About the museum

The Skudeneshavn Museum at Mælandsgården is located in the heart of the beautiful, historic wooden-house district in old Skudeneshavn, a town that flourished in the 19th century thanks to its thriving herring fishery.

At the museum in Mælandsgården, you can gain insight into how the town developed, see how a middle-class family lived 150 years ago, and view the traditional crafts that shaped the town’s character. Fishing, herring salting, trade, and seafaring are themes that have defined Skudeneshavn for nearly 200 years. At the museum, you’ll gain insight into how these activities have helped shape the town.

The museum features both a residential building and a boathouse. In the oldest part of the residential building, which dates back to 1818, you can walk through old living rooms and bedrooms and see the maid’s room. Perhaps you’ll run into old Mrs. Mæland? It’s said that she hasn’t left the house yet, even though she died over 60 years ago.

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A table set for a meal with a white tablecloth, two empty serving platters, cutlery, wine glasses, and water glasses. In the center of the table stands a vase of flowers. Behind it is a sofa with cushions, and a large chandelier hangs above the table, with pictures on the wall behind it.
A vintage machine with rotating wheels and gears, mounted on a wooden bench in a workshop with tools on the wall.
An old dentist's office with dental equipment, a dentist's chair, and a storage cabinet with glass doors.
A room filled with Norwegian fishing gear, ropes, and fishing nets in an old wooden cabin.

You can learn about herring fishing, the origins and growth of Skudeneshavn, international shipping, and various crafts. There is also a wonderful model showing what Skudeneshavn looked like in 1918. Mælandsgården also houses a shop dating from 1843. Here, the shelves and counter are still just as they were when the liberalization of trade laws led to the establishment of many shops in Skudeneshavn. In the boathouses, you’ll find a boat exhibition and an agricultural exhibition.

A room with furniture, flowers, and art on the walls, light-colored curtains in front of the windows, and a ceiling lamp in the center.
A white house with a red roof and a white hedge in front, surrounded by green trees and people standing in the street.
Various baked goods and ingredient packets on a shelf, including egg substitutes and caramel pudding.
A glass, some white tableware, and teapots on a table in a room with wooden walls and a ceiling.
An old, white iron boat with rusty details and the inscription "NOTRE DAME" on the outside. Inside the boat are some long green and red pieces of fabric, and there are ropes and a fur pelt on the outside.