Places with a story
Trastad Samlinger
Trastad Samlinger in Borkenes combines the history of institutional care with an important collection of Outsider Art. The voices and creative work of former residents are central to the visit.
The place1
The museum occupies Pavilion 7 at the former Trastad Gård institution in Kvæfjord. A preserved residential and care ward from 1966 provides a concrete setting for understanding everyday life. The museum also operates as Norway's National Centre for Outsider Art, presenting work created outside the established professional art world.
History and local connections1
Trastad Gård opened in 1954 as Northern Norway's first central institution for people with intellectual disabilities. An experimental school introduced arts and crafts during the early sixties. The institution closed in 1991 as care and education moved to municipal services. Pavilion 7 became a museum in 1996, retaining the former ward.
What to look for12
Photographs, objects and the preserved rooms explain institutional life. The gallery places artists' individual expression alongside that history. Trastad's exhibition programme has presented textiles, drawings and other work in Norway and internationally. The permanent display draws on the collection; check the museum's exhibition page to see which additional presentations are currently available.
Planning a visit1
The museum opens on request, so arrange a visit directly with Trastad Samlinger before travelling to Borkenes. Ask about both the historic ward and the art gallery when booking. Exhibitions occupy different floors of the former pavilion; discuss your access requirements with staff instead of assuming every room is equally accessible.
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