you want a quieter space to process what you’ve seen. If you appreciate Scandinavian design and calm settings, you’ll feel at home here.
Two Venues, Two Moods
TKM Bispegata (by Nidaros Cathedral). This is the classic “art museum” experience: light-filled galleries, a well-edited permanent collection, and temporary exhibitions that frame Norwegian art in a broader conversation. It’s the easiest venue to combine with other must-sees like Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace.
TKM Gråmølna (Nedre Elvehavn/Solsiden area). Housed in a characterful building near the river, this venue leans more contemporary. It’s a lovely add-on to a stroll through Solsiden, with its waterside restaurants and pedestrian bridges. I often use Gråmølna to break up a city walk: exhibition first, then a coffee by the water.
Local tip: If you’ve got time for only one, choose Bispegata on your first visit. If you can stretch your day, add Gråmølna and enjoy the contrast.
What to See Inside
The collection. Expect a thoughtful slice of Norwegian art: landscapes, modernism, and strong representation from central Norwegian artists. You’ll often meet works by names you’ll hear across Norway’s art scene, and Trondheim-connected artists frequently feature, which is part of the museum’s charm.
Temporary exhibitions. The program has a contemporary pulse. Installations, photography, and mixed media appear regularly, and the museum often hosts artist talks and events that draw the local art crowd. If your timing aligns, the Lorck Schive Art Prize exhibitions are a standout window into high-profile contemporary Norwegian art.
How long to spend. Give Bispegata 60 to 90 minutes if you’re a casual visitor, and 45 to 60 minutes for Gråmølna. If you’re an art lover, double those times and you’ll still leave with questions and favourites.
Tickets, Hours, and Practicalities
Ticket structures and opening hours can shift with the season, especially around holidays. Most Norwegian museums are closed on Mondays, and Trondheim Kunstmuseum often follows that rhythm. Students, seniors, and children typically get reduced or free entry, and family tickets are common. It’s also common in Norway that one ticket grants access to multiple museum venues on the same day; check the current policy at the entrance or online before planning a two-venue circuit.
Cloakroom and bags: There’s usually a cloakroom or lockers; large backpacks aren’t ideal in smaller galleries.
Photography: Non-flash photography is often fine for the collection but can be restricted for special exhibitions; look for signs.
Facilities: Clean restrooms, a small shop, and occasionally a pop-up café area; otherwise you’re steps from good cafés in both neighborhoods.
Local tip: If you’re visiting November to March, arrive early afternoon for softer light through the windows and a less crowded experience.
How to Get There
To TKM Bispegata: From the compact city center, it’s an easy walk to Nidaros Cathedral. Most bus lines pass along Prinsens gate; hop off near the cathedral and follow signs. If you’re staying downtown, 15 minutes on foot is a good benchmark.
To TKM Gråmølna: Aim for Nedre Elvehavn/Solsiden. You can walk along the river from the center in 15 to 20 minutes. Buses run frequently toward Innherredsveien and Solsiden. It’s flat, stroller-friendly, and a pleasant route in most weather.
Local tip: If you like scenic detours, cross the pedestrian bridges at Solsiden and loop back along the opposite bank for a river view of the venue.
Suggested Itineraries
Culture Core Half-Day
Start at Nidaros Cathedral, step into the Archbishop’s Palace if you’re keen on medieval heritage, then walk 2 minutes to TKM Bispegata. Finish with coffee on Munkegata or by the river. This plan keeps everything within a compact radius.
Art + Waterfront
Begin at TKM Gråmølna, then wander Solsiden for lunch by the water. If you’ve got energy, continue across the pedestrian bridges toward Brattøra for maritime views. On a summer evening, that whole loop catches great light.
Two-Venue Day
Do Bispegata in the morning, break for a cathedral-side café, then tram-bus-walk your way to Gråmølna for a contemporary change of pace. If there’s a talk or opening at Gråmølna later in the day, it’s a lively local scene.
Nearby Cafés and Easy Eats
Near Bispegata: The cathedral district has cosy cafés where you can warm up over a cinnamon bun. Look for small spots on side streets rather than the most obvious corner—quieter tables, better conversation.
Near Gråmølna: Solsiden is packed with choices, from casual bakeries to sit-down restaurants with outdoor seating. On good-weather days, grab a coffee and sit along the quay to watch river life drift past.
Local tip: Trondheim’s café culture is strong. If you see a chalkboard boasting cinnamon buns just out of the oven, follow it.
Visiting with Kids
Trondheim Kunstmuseum is manageable with children thanks to compact galleries and a calm atmosphere. Strollers usually fit fine, and staff are friendly about families taking breaks. Keep an eye out for family-friendly workshops or activity sheets during school holidays. When attention spans wane, the nearby green spaces around the cathedral or the open promenades at Solsiden are easy reset buttons.
Accessibility Notes
Entrances are step-free or ramped, and there are lifts inside. Gallery seating is limited but usually present. If you need a calmer hour, try weekday mornings outside school holidays. Staff are used to helping visitors navigate the spaces and can advise on quiet corners or the best route through an exhibition.
When to Visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest, especially outside the summer months. In winter, the museum is a perfect warm-up stop between outdoor sights. On a bright summer day, pair the galleries with a long river walk to get the best of both worlds.
Local tip: If you’re in town during an exhibition opening or an artist talk, go. It’s the fastest way to feel part of Trondheim’s cultural community for an evening.
Responsible Visiting
As with most Norwegian museums, the vibe is relaxed. Keep voices low, watch your bag in tighter rooms, and don’t touch the artworks. If you’re unsure about photography or sketching, ask. Staff will usually give you a clear yes or a kind no.
Final Pointers From a Local
- Start with Bispegata if it’s your first time; add Gråmølna if you’re curious about contemporary art and want a riverside stroll.
- Plan around Monday closures and public holidays, which can change hours.
- Leave room for coffee after your visit; this museum pairs well with an unhurried sit-down nearby.
- Check the current exhibition list before you go; the rotation is active, and timing can reward you with something unexpected.
Trondheim Kunstmuseum is a gentle anchor in the city: a place to slow down, tune your eye, and walk back out into the streets seeing colors a shade brighter. If you give it a good hour or two, it tends to give back more.