Galleri Verftsporten is an art and craft gallery at historic Karljohansvern in Horten, housed in the former main gateway to the Royal Norwegian Navy's shipyard. Across three floors, visitors can explore paintings, prints, ceramics, glass art and textile works. Eight resident artists and craftspeople are associated with the gallery, while visiting artists present changing exhibitions throughout the year.
Explore art across three floors
Galleri Verftsporten brings together different art forms and craft traditions under one roof. The building contains studios, workshops and exhibition spaces. Visitors can discover paintings and prints alongside ceramics, glass art and textile works. The selection changes as new guest exhibitions are introduced. Take your time exploring the three floors and discovering the different materials, techniques and artistic expressions.
The Bleken Loft – graphic art by Håkon Bleken
One of the gallery's established highlights is the Bleken Loft, featuring a sales exhibition of graphic works by Håkon Bleken. Bleken (1929–2025) was an important figure in Norwegian visual art. The exhibition provides an opportunity to explore his printmaking alongside works by artists practising in other media. It is a particularly interesting stop for visitors who enjoy graphic art.
Discover the gallery's resident artists
Galleri Verftsporten is home to a group of eight artists and craftspeople working across different disciplines. They include painters Sine Wiksen, Therese Wahl and Marit Berg, textile artist Thorild Marie Instebø, ceramic artist Laila Becher Nergård, and glass artists Jorunn Knudsen, Roar Freslo and Veronica Sørem. Several of the artists have studios or workshops in the building, making Galleri Verftsporten a meeting place for artistic practice and exhibitions.
Changing guest exhibitions
Alongside the resident artists, Galleri Verftsporten welcomes visiting artists for temporary exhibitions. The featured-artist programme brings new works and perspectives into the gallery throughout the year. What you see may therefore change from one visit to the next.
Visit Galleri Verftsporten's official website for details of current exhibitions.
Art in a historic naval setting
The gallery occupies a historic building that once served as the main gateway to the naval shipyard at Karljohansvern. The building is also associated with the history of technical education in Norway. It stands close to Horten Church, within an area known for its naval heritage, historic architecture and museums. Combine your gallery visit with a walk around Karljohansvern, or discover photography at Preus Museum and maritime history at the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum.
Plan your visit
Galleri Verftsporten is located at Nedre vei 14, 3183 Horten, Norway, in the Karljohansvern heritage area. The gallery is normally open on Sundays from 12 noon to 3 pm. Weekday visits can also be arranged in advance.
Admission to regular exhibitions is free. Artworks offered for sale are individually priced. Contact the gallery on +47 48 25 16 67 to arrange a visit outside regular hours or enquire about accessibility across the building's three floors. Find current exhibition and visitor information at galleriverftsporten.com.
