Trondheim kunstmuseum has a considerable collection of Norwegian and international art. On display is a selection of works from the collection, alongside temporary contemporary art exhibitions.

The stated objective of Trondheim Kunstmuseum is to: “Create an interest and increase knowledge in the field of fine arts. This shall be accomplished through acquisition, conservation, scientific research and education, as well as the creation of various exhibitions with different kinds of fine art. The museum shall function as a documentation and competence centre for the region, and it shall, to the extent possible, be updated on essential national and international movements.”

History
By means of a letter addressed to the general public, Professor I.C. Dahl started the initiative to establish Trøndelag Kunstgalleri in 1845. At the time, Trondheim’s population was around 13,000.

The collection was established in 1864. At that time it was known as ‘Det Faste Galleri’ (The Permanent Gallery), a name that lasted until 1973. During the first phase, the royal residence of Stiftsgården was used, along with the local bank, Trondhjems Sparebank. From 1891–1914 buildings purchased from liquor company Trondhjems Brændevinssamlag housed the collection. Acquisitions were often made after art prize competitions.[3] The collection increased significantly after the First World War. Today, it includes over 5,000 works.

Randi Nygaard Lium was the Director from 1998–2010. Cathrine Hovdahl Vik was director shortly before Pontus Kyander, director from 2011-2014. Johan Börjesson is the present director. Börjesson accepted the position in March 2014.