Archbishop's Palace and Museum Crown Regalia
Explore medieval history through artifacts, palace ruins, and a fascinating mint at this museum adjacent to Nidaros Cathedral.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Archbishop's Palace and Museum Crown Regalia
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore medieval history through artifacts, palace ruins, and a fascinating mint at this museum adjacent to Nidaros Cathedral.
"An extraordinary collection of artifacts from the surrounding area, worth seeing for the history of the Cathedral."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Recommended
Save money and see more by getting a combined ticket for the museum, cathedral, and Crown Jewels.
⏳ Allow ample time
The downstairs exhibit alone can take a significant amount of time to explore thoroughly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Cathedral Artifacts
Ground floor
Discover ancient busts, statues, and gargoyles salvaged from the cathedral, some dating back to the 13th century.
Palace Ruins and Mint
Lower floor
Explore the excavated foundations of the former palace and a fascinating mint with its original tile floor.
Cathedral Restoration Film
Museum screening area
Watch an informative film detailing the cathedral's restoration process, complete with English subtitles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's More Museum Than Palace
Combo Tickets for Best Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Recommended
Save money and see more by getting a combined ticket for the museum, cathedral, and Crown Jewels.
⏳ Allow ample time
The downstairs exhibit alone can take a significant amount of time to explore thoroughly.
🎬 Don't miss the film
The restoration film on the cathedral is highly recommended and offers great insight.
🧐 Look for historical details
Pay attention to the models of the cathedral's evolution and the photos of its workers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Recommended
Save money and see more by getting a combined ticket for the museum, cathedral, and Crown Jewels.
⏳ Allow ample time
The downstairs exhibit alone can take a significant amount of time to explore thoroughly.
🎬 Don't miss the film
The restoration film on the cathedral is highly recommended and offers great insight.
🧐 Look for historical details
Pay attention to the models of the cathedral's evolution and the photos of its workers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Archbishop's Palace and Museum to be an interesting historical site, particularly for its archaeological finds and insights into Nidaros Cathedral's past. While not a grand palace, its museum offers a wealth of artifacts, including medieval sculptures and remnants of the palace and mint. The film on cathedral restoration is a notable highlight.
"Reading the name, I can assure you that you are expecting something different than what this museum actually displays. Sure, it was a palace at one point, but there isn't much left that would make you think it was. This is not a bad thing at all, as it is replaced with something just as great: a museum of the cathedral and the palace grounds.
The ground floor of the museum is all about the cathedral. It has a slew of busts, statues, and gargoyles recovered from the cathedral during excavations. They are very beautiful and are incredibly old. Several of them date back to 1270-1300, which is always really cool to see.
Upstairs is a small area dedicated to more about the cathedral and religious artifacts. There is a display of numerous models of the cathedral through time, which I liked. You could see its growth, downsize, and then growth again, to what it is today. There was also a display of colorized black-and-white pictures of the architects and workers who worked to renovate the cathedral. There were a lot of cool things about the pictures, and very interesting to see the pride many of them had in their reconstructions.
Downstairs, however, is the big event.
This area has artifacts from the archbishop, and the previously existing buildings on the site. There are coins from Holland and Germany (from trade), manuscripts, a broken archbishop staff, combs, buttons... I could go on and on about the stuff here. It covers an enormous area and is cool. You can spend a very sizable amount of time here, so be careful. Another cool thing about this area is that you can see the ruins of the castle, and later a mint. Only the bare foundations and the floor are remaining, but it was cool to see."
David Freeman
"Interesting place to visit. There are lots of items from The Medival Age and the history of Cathedral. Worth to see it!"
Jolanta Nieścior
"An extraordinary collection of artifacts from the surrounding area. The mint with its tile floor is very interesting and the film on the restoration process of the cathedral is worth watching. It has English subtitles. I think buying a ticket for access to the cathedral, I place and jewels is a good idea."
G Mac
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Archbishop's Palace and Museum is conveniently located next to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops nearby.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the museum, there are several public parking garages and street parking options available in the surrounding city center area. Be prepared for a short walk.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the Trondheim Central Station to the Archbishop's Palace and Museum, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. The route is well-signposted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times before your visit.
Ticket prices vary, but a combination ticket for the museum, Nidaros Cathedral, and the Crown Jewels exhibition is often recommended for the best value. Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is usually possible and can save you time upon arrival, especially during peak tourist seasons. This is often done through the Nidaros Cathedral ticketing portal.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. It's advisable to inquire about these at the ticket counter or check the official website for specific eligibility criteria and pricing.
A combination ticket typically grants access to the Archbishop's Palace and Museum, Nidaros Cathedral, and the Crown Jewels exhibition. This provides a comprehensive historical and cultural experience of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is housed in a historic building and features archaeological finds, models of the cathedral's history, and exhibits on daily life from the palace era. The lower floor showcases the ruins of the palace and a mint.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum. If you plan to watch the restoration film and thoroughly examine all exhibits, allow for a bit more time.
The museum offers historical artifacts and a film that might be engaging for older children interested in history. Younger children might find it less captivating, but the visual elements can still be interesting.
Guided tours are often available for Nidaros Cathedral, and sometimes for the museum complex. Check the official Nidaros Cathedral website for tour schedules and booking information.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in most areas, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask staff for clarification.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no dining facilities directly within the Archbishop's Palace and Museum itself. However, numerous cafes and restaurants are located in the immediate vicinity, especially around Nidaros Cathedral.
The area surrounding Nidaros Cathedral and the museum is filled with dining options, ranging from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, offering various cuisines to suit different tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The excavated ruins of the palace and the mint with its tile floor offer unique photographic subjects. The exterior views of the palace adjacent to the grand Nidaros Cathedral are also very picturesque.
Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is allowed for most artifacts. However, always look for signs indicating restrictions or ask museum staff to confirm before taking pictures.
Yes, the palace's location right next to Nidaros Cathedral provides excellent opportunities for capturing stunning exterior shots that showcase the historical architecture of both buildings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unearthing the Past: The Museum's Collections
Upstairs, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the cathedral's evolution through various architectural models, showcasing its changes over centuries. This section also features compelling colorized black-and-white photographs of the architects and workers who dedicated their lives to renovating and preserving the cathedral, highlighting their pride and craftsmanship.
The true highlight for many is the lower level, which reveals the archaeological remains of the former Archbishop's Palace and a historical mint. Here, you can see the foundations and floor plans of the original structures, offering a unique perspective on the site's layered history. The exhibits include a diverse array of items from daily life, such as coins from trade routes, ancient manuscripts, and personal effects, painting a vivid picture of life in medieval Trondheim.
The Palace Ruins and Mint: A Glimpse Below
A particular point of interest is the mint with its original tile floor, a rare surviving element that speaks to the site's economic importance. The museum also screens an informative film about the restoration process of Nidaros Cathedral, which is highly recommended for its insights into the meticulous work involved in preserving such a significant historical monument. The film includes English subtitles, making it accessible to a wider audience.
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