The museum at Venstøp
Henrik Ibsen’s childhood home at Venstøp in Skien is the pride of Telemark Museum. We invite you to learn the story of the world-renowned author’s upbringing. Sources tell us that Henrik was interested in theatre, even as a child. He played with puppets for the neighbours, had magic shows and made marionette dolls. In the childhood home, there are both furniture and objects that we know belonged to the Ibsen family. We also offer exhibitions about the author or his writing.
The Henrik Ibsen Museum has a pleasant shop that offers Ibsen’s own dramas and books about the author. Not least, we have first conservator Jørgen Haave’s book “Familien Ibsen” for sale. It was published in 2017 and highlights Henrik’s upbringing in Skien. In the café, Ibsen’s honey cake is served. Coffee, waffles and ice cream are also on the menu. The farm is located in a beautiful cultural landscape.
Venstøp consists of a protected main building from 1815, brewery house, boy’s room, barn and storehouse. The farm is in a beautiful cultural landscape in Gjerpen. The outdoor area is suitable for a break and in the garden, a bowling alley has been reconstructed. You can use it when you visit the Henrik Ibsen Museum, as we know the guests who came to Knud and Marichen Ibsen did in the 1830s.
Where did Henrik Ibsen grow up?
The Ibsen family lived in the center of Skien for the first years of Henrik’s life, first in Stockmannsgården and then in Altenburggården.
When Henrik Ibsen was seven years old, the whole Ibsen family moved to the summer farm Venstøp, a few kilometers north of the city. This was the family’s home until Henrik left his childhood town to Grimstad at age 15. Venstøp is the only one of Henrik Ibsen’s homes in Skien that still exists and is today the Henrik Ibsen Museum.
When you visit to the Henrik Ibsen Museum, you will hear about the world-famous playwright’s childhood and upbringing.
