Setesdalsmuseet at Rysstad

The Setesdal Museum at Rysstad , a journey through the culture, history and traditions of Setesdal.

“What we used to wear in Råbyggjelaget”. Råbyggjelaget is the old name of Aust-Agder’s inner and western villages. Although the exhibition provides snapshots of everyday life, main emphasis is on special occasions such as christenings, confirmations and weddings. Mannequin tableaux, with supplementary information and an abundance of pictures, help bring the past back to life.

Do not miss the film “A different Setesdal”, which shows that the locals were not only concerned with the past. Never had the Setesdal people been as influential in public life as in the decades leading up to and after the year 1900.

In 2019 the teacher, artisan and author Annemor Sundbø turns 70. She is internationally known for her work and has been awarded a number of
prizes and scholarships. She has conducted extensive research into Norwegian knitting traditions, using the local Setesdal sweater as inspiration. Her works are displayed at the exhibition «Spelsau og samspill» («Interacting with sheep»), which is also the title of her most recent book.

In the smallest hall there is an exhibition in connection with the 25th anniversary of the Setesdal Museum:

«Det er ikkje berre gull som glitrar» («All that glitters is not gold»). It features unique items of cultural historic interest from the museum storehouses. Moreover, one wall is dedicated to original prints by the artist Nikolai Astrup.

The museum features a small souvenir shop and offer light snacks.