Culture: Why Trondheim Stands out
Sign on top of the new gallery "PoMo" - "Our Magic Hour". Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
Trondheim is a vibrant cultural hub, rich in art, music, theater, and festivals. Its expanding scene has made it a national leader in cultural offerings and engagement.
Trondheim has long been a city known for its vibrant and diverse cultural scene. From art galleries and museums to theaters, concerts, and festivals, the city thrives as a hub for both professional and grassroots arts and culture. In recent years, this cultural ecosystem has expanded significantly, cementing Trondheim’s position as a national leader in both cultural offerings and cultural consumption.
According to Ann Elisabeth Wedø, CEO of Olavshallen, the cultural heartbeat of Trondheim is remarkably strong.
If we look at the professional cultural scene, we have an extremely large offering. There are approximately three and a half concerts every single day throughout the year. In addition, we have an unusually vibrant voluntary cultural scene and a particularly large number of young cultural performers.
- Ann Elisabeth Wedø. Olavshallen CEO
Ann Elisabeth Wedø is the administrative head of Olavshallen. Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
Data collected by the initiators of Kulturmetropolen Trondheim (The Cultural Metropolis) further supports this, showing that the Trondheim region is a national leader in cultural engagement, both in terms of participation and attendance.
Culture is Community
Cultural experiences in Trondheim go far beyond professional performances; they are also about active participation. The city offers many ways to engage, whether through community choirs, orchestras, art collectives, or local cultural festivals. With a municipal cultural school serving around 5,500 students, families and young adults alike have ample opportunities to explore creative activities.
Trondheim is a city where it is easy to become part of a cultural community. People sing in choirs, play in orchestras, and create art together. There is a special energy in this, which makes culture feel accessible to everyone, not just professional artists.
- Ann Elisbath Wedø
Olavshallen provides several auditoriums, concert halls, shops and cafés. Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
A Driving Force for Urban Development
The impact of culture extends well beyond performances and concerts. It is a powerful driver of urban development, fostering identity and belonging. Wedø underscores the role of culture in shaping how people experience a city.
Imagine a city without culture. No music, no films, no performances—just workplaces. What kind of life would that be? Culture is a fundamental part of our identity. A rich cultural life makes a city attractive, not just for visitors but also for people considering moving here.
- Wedø
Ann Elisabeth Wedø at one of Olavshallen's record shops. Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
The Economic Impact of Culture
Cultural tourism is a growing force in Trondheim. A study by The Trondheim Region Chamber of Commerce estimates that cultural events contribute NOK 800 million annually to the local economy, through accommodation, dining, and retail. Culture-related visitors account for around 20% of hotel bookings in Trondheim.
And we haven’t even looked at the transport sector yet. There is certainly a significant revenue stream there as well due to cultural tourism.
- Wedø
"PoMo" art gallery opened in February 2025 in the old Central Post Office in Trondheim. Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
Kulturmetropolen: Strengthening Trondheim’s Cultural Identity
Through the Kulturmetropolen project, Trondheim aims to enhance its cultural visibility and reinforce its position as an attractive destination for artists, performers, and audiences alike. The project has two key objectives:
- Make the cultural scene more visible to residents, visitors, and potential new citizens.
- Foster pride and identity within the existing arts and cultural community.
Wedø highlights the unique collaboration between Trondheim’s cultural institutions as one of the city’s defining strengths.
We are very good at supporting each other rather than competing. This creates a very special dynamic in the cultural life here. Many people I talk to across Norway and the Nordic countries tell me this is particularly prominent in Trondheim.
- Wedø
She envisions that in five years, if the initiative succeeds, Trondheim will have an even more accessible and visible cultural scene.
It should be easy to find out what is happening in the city at any given time, regardless of genre. We will also work more strategically on talent development to ensure that more artists and cultural performers choose to stay in Trondheim because of the opportunities here, rather than moving elsewhere.
- Ann Elisabeth Wedø
Impressions of Trondheim Culture city
Trondheim’s Cultural Institutions and Venues
Olavshallen, the region’s largest concert and cultural venue since 1989, remains central to Trondheim’s cultural scene. But the city boasts a wide range of institutions, including:
- Trondheim Symphony Orchestra & Opera
- Trondheim Soloists
- Trøndelag Theatre
- More than 50 annual festivals
- Dokkhuset (jazz venue & NTNU music student hub)
- Art galleries, museums, and large-scale events at Granåsen/TRHstage, Leangen, and Torget
Internationally Recognized Cultural Communities
Trondheim has nurtured many artists and musicians with international recognition. The city’s jazz scene is particularly renowned, and music producers such as Stargate and Dsign Music have put Trondheim on the global music map, collaborating with artists like Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Rihanna, as well as producing K-pop for Girl’s Generation, Tomorrow X Together (TXT), and LE SSERAFIM.
Some of Trondheim’s most celebrated artists and musicians include:
Visual Arts:
- Håkon Bleken
- Håkon Gullvåg
- Kjell Erik Killi Olsen
- Astri Aasen
Music and Performing Arts:
- Arve Tellefsen
- Sidsel Endresen
- Geir Lysne
- Marianne Thorsen
- Motorpsycho
- Ingrid Lorentzen
- Highasakite
- Liv Ullmann
- John Pål Inderberg
Contemporary Jazz and Experimental Music:
- Daniel Herskedal
- Ola Kvernberg
- Kristoffer Lo
- Mette Rasmussen
Notable NTNU Jazz Alumni:
- Stian Carstensen (and all of Farmers Market)
- Frode Alnæs
- Kristin Asbjørnsen
- Tord Gustavsen
- Jarle Vespestad
- Emilie Nicolas
- Ingrid Helene Haavik (Highasakite)
- Ole Morten Vågan
- Kjetil Møster
Ann Elisabeth Wedø is the administrative head of Olavshallen. Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
The Future of Trondheim as a Cultural City
With strong community engagement, thriving institutions, and international recognition, Trondheim is poised to solidify its reputation as Norway’s cultural capital. Kulturmetropolen aims to make the city’s vibrant arts scene even more visible, accessible, and influential—both locally and globally.
Culture is what makes us feel alive. We don’t just consume it; we live it. And Trondheim is a city where culture is deeply embedded in everyday life.
- Wedø
Further reading and guides
What to and where to look
Event guide for Trondheim and the region.
Trondheim nights
Trondheim boasts a vibrant cultural scene, offering a plethora of activities for both residents and visitors.
Museums & Galleries
Trondheim is home to incredible galleries and museums that are just waiting to be explored.
What's on near you?
Here's an overview of the towns within each municipality and where to find event information and cultural highlights.
Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
Trondheim.com editor
More on Trondheim Region Events
Want more info on what to do and where to experience?