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ATTENTION!
The Henrik Ibsen Museum is closed until 2028 due to extensive remodeling.

Want to learn more about Henrik Ibsen? Visit Brekkeparken in Skien to see the Ibsen exhibition, join a guided town walk, or enjoy the "Ibsen in 30 minutes" session.

Henrik Ibsen’s childhood home at Venstøp in Skien is currently being restored and will reopen for his 200th anniversary in 2028. In the meantime, the skilled guides from the Henrik Ibsen Museum will be working at Telemark Museum's premises in Brekkeparken.

The childhood home opens in 2028

Ibsen’s Venstøp is located 4 kilometers north of Skien. The farm at Venstøp, which was Henrik’s childhood home for 7 years, is now the Henrik Ibsen Museum. Construction is currently underway at the museum, and the childhood home is being restored to reopen in 2028.

Venstøp Farm

Venstøp Farm consists of the listed main building from 1815, a brew house, servants' quarters, a barn, and a storehouse on stilts (stabbur). It is situated in a beautiful cultural landscape in the Gjerpen Valley in Skien. The outdoor area is perfect for a picnic, and the garden features a bowling green (skittles), similar to the one from Henrik’s time. You are welcome to use it during your visit to Venstøp, just like the guests who visited Knud and Marichen Ibsen did in the 1830s.

Ibsen’s first journeys

The Ibsen family first lived in the Stockmann house (Stockmanngården) by the town square, and later moved to the Altenburg house (Altenburggården) a bit further up in the town. In 1834, the family moved to the farm and country estate at Venstøp. Henrik’s father, Knud, carried a heavy burden of debt, and the family’s belongings had been sold at an auction. Henrik lived at Venstøp from the age of 7 until he was 15. The family lived quite comfortably there, as long as Knud managed to find work.

However, by 1843, Knud Ibsen could no longer secure enough work and income, and the Ibsen family had to move to the Snipetorp neighborhood—one of the poorest areas in town at the time. Recent research shows that Henrik did not move to Snipetorp with his family, but went directly to his apprenticeship in Grimstad instead.

Tickets

Admission to the museum / guided tour:

Adults: NOK 140

Children: NOK 60