Home > Kunstsilo - A powerhouse for art, architecture and international tourism
Kunstsilo - A powerhouse for art, architecture and international tourism
On Odderøya is Kunstsilo – a converted grain silo from 1935 that has now been transformed into a world-class modern art museum. With its unique architecture, award-winning design and varied offerings, Kunstsilo has become an important destination for both local and international visitors.
Facts:
- Kunstsilo has approximately 70 full-time equivalents and 130 employees, with a wide range of professional and age backgrounds.
- 25–30% of guests in certain months are foreign.
- German tourists are the largest foreign group, followed by guests from the UK, USA, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden.
- Up to 60% of the store's sales come from foreign guests.
- The museum has been nominated as one of the world's most beautiful, and serves as a cultural beacon for the region.
From granary to world attraction
The original grain silo was built as part of the government's emergency response measures after the stock market crash of 1929, and was strategically located at the port of Kristiansand to ensure efficient transport of grain. Today, the same location is a key factor in Kunstsilo's success.
"If the harbor hadn't been here in 1935, the grain silo wouldn't have been here in the first place. That's the premise of our entire existence"
- Eldbjørg Dahl
Overlooking the approach and the city's archipelago, Kunstsilo offers a holistic experience where art, architecture, food and views merge. Visitors can immerse themselves in the art, enjoy a glass of wine in the Brasseriet, shop in the store or simply take in the spectacular view from the Panorama. "The harbor plays a very big role for us in terms of that experience of the approach from the Panorama and that the whole world comes to us. We are physically present and we see that the whole world is just sailing towards us - it is really a gateway to and from the rest of Europe," says Eldbjørg Dahl enthusiastically.
International attraction
Kunstsilo has quickly established itself as an important player in Norwegian tourism. In some months, foreign guests account for nearly a third of the total number of visitors, and cruise tourism plays a central role in this development.
"We see it very well when cruises are in – especially in the store. In some months, foreign guests account for as much as 60% of the turnover."
- Eldbjørg Dahl
German tourists top the list of foreign visitors, closely followed by guests from the UK, USA, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden. Many arrive via cruise ship, but ferry, plane and train also bring art lovers to the city. Kunstsilo collaborates with Color Line, among others, to offer tickets that include admission to the museum.
Photo: Alan Williams
Collaboration with the Port of Kristiansand
The collaboration with Kristiansand Port is crucial for Kunstsilo's growth and visibility internationally. The port not only functions as a physical gateway, but also as a strategic partner in the effort to attract cruise tourists and other travelers.
"An actor that opens the city to the world like the port does is particularly important to us."
- Eldbjørg Dahl
Through tours and collaboration with shipping companies, Kunstsilo is actively working to become a natural part of the cruise tourist experience in Kristiansand. The results are not long in coming – within a year the proportion of foreign guests has increased from 7% to 25%.
A year-round destination
Kunstsilo is open year-round, and it is clearly noticeable when cruise ships such as AIDA call at the city even in the winter months. This helps make Kristiansand a year-round destination, and provides valuable ripple effects for the entire region.
"We have such a unique offer, there is nothing like it in the world! That's why many people choose Kunstsilo and Kristiansand over other destinations. It makes the city bigger, richer and more experience-focused."
- Eldbjørg Dahl
At the same time, Kunstsilo is committed to highlighting the uniqueness of Kristiansand – from the archipelago to niche shops and local experiences. The harbor plays an important role in making these offerings accessible to an international audience.
The Dream Haven – open, accessible and collaborative
When Kunstsilo describes its vision for the port of the future, it is with a clear desire for collaboration and joint development. A dream port is a port that not only transports goods and people, but also highlights the city's qualities and unique offerings. It is about making it easy and attractive to come to Kristiansand, and ensuring that guests have an experience they will talk about warmly when they return home.
"We must not forget the most important thing: that the guest who comes should have a rich and wonderful experience. If not, they may not come back."
- Eldbjørg Dahl
