Arendal old townhall

On Tyholmen, you will find Arendal’s old town hall – an impressive and unique wooden building from the Empire era, and the tallest of its kind in Norway. The building was constructed between 1812 and 1815 as a private residence for merchant and consul Morten Michael Kallevig. The Kallevig family lived here until 1827, before the house was sold to Arendal municipality in 1844. For more than 150 years, this was the city’s town hall.

The house is known for its elegant Empire style, inspired by classical palaces. The basement was used as storage for trade, while the upper floors contained the family’s living quarters and magnificent banquet halls. The famous Blue Room and Green Room still remain close to their original state. The Festivity Hall received its current look in honor of King Oscar II’s visit in 1891 – here, people danced “under the stars” in a hall with a dark blue ceiling and golden stars.

The town hall is also home to Norway’s largest portrait collection, which was started in 1889. Here you can see portraits of royals, officials, mayors, benefactors, and other important figures in Arendal’s history – some painted by renowned artists, others reconstructed by local painters.

Today, the old town hall is one of Arendal’s most important cultural landmarks. In the summer, you can join a guided tour to explore the beautiful rooms, hear about the building’s fascinating history, and admire the original chandeliers still hanging in the Festivity Hall.

Opening hours summer 2025:
Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 13:00 to 15:30 (July 1st to 31st).
Guided tours at 13:00 and 14:00.