An old grain silo becomes an art gallery, Kristiansand, Norway

“Kunstsilo” is the newest addition to the art scene in Kristiansand. Two months after the opening day, the number of visitors had reached 60.000. But it has been a long way from the beginning of the process to what we see today. I have followed the building process for several years. There is a recreational area close by where I often go for a walk. On my way I pass the silo. This building contains a collection of 5000 pieces of Nordic art, that has belonged to Nicolai Tangen. His collection of art dates from the period between 1910 -1990. The Kunstsilo has a raw, industrial and monumental look. The old crane has been kept outside the entrance. It has been repainted and I don't know if it's one of original cranes. Inside the silo is filled with art that now has become available for everyone interested. It holds both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The battle about Kunstsilo

The Kunstsilo is a story about grain and art. But it's also about years of arguments and lots of disagreements. It all started when a millionaire from Kristiansand wanted to give his private art collection to his hometown. Nine-year long process came to an end on 11thof May 2024 when Kunstsilo opened. The result is an art museum of dimensions. The location couldn’t be better. Right by the harbourfront.

When inside you can see the raw concrete walls and how the tubes were cut. On one wall there is a display of old photos from the building process 89 years ago. You are in no doubt that this once was a grain silo. This area is open to visitors without a ticket. I have no photos from the exhibitions to show as it was not allowed to take photos.

The story behind the silo

When it was built in 1935, it brought functionalism to town. An architectural style with large surfaces, straight lines and geometrical forms. Grain in large quantities was an important part of preparedness to prevent famine. After some decades the need reclined. Preparedness seemed less important (until now..). The silo itself took up a lot of space, and just stood there. When it was closed, it was reviled and looked at as an ugly building. But in 2010 the municipality in Kristiansand decided to preserve the silo.

When Nicolai Tangen was living in London in 2015, he called the Mayor of Kristiansand. He told the mayor about his art collection, that has taken him many years to collect. He wondered if he could be allowed to give his collection as a gift to Kristiansand. Together they started to look around for a suitable building. They found the old grain silo and decided this was the perfect place.

The Skybar

Then in 2016 the municipality decided to grant 50 million Norwegian kroner to the restoration. That’s when the “battle” started. Lots of discussions and disagreement. Especially about the tax money that was spent. The result we see today is an amazing transition.

Foreign newspapers have written about this building. In the opinion of CNN, this building is one out of ten most significant new buildings in 2024. Financial Times has named Kunstsilo as one of the world’s leading destinations. This autumn the silo is nominated to four architectural prices. So do come and have a look. There is a shop right at the entrance, a restaurant and the bar on the top. From the top you get a great view of Kristiansand. I am amazed.