Exploring Forsvarsmuseet Rustkammeret – The Armoury: a journey through Norway’s military history

While present-day Norway might be known for its peaceful nature, gentle people, and democratic values, it wasn’t always that way. All the way from the Viking Ages to modern times, Forsvarsmuseet Rustkammeret in Trondheim offers an unparalleled glimpse into Norway and Central Norway’s military history, as well as the road to independence and democracy.

The small and vibrant Norwegian city of Trondheim is known for many things – food, shopping, and culture, not to mention its incredible history and historical architecture. While taking in the incredible sights of Nidarosdomen and other historical buildings, why not check out Erkebispegården, the Archbishop’s Palace in English, and learn all about how the Trøndelag region came to be what it is?

Dating all the way back to the 12th century, Erkebispegården is, along with Nidarosdomen, one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Norway. For over 800 years, it served as a meeting place for military figures and powerful people, so it’s rather fitting that its West Wing now houses Forsvarsmuseet Rustkammeret, a museum where guests can learn all about Norway’s and the region’s military history.

Rustkammeret, or The Armoury, is a reference to an old, historical term for a weapon storage and repair facility. “We’re located in a building from the 1700s, which along with the many interesting historical artefacts makes for an incredible experience,” says Major Tormod Overland, who overlooks the museum.

The museum itself was established in 1826, making it one of the oldest museums in the country, and has since then worked on informing and teaching the public about the interesting regional and national history. “The museum’s permanent exhibitions cover everything from the early Viking Ages to the end of the Second World War, the latter of which is particularly important,” says Overland.

World War II, post-war exhibitions, and the military’s role in Norwegian democracy

Trondheim, like the rest of the country, was occupied by the Nazis, who had plans for the city and its people. As many foreign visitors don’t know much about World War II and the battles taking place in Norway, the exhibition is a good introduction to this part of history.

Through both historical walking tours in Trondheim and the permanent exhibitions, visitors at the museum get the opportunity to learn what life was like for the locals under violent occupation, as well as local resistance fighters and their brave fight during the occupation. The permanent exhibition about resistance fighting includes a range of interesting artefacts, as well as museum recreations of events.

While the World War II exhibition mostly focuses on the local and national fight, Overland explains that the well-informed museum workers try to give visiting international guests a snippet into their own country’s military involvement in the area. “When British tourists visit, for example, we often try to include information about the British Military operations in Trøndelag during the Second World War. And when French visitors come, we mention the allied French forces fighting in the region during the early stages of the war,” says Overland.

This is a part of the museum’s mission to be a conveyor of knowledge and history. Overland explains that informing the next generations about the military’s involvement in the country’s history and as safe-guarders of Norwegian democracy is especially important to the museum and its staff.

“We work closely with schools to educate young people on how present-day Norway has come to be,” Overland says. “More than anything, we don’t want them to take freedom and democracy for granted. It’s important to understand that the peace we all enjoy today was fought for by real people and that it came with great sacrifices.”

Web: www.kultur.forsvaret.no/museer/forsvarsmuseet-rustkammeret
Facebook: ForsvarsmuseetRustkammeret | Trondheim
Instagram: @rustkammeret