Rockheim

Rockheim Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Trondheim Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Rockheim’s Cultural Significance in Trondheim

Rockheim, located in the heart of Trondheim’s historic harbor district, stands as Norway’s national museum for popular music. More than just a repository for artifacts, Rockheim is an immersive, interactive cultural hub dedicated to tracing the evolution of Norwegian music from the 1950s to the present day. The museum seamlessly blends an industrial past—housed in a converted 1920s grain warehouse—with a strikingly modern glass “box” extension, making it both an architectural landmark and a beacon of Norway’s rich musical legacy. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, family traveler, or cultural explorer, this guide offers comprehensive information on Rockheim’s visiting hours, ticketing, exhibitions, accessibility, and nearby historical attractions (Rockheim Museum Trondheim), (Archello Architecture Norway), (Rockheim website).

Introduction: Rockheim’s Significance
Origins & Architectural Transformation
Establishment and Mission
Exhibitions & Interactive Experiences
Hall of Fame & Temporary Exhibitions
Visiting Rockheim: Practical Information
Visitor Experience & Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary & Recommendations
References

Origins and Architectural Transformation

Rockheim is situated at Brattørkaia 14 in Trondheim, within a repurposed 1919 grain warehouse. The conversion of this industrial structure into a vibrant museum illustrates Trondheim’s commitment to preserving its cultural history. The most distinctive architectural feature is the sixth-floor “box”—a cantilevered glass structure adorned with illuminated album covers and powered by over 13,000 LEDs, which visitors can interact with using their phones (Wikipedia), (Archello), (Architecture Norway).

The project, led by Pir II AS and Agraff AS, doubled the warehouse’s usable space to 4,300 square meters, with half dedicated to exhibitions. The transformation’s success was recognized with Trondheim’s 2010 building award (Wikipedia), (Archello).

Establishment and Mission

Rockheim officially opened in 2010 as part of the regional Museene i Sør-Trøndelag network (WhichMuseum). Its mission is to preserve, document, and present Norwegian popular music from the 1950s to today, using permanent and temporary exhibitions, interactive installations, and digital outreach to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Exhibitions and Interactive Experiences

Permanent Exhibition: Norwegian Music by Decade

The museum’s top-floor “box” houses a chronological, decade-by-decade journey through Norwegian music history. Each room is dedicated to a specific era, from the rock and roll of the 1950s to the latest digital innovations. The exhibition is full of memorabilia, listening stations, curated video content, and interactive displays, enabling visitors to explore the evolution of Norwegian music in a hands-on way (Wikipedia), (WhichMuseum), (Rockheim Exhibitions).

Discovery Rooms and Hands-On Learning

Rockheim’s discovery rooms encourage visitors to create and interact with music. The Ronni Room offers virtual guitar lessons, while the Hiphop Room invites guests to try DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing, reflecting the diversity of Norwegian music culture (Travel with Timo), (Wikipedia).

Virtual Rockheim

Before its physical opening, Rockheim debuted Virtuelle Rockheim, Norway’s first online museum. This digital platform allows remote visitors to explore 3D exhibits and interact with avatars, broadening the museum’s educational reach (Wikipedia).

Hall of Fame and Temporary Exhibitions

The Rockheim Hall of Fame, established in 2011, honors influential Norwegian artists such as a-ha, Åge Aleksandersen, and Wenche Myhre. Inductees are celebrated with multimedia displays and memorabilia (Wikipedia), (Rockheim Hall of Fame).

Temporary exhibitions, like “En fyr med tusj – 40 Years of Tommy Sydsæter and Vazelina Bilopphøggers,” spotlight specific themes or collaborations within Norwegian music. These rotating displays ensure there’s always something new for returning visitors (Tommy Sydsæter Exhibition).

Visiting Rockheim: Practical Information

Visiting Hours

Winter (October–April): Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–17:00
Summer (May–September): Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00
Closed: Mondays (except select public holidays)

Check official opening hours for updates or event-related changes.

Tickets and Booking

Adults: 150–170 NOK
Students/Seniors: 110–150 NOK
Children (0–15): Free (with paying adult)
Families: 350 NOK (2 adults + up to 3 children)
Combination Ticket (Rockheim + Ringve Music Museum): 230 NOK (Ringve ticket info)

Book tickets online (Rockheim official site) or at the entrance. Advance purchase is recommended during busy seasons.

Accessibility

Rockheim is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, tactile exhibits, and multilingual information in Norwegian and English. Service dogs are welcome. Contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility needs (WhichMuseum), (Rockheim accessibility).

Guided Tours and Events

Guided tours (in Norwegian and English) provide in-depth insights and can be booked in advance or upon arrival, subject to availability (Museumspedia). Rockheim also hosts concerts, workshops, and themed family days—check the events calendar for the latest.

Facilities and Amenities

Café/Restaurant: Enjoy panoramic fjord views and local cuisine at Rockheim Panorama (Museumspedia review).
Museum Shop: Music-themed gifts and Norwegian souvenirs.
Lockers/Cloakroom: Secure storage for personal items.
Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the museum.

Visitor Experience and Tips

Allocate 2–3 hours to fully enjoy exhibits and the café.
Start on the 6th floor (“Top Box”) and work your way down for a chronological experience (Rockheim visit info).
Many exhibits are interactive and family-friendly; children under 15 enter free with a paying adult.
Photography (without flash) is generally permitted; check signage for any restrictions.
Combine your visit with other Trondheim attractions, such as Nidaros Cathedral and the Old Town Bridge, for a richer cultural day (Explore City).

Getting There and Nearby Attractions

Address: Brattørkaia 14, 7010 Trondheim

By foot: 5–15 minutes from Trondheim Central Station
By public transport: Bus lines 5, 7, or 19
By car: Limited parking nearby; public transport recommended
Nearby sites:
- Nidaros Cathedral (Gothic architecture)
- Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro)
- Trondheim Maritime Museum
- Bakklandet district

For self-guided walking tours, consider the GPSmyCity app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I buy Rockheim tickets?
A: Tickets are available online via the official website or at the entrance.

Q: What are Rockheim’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday; hours vary by season. Closed Mondays.

Q: Is Rockheim accessible for wheelchair users and families?
A: Yes, with elevators, accessible restrooms, and child-friendly exhibits.

Q: Are guided tours offered in English?
A: Yes, advance booking is recommended.

Q: Can I attend live music events at Rockheim?
A: Yes, check the events calendar for schedules and ticketing.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited; public transport or walking is advised.

Summary & Travel Recommendations

Rockheim Museum provides a vibrant and innovative exploration of Norway’s musical heritage within an architecturally iconic setting. Its blend of permanent and temporary exhibitions, discovery rooms, live events, and digital outreach appeals to music lovers, families, and culture seekers. The museum’s accessible facilities, central location, and proximity to other Trondheim landmarks make it an ideal destination for a culturally rich outing. Enhance your visit by booking guided tours, checking event schedules, and using resources like the Audiala app for interactive audio guides. For the latest updates, visit the official Rockheim website and explore detailed architectural insights at Architecture Norway.