by: Horten & Åsgårdstrand

The museum offers insight into the artist’s work, style, and artistic expression – from his unique childhood drawings to his final works at the age of 92. Harald Kihle was one of Norway’s leading artists from 1930 to 1980, and through 170 works the exhibition tells the story of his life and artistic career.

Harald Kihle grew up just a stone’s throw from the museum, at Apenestunet. It was here that he drew his first horses – the working horse that later became a central motif in his art. The museum presents 170 works, ranging from childhood drawings created when he was 6–7 years old to his final works before his death at the age of 92. The collection includes woodcuts, lithographs, and paintings inspired by summers in Telemark, folk legends such as Telnes’ account of Guro Heddelid, Vinje’s cycle about Storegut, as well as many other works by Kihle.

The museum also preserves the artist’s complete archive, including sketches, preparatory studies, photographs, diaries, and other documentation from a long artistic life. The archive has been catalogued and digitised, and parts of the material are available at digitalmuseum.no.

The museum is part of the Apenestunet kunst- og kulturpark (Art- and Cultural Park), which also includes an art gallery, the historic sheriff’s residence, and a large garden area. Free parking is available. The museum is accessible to all, with near step-free access and a cafeteria.

The museum is located 10 minutes from the ferry terminal and 15 minutes from Kopstad (E18).

Admission

The museum is operated by the Horten Art Association in its own buildings, without public funding, and is largely run by volunteers.

Admission is free for children under 18 and members of the Horten Art Association.

For private or group guided tours, please get in touch.