Things to do in Oppland, Eastern Norway: The Best Art Galleries

This art gallery is located in a heritage-listed building in beautiful surroundings right at the boundary between the districts of Oppland and Hedmark. Gallery Fjordheim organises a wide variety of sales exhibits featuring both contemporary art and craft art. The unique gallery is the venue for creative exhibits during the summer months. The gallery is located next to Lake Mjosa, and visitors arriving by boat can moor at the gallery’s own private pier.

Galleri Svae plays a central role in the exhibition of paintings and handicrafts in the county of Oppland. The gallery’s exhibitions reflect a multitude of artistic expressions and Norwegian contemporary art. The gallery is working to promote art as a natural part of human existence – as a means of strengthening our identity and sense of belonging. Galleri Svae also has a show room in Bygdoy Allé in Oslo, which is open to visitors by appointment only.

Galleri Zink is a gallery located at Sigrid Undsets Plass right in the heart of Lillehammer, and shows contemporary art and craft from most well known Norwegian artists. The gallery was established by ceramicist Johan Mæhlum in 2008, and shows 8-10 exhibitions per year in the main gallery space, as well as continually showing a wide selection of art and craft in the smaller side rooms and in the upstairs gallery space. Additionally the gallery produces and curates the Peer Gynt exhibition (located at Gala), the festival exhibition during the Norwegian Literature Festival, the Autumn Exhibition at Ilsetra (in the Øyer mountains) and the annual Christmas exhibition in the gallery. In addition to having a wide selection of contemporary Norwegian art from around the country, it is also a great place to get a feel for the local art scene, as most professional local artists are represented.

Peder Balke Centre, Kapp: Main building with wall paintings by Peder Balke and exhibits during summer. Garden, cafe and gift shop.

Glasslaven Art Centre at historical Granavollen opened in April 2016. In the Stable gallery, art work is exhibited and for sale all year. Exhibitions and events are announced on digital media. Open to the public on weekends year around and every day in summer (medio June/end of Aug). Professional artists have their work space here: Glassblower, silversmith, authors, composer and painters. The barn from 1880 is restored and rebuilt with ecological principles using only natural materials and traditional techniques. The whole of Granavollen is unique: The neighbouring Sister churches and the Stone house (which is the only non-religious building from the middle ages in the countryside of Norway) are some of our most valuable national landmarks. The unique environment has for generations inspired the local people´s creativity and attracted artists from afar. Driving time and train ride is an hour from Oslo and from the airport Gardermoen 50 minutes.

The Twist is a gallery, a bridge, and a sculpture, all in one. The 1000 square meter building twists into a sculptural form and spans 60 meters across the Randselva river. The building was designed by the Danish star architects BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group and is named as a "must-see" cultural destination by the New York Times, Bloomberg and The Telegraph, among others. This year's exhibition is "Come Out!", on display from 24th May to 11th October. "Come Out!" is an exhibition prompted by the unique situation in which we find ourselves, and invites the audience to reclaim public and cultural spaces.

Fabrikken is a centre for creative and cultural initiatives. It comprises some 40 enterprises focusing on visual art, ceramics, jewellery design, textiles, music, theatre, film, photo and architecture. The ateliers and workshops are well worth a visit. Art, handicraft and Nordic design are available from the factory outlet.

Vidsyn Gallery and the Painter’s Workshop: Open year-round by appointment. A permanent sales exhibition featuring watercolour paintings is on display at the art gallery.

Valdres Solvsmie was established in 1964, and the pottery opened in 1980. Our silver jewellery feature stones from Norway and abroad. We also make silver for the national costumes of Valdres, Hallingdal and Gudbrandsdal. In our pottery studio, we produce utility ceramics in high-fired earthenware clay that withstand everyday use – dishwasher included. Our most renowned ranges are “myrull”, “korn” and “timotei”. Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9.00-16.00, Saturdays: 9.00-13.00 From June 20th to August 8th: Open every day from 9.00 to 17.00, Saturday and Sunday included.