Petter Dass Museum

"Architects studio Snøhetta, 2001-2007 Petter Dass was a clergyman and writer who lived and worked in Northern Norway from 1689 until his death in 1707. His poetry and fearless, open personality have made him a legendary character in Norway. The historical importance of the surroundings made the task of locating and designing a new building on the site sensitive and very challenging. Snøhetta decided to make a cut in the landscape, creating space for a freestanding building, which, in volume added, balances the mass removed. This bold solution creates a new yet humble relationship to the adjacent historical sites, as well as allowing an expressive architecture. In this way, the new museum visualizes the historical timeline from the church’s beginnings to the present day."