The Ibsen-museum in Grimstad

Welcome to the old pharmacy building where Ibsen worked and wrote his first play.

In 1843, a 15-year-old Henrik Ibsen came to Grimstad to work as an apprentice for apothecary Reimann. During the six intense years he lived in the town, he became an apothecary’s assistant, a social critic and an author. With a newly published “Catilina” under his belt, he left town in 1850 determined to work with theatre.

In 2016, the Ibsen Museum celebrated its 100th anniversary, and marked the occasion with a newly restored building. The original pharmacy where Ibsen worked, as well as the room in which he wrote his first play, can be experienced. A new exhibition will tell the story of Ibsen’s life and work after he left Grimstad, and offers an opportunity to explore our present-day relationship with Ibsen’s literary work.

Opening hours 2020:
21 June – 16 August: open daily 11:00-16:00

Guided tours every hour at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00. (The museum can only be visited under a guided tour.)

Attention! From 17-23 August the Ibsen Museum is only open by appointment. You can buy tickets here.

For groups of 10 or more:
Guided tours can be booked throughout the year. Further information.