Renovering_av_fasaden_1

The museum building is finally restored

The museum is in the process of renovating the façade of the museum building, which began in 1924 and was completed in 1930. After the façade renovation, the building will appear in its former glory.

The neoclassical museum building, designed by Christian Fredrik Arbo, is a central building in Drammen's architectural history. Arbo grew up on Gulskogen farm and received his education from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm in 1901. He is considered one of the most important architects in Drammen at the beginning of the 20th century. Arbo has designed a number of private homes, business estates and public buildings and some of the most famous buildings are Vestbanegården in Konnerudgata (1912-13), the chief physician's residence at Drammen hospital (1914-15), villa Tandberg «Borgen» on Toppenhaug (1912-16) , and Drammens Frimurerlosje (1925).

The museum building has long been marked by decay and there is now a precarious need for renovation of the façade and repair of the cornice. It is therefore gratifying that the work has finally started. The renovation work includes the repair of roof sheets, cornice boxes, windows and facades and will last for several years. The work will begin from the top of the cornice one side at a time and then down the facade down to the foundation wall.

The project has received financial support from the Drammen Museum Association and the state's gift reinforcement scheme. The museum is working to secure additional external funding for the project.

The museum building houses the cultural-historical collections and exhibitions will be available to the public throughout the construction period.

See also...