Kulturkirken Jakob, Oslo, Norway

Standing: Must see
Rank: Rank 64 of 3,842

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Kulturkirken Jakob

Kulturkirken Jakob is a church in Hausmanns gate, by Ankerbrua bridge in central Oslo, designed by architect Georg Andreas Bull, built in 1880 and named after the apostle St James. For 105 years it was the parish church for the area around the lower Akerselva river, until it was closed as a parish church in 1985. When the bishop of Oslo wanted to demolish it, the heritage authorities listed the building instead. It reopened on 18 February 2000 as a culture church, run by Kirkelig Kulturverksted as long-term tenant of the owner, the Church City Council of Oslo.

Checked 2026-11-05 · Source

What's inside

It is Norway's only dedicated culture church, equipped for theatre, dance and other events, while the basement rooms, called Jakobs brønn, host exhibitions and smaller events. The brick church is in the Gothic Revival style and seats 550. The altarpiece, 'The Adoration of the Shepherds', was painted by Eilif Peterssen in 1880, and a relief of the Archangel Michael hangs in the porch. The 20-voice organ built by August Nilsen in 1880 and rebuilt in 1934 is no longer in use.

Checked 2026-11-05 · Source