Art Noveau Centre and KUBE, Ålesund

Art Noveau Centre and KUBE, Ålesund

The Jugendstilsenteret or Art Nouveau Centre in Ålesund traces the town's fascinating architectural history since its destruction in the fire of 1904.

The Jugendstilsenteret or Art Nouveau Centre in Ålesund traces the town's fascinating architectural history since its destruction in the fire of 1904. Housed in the Art Nouveau style building from 1907 of the former Swan Pharmacy (Svaneapoteket i Ålesund), it features beautifully furnished rooms, multimedia exhibitions and international art. The permanent exhibitions have themes which document the unique redevelopment of the entire town in a homogenous style, with over 320 Art Nouveau buildings constructed in the area on Gesamtkunstwerk principles –

• 'From Ashes to Art Nouveau' in the Time Machine capsule presents an interactive multimedia account of the fire and subsequent reconstruction.
• 'Craftmanship and Architecture' in the basement presents work by craftsmen such as stonemasons, tinsmiths, plaster sculptors, carpenters, and glassmakers.
• 'Beauty of Art Nouveau' displays objects of Norwegian as well as international Art Nouveau, including glassware, furniture, ceramics, tapestry, pottery, and textiles.

Of note is the florid dining room of pharmacist J.A. Øwre, designed as a total work of art with furniture, brass fittings, paneling and moldings custom-made to be in harmony with the building.

Adjacent to the Jugendstilsenteret is the Art Museum KUBE, located in the former branch office building of Norges Bank (1906). It exhibits art work related to the county of Møre and Romsdal, as well as national and international contemporary art.

Tickets valid for both the Art Nouveau Centre and Art Museum KUBE cost NOK 80 for adults, NOK 45 for students, and NOK 65 for seniors and individuals in groups. Entry is free for children under 18 years.