The Thams Pavilion

The Thams Pavilion, also known as ‘The Norway building’, was Norway’s contribution to the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. The pavilion was built using the ‘prefabricated house method’, of which M.Thams & Co in Orkanger was a pioneer, and transported from Orkedalsøren to the United States by ship. This was the start of an adventurous journey for the pavilion. After remaining in the United States for 123 years, it recently returned to Orkanger thanks to the efforts of the enthusiasts responsible for the ‘Heimatt Project’. The director of M. Thams & Co in 1893 was Christian Thams, the man who designed, built and lived at the historic manor Bårdshaug Herregård. Consequently, the Thams Pavilion and the Bårdshaug manor house have a shared history. They now stand adjacent to each other on the Bårdshaug plateau. The Thams Pavilion now stands as a monument to Norway’s history of stave churches and Orkdal’s wood carving traditions and industrial history. No least, it bears witness to hard work and cooperation. Visitors at the historic hotel Bårdshaug Herregård can experience the Thams Pavilion on a guided tour. The guide takes groups into the pavilion and shares this fascinating and inspiring story. Bårdshaug Herregård can also offer aperitifs as part of the experience, if desirable. For further information, please contact Bårdshaug Herregård by e-mail on post@baardshaug.no