Ormen Våge

Ormen Våge is a 30-metre-long dragon sculpture stretching across the façade of a multi-purpose sports and cultural hall in Revetal, in Tønsberg municipality. Created by artist Stig Skjelvik, the artwork combines Norse mythology, traditional Norwegian woodworking and modern lighting technology. During the day, you can explore its dark, scale-like surface. After sunset, digital lighting can transform the dragon's appearance.

A dragon brought to life by light

Ormen Våge takes the form of a long dragon stretching across the building's exterior. Its surface is covered in overlapping dark wooden shingles, resembling the scales of a dragon, with a lighting system concealed beneath them.

The installation contains approximately 1,800 individually controlled lighting points. When the light animations are operating, changing patterns create the illusion of movement, making the dragon appear to come alive. This makes the sculpture interesting to experience both during daylight and after dark. In the evening, the relationship between its form, materials and lighting becomes more visible.

Inspired by Vikings and stave churches

The sculpture was developed following an art competition centred on the medieval history of Re. Stig Skjelvik drew inspiration from Norse mythology and the traditional craftsmanship found in Norwegian stave churches. The dragon's outer surface is constructed from wooden shingles made of slow-grown, resin-rich pine known as malmfuru. The shingles were produced by Husanotra, a specialist organisation preserving traditional Norwegian woodworking skills.

The timber is treated with a pine-tar-based oil similar to treatments historically used on Norwegian wooden buildings. Each shingle has also been adapted to work with the modern lighting installation. The result is an artwork bringing together centuries-old building traditions and digital technology.

What does Våge mean?

The name Våge comes from the Norwegian verb meaning to dare. In Norse storytelling, dragons could represent both strength and obstacles that people must overcome. The artist used this dual meaning as inspiration. The dragon represents challenges, but also the courage needed to face them. Its location on a sports and cultural hall gives the idea particular significance. Here, children, young people and adults encounter new activities, challenges and opportunities to develop their skills.

Discover Ormen Våge in Revetal

The sculpture is mounted on the exterior of the multi-purpose hall in Revetal and can be viewed from the area outside the building. Walk along the façade to see how the dragon's shape follows the architecture. From close up, you can appreciate the wooden shingles and craftsmanship, while viewing from a distance gives a better impression of its full length. For more art and architectural experiences, explore Visit Vestfold's guide to architecture and sculpture in Vestfold.

Plan your visit

Ormen Våge is located on the exterior of the multi-purpose hall at Skoleveien, 3174 Revetal, in Tønsberg municipality, Norway. The outdoor sculpture can be viewed without an admission ticket or advance booking. Fixed operating hours for the light animations have not been verified, so illumination cannot be guaranteed at any particular time.

Parking, step-free access and possible restrictions around the building should be checked in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements. You can find out more about the artist and his work with lighting installations at Nullohm.