The Transformation of Landeskogen
From Sanatorium to Art CentreFrom sanatorium to art centre – Landeskogen is continuing its development as a place for art, knowledge, and creative work. The history, architecture, and landscape form the foundation for a new meeting place where the past and the future come together.
Landeskogen was built between 1912 and 1916 as Norway’s first state tuberculosis sanatorium. The architecture, location, and layout were designed with one purpose: to create the best possible conditions for treatment, rest, and recovery.
Over more than a century, the site has served several different functions. Each period has left its mark, and the historical layers remain visible in the buildings, the landscape, and the overall structure of the site.
Today, Landeskogen is undergoing a new transformation. The aim is not to return the buildings to a single historical period, but to continue developing the site as a living art centre. The guiding principle is to preserve the original features as far as possible while adapting the buildings to new needs.
Original rooms, materials, and architectural details are preserved where appropriate, allowing the history to remain visible within the buildings. At the same time, the site is being developed into a place for exhibitions, artistic workspaces, residency programmes, events, courses, and public engagement. The transformation is taking place gradually, and visitors are invited to follow the development along the way.
A Building with New Functions
The main building will become the heart of the new art centre. Here, spaces are being developed for exhibitions, artists’ workspaces, events, courses, public engagement, and meeting places for visitors.
The former patient rooms are gradually being given new functions as studios, exhibition spaces, and public areas. Other rooms will be adapted for use as a café and social meeting spaces. Each room is developed with the building’s architecture and its inherent possibilities as the starting point.
Large parts of the main building will continue to be open and accessible to visitors. Where patients once stayed during long periods of treatment, visitors can now experience exhibitions, participate in events, and meet artists from Norway and abroad. The building once again becomes a place where people gather – not for treatment, but for experiences, learning, reflection, and creative activity.
As new rooms are brought into use, the transformation itself becomes part of the story. Visitors can experience an art centre in development, where restoration, art, and activity take place side by side.
From Treatment Rooms and Service Wing to Workshops
In the basement of the main building were former treatment rooms and offices that were part of the sanatorium’s daily operations. These spaces will be given new functions connected to artistic activity.
The former service wing contained the kitchen, dining halls, laundry, storage rooms, and other operational facilities that enabled the sanatorium to function on a daily basis. New printmaking workshops, production spaces, and technical work areas are now being developed here.
Where food was once prepared, something will once again be created that provides nourishment – this time for thoughts, imagination, and experiences. The rooms will be filled with artistic production, experimentation, and craftsmanship, forming the foundation for Kunstprenteverket, Landeskogen’s centre for graphic art and printmaking.
Life Returning to the Residences
The transformation extends across the entire property, not only the main building. The former staff residences are gradually being brought back into use as accommodation for visiting artists through Landeskogen’s residency programme. The houses are once again becoming living spaces and an important part of the art centre’s international activities.
One of the houses is already in use, while the others will be prepared as the development of the property continues. The adaptations are carried out with respect for the history and character of the buildings, while ensuring that they provide suitable living and working environments for artists.
The residency programme is already underway. Several artists have lived and worked at Landeskogen, and their stays have resulted in new art projects, collaborations, and professional exchanges. Works created during residency periods will be presented in upcoming exhibitions and events.
By living at Landeskogen, artists become part of the everyday life of the place. The historic buildings, the landscape, the workshops under development, and encounters with other artists and visitors all become part of the artistic process. The residency programme is therefore not only a place to stay, but an integral part of the art centre’s ongoing development.
Workshops Returning to Their Role
The property also includes several freestanding workshop buildings. These were originally part of the sanatorium’s support facilities and were used for practical work and production.
As part of the transformation, these buildings will once again become workshops – this time for artistic activity. One of the workshop buildings is already being used by artists, even though restoration and adaptation work is still ongoing. Artistic activity has therefore already moved in, long before the development of the entire site is complete.
When the workshops are finished, they will provide space for different forms of artistic production, craftsmanship, courses, and collaboration, becoming an important part of Landeskogen’s artistic infrastructure.
The Landscape as Part of the Transformation
The transformation also includes the landscape surrounding the buildings. When the sanatorium was established, nature was an important part of the treatment. The forest, viewpoints, and many walking paths gave patients opportunities for movement, rest, and fresh air.
These qualities remain an important part of Landeskogen today. The historic walking paths are being cleared and made accessible again, allowing both artists and visitors to experience the landscape as part of their stay. Nature is not merely a setting around the art centre, but an active part of the experience and a source of inspiration, reflection, and tranquillity.
A Living Cultural Environment in Development
The transformation of Landeskogen is about more than restoring buildings. It is about giving a historic site new life and a new role in society.
Where people once came to find rest and recover, they will now come to experience art, work, learn, create, and meet others. The history will remain visible – not as a memory of something that has ended, but as an active foundation for what is happening today.
Landeskogen is therefore not a finished project, but a place in continuous development. New spaces, new artists, and new stories will gradually become part of the site. The transformation is underway – and every new artwork, every exhibition, and every restored building becomes part of the next chapter in Landeskogen’s history.