European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award plaque unveiled at the Garden of Nikolai Astrup – Astruptunet, Norway
A significant moment for the Sunnfjord community took place on 24 June at the Garden of Nikolai Astrup – Astruptunet, where the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award granted to the restoration of the garden and its historic buildings was celebrated together with the local community and all those who contributed to the project.
The afternoon celebration brought together residents, heritage professionals, craftsmen, researchers and partners involved in the restoration, recognising the collective effort behind the renewal of this unique cultural landscape.
The ceremony was hosted by Anita Nordheim, Head of Culture and Sport of the Sunnfjord Municipality. Jenny Følling, Mayor of Sunnfjord, and Jan Heggheim, Director of the Sogn og Fjordane Museum, made the welcoming remarks.
Mayor Jenny Følling highlighted the exceptional professionalism behind the restoration of the former estate of the Norwegian painter Nikolai Astrup, and its profound connection with the local community and municipality: “Astruptunet is a cultural treasure and a heritage site that must be preserved. It places our municipality on the map, both nationally and internationally. Astruptunet has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, the farmstead appears much as it did when Astrup himself walked through the garden, finding inspiration and painting the scenes around him. If Nikolai and Engel Astrup were with us today, I am certain they would be immensely proud that their home has been honoured with this prestigious Award.”
Erik Schultz, from Europa Nostra Norway, represented Europa Nostra at the celebration. In his remarks, he praised the achievements of the project and highlighted how years of research, expertise and dedication have restored the close relationship between the artist and the landscape that inspired his work.
Erik Schultz underlined the essential contribution of the many individuals and organisations involved in the project: “Volunteers, schools, local residents, craftsmen, researchers, and cultural institutions have all played a role in bringing Astruptunet back to life. As a result, this is not only a restored heritage site but also a living place that continues to connect people with their history, culture, and landscape.”
Following the unveiling of the Award plaque, Ingeborg Mellgren Mathisen, landscape architect and project manager for the farm garden project, presented the audience with an in-depth overview of the initiative. She shared the story of the many years of dedicated work undertaken to restore the garden, combining historical research, craftsmanship and landscape expertise to recover its authenticity and beauty.
Participants were then invited to discover Astruptunet through a guided tour of the garden led by Solveig Berg Lofnes, Museum Director at Astruptunet. The visit offered an opportunity to experience first-hand the restored relationship, the cultural landscape and the artistic legacy of Nikolai Astrup.
