THE ART COMMITTEE Guided tour of Bærum Town Hall and Its Art Collection Thursday, March 13
Bærum Town Hall, built in 1895 by architect Hjalmar Welhaven, is a significant piece of Bærum’s architectural history. However, as the municipality grew in size and population, the building became too small for the expanding community. In response to this, architect Magnus Poulsen submitted proposals for a new and bigger design version of the Town Hall. The first phase of the expansion was completed in 1925, and Magnus Poulsen’s son Anton continued his father’s work, ultimately finishing the building according to the original vision in the 1960s.
The Town Hall is not only notable for its architecture but also for its extensive art collection. This collection is the result of a deliberate and systematic effort by the municipality – beginning in 1960 – to acquire artworks that would contribute to the building’s cultural significance. The goal was to adorn the Town Hall with art that held both cultural and historical value for the municipality of Bærum, 7
either through depictions of local landscapes and historical motifs, or works by artists with personal ties to the area. The collection has grown over the decades, focusing on the promotion of the cultural heritage of the area.
One of the most significant spaces in Bærum Town Hall is the Munthe Room (Muntherommet), a hall decorated by renowned artist Gerhard Munthe. Munthe, a key figure in Norwegian painting, is celebrated for his landscapes and decorative art, often infused with national romanticism. His work in the Munthe Room captures a deep connection to the natural beauty of Norway and its historical myths, blending elements of nature with artistic symbolism.
In addition to works by Gerhard Munthe, the Town Hall also features pieces from the ‘Fleskum’ painters. This group of artists stayed at Fleskum farm in Bærum during the summer of 1886, resulting in a notable collection of artworks, many of which have been bought by The Municipality of Bærum over the years.
The collection includes works by Harriet Backer, Gerhard Munthe, Eilif Peterssen, Christian Skredsvik, Erik Werenskiold and Kitty Kielland.
Thursday, March 13 at 11:45 (for 12:00) To Marianne Tomassen by email as soon as possible and no later than March 6. NOK 40, – for a gift for our guide. Please pay after you have received confirmation. Please make your payment preferably by VIPPS to 591747 or bank transfer to the Forum account: 1600 40 36631. No cash will be handled at the venue. Please state the event and your name in the transaction (in the dialogue box for VIPPS and in the KID-number box for bank payments). Bus number 160 or 270 or train to Sandvika train station, parking south of the Town Hall. We will meet up by the double front doors by the belfry. Maximum number of participants: 20 Guests are welcome if space is available. Cancellations after the deadline and no-shows will be charged. For last-minute cancellations, please call Marianne Tomassen on mobile phone.