Places with a story
Jugendstilsenteret
Jugendstilsenteret presents Art Nouveau through a building that was designed to be used, rather than only admired. In central Ålesund, the former Swan Pharmacy combines original interiors with objects and exhibitions that make the city's architectural identity easier to read.
The place1
The centre occupies Apotekergården, completed in 1907 as both a pharmacy and a residence. It is a museum and Norway's national centre for Art Nouveau. The neighbouring KUBE art museum occupies the former Norges Bank branch building, so two historical buildings now support a shared programme of art, architecture and design.
History and local connections1
The former pharmacy preserves the relationship between commercial space and domestic rooms in an early twentieth-century urban building. KUBE's bank building dates from 1906 and was adapted for museum use in 2005. Their continued use connects Ålesund's historical cityscape with changing ideas about collecting, exhibiting and public access to art.
What to look for1
Authentic pharmacy interiors and Art Nouveau objects give the architecture a human scale. Compare the rooms with the design details encountered on the surrounding streets. Permanent displays are complemented by temporary exhibitions, and the museum's programme also includes tours and events. The two buildings offer different perspectives on the same broader design story.
Planning a visit1
The entrance is at Apotekergata 16. Check Viti's current exhibition and ticket information before visiting. The museum describes a rear entrance and staff-operated wheelchair stairlift for Jugendstilsenteret, while thresholds and narrow spaces can still limit access. Contact reception for assistance and specific access needs; KUBE has lift access to its floors.
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