Dronning Sonja KunstStall: Art in the palace’s former mews

See the royal art collections displayed inside 170-year-old palace horse stalls, with harness rooms preserved exactly as stable hands left them a century ago.

Ever dreamed about seeing royal art inside horse stalls where the horses' names are still painted above their feeding troughs? Then you're in luck. This gallery opened in 2017 as a gift to Queen Sonja on her 80th birthday, converting the Royal Palace's original stable buildings, barns, and riding house into a museum after being closed to the public for nearly 170 years.

The original horse stalls remain along the walls with horses' names (like "Atom" and "Electron") still painted above the mangers. The floor is cobblestone. The smell of horses has been replaced by the smell of old wood and history. The atmosphere preserves the functional stable architecture while displaying royal art collections. Rotating exhibitions draw from the Royal Collections, changing several times per year.

The Selekammeret (Harness room) is the highlight for many visitors. This old harness room is preserved exactly as it was, with hundreds of harnesses, whips, and bits hanging polished and ready for use. It feels like the stable hands just left for lunch 100 years ago and never returned. The Ridehuset (riding house) large hall hosts bigger installations or events.

The cobblestone floors are original stable flooring. The uneven stone underfoot is authentic period infrastructure, not decorative recreation. Wear comfortable shoes with good support.

Highlights

Browse the rotating exhibitions featuring objects from the Royal Collections and contemporary installations.

Join the included short guided orientations offered on Thursdays and Fridays at 13:00 and at 12:00 and 14:00 on weekends.

Open in Google Maps

https://www.kongehuset.no/artikkel.html?tid=153246&sek=175618

Best time to go

Weekdays midday or early afternoon, all year round; check the exhibition calendar before you go

Time needed

30–90 minutes depending on the exhibition and interest level

Getting there

Nearest metro station: Nationaltheatret; nearest tram and bus stop: Solli plass. From Nationaltheatret follow signs toward the Royal Palace and continue along Parkveien to the stable entrance.

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