The Project SKREI
SKREI will be a centre for knowledge and experiences related to the Lofoten fishery and Norway’s most important fish. SKREI extends beyond the confines of a traditional museum.
25 February 2025
The King’s Medal of Merit to Johannes Rørtveit
Museum Nord congratulates our good friend and supporter for many years, Johannes Rørtveit, with the King’s Medal of Merit!
For a number of years, Rørtveit has been committed to coastal culture. He has been a driving force in, among others, Vågan Kystlag, Galleri Espolin, Anne Bro, Lofoten Aquarium, Storfembøringen Vågar, SKREI, and the preservation of the old fishing village of Skipnes in Øksnes.
Rørtveit has also collaborated closely with Museum Nord for many years, including by sitting on the board of both Galleri Espolin and Lofoten Aquarium. Not least, he has been a tireless advocate for SKREI and sat as chairman of the board of Skrei Eiendom AS until 2024.
Director Geir Are Johansen of Museum Nord wholeheartedly supports the award:
“What perhaps above all characterizes Johannes Rørtveit’s work is that he has always seen this as a calling, more than a hobby or a job. He has always been the initiator and driving force for further development. He can be characterized as a plough that goes on and never gives up. He doesn’t take no for a no, and pushes on and continues to work until he finds a solution.”
We send our warmest congratulations!
About the award
The King’s Medal of Merit was established by King Haakon VII on 1 February 1908 and is awarded as a reward for special efforts in the fields of art, culture, science, business, social and humanitarian work.
When assessing candidates, “decisive emphasis is placed on socially beneficial efforts over a long period of time, including voluntary work and commitment”. Read more about the King’s Medal of Merit and search the list of previous recipients here.
About SKREI
SKREI is the largest museum establishment in Northern Norway in decades, and one of the region’s largest cultural industry projects. The new centre is now being realised outside Kabelvåg in Lofoten.
Through an innovative main exhibition, activities and experiences, the public will get to know the importance of the Northeast Arctic cod and the Lofoten fishery.
SKREI wants to highlight the large, ecological and social contexts that cod and humans are part of ? in the past, present and future. SKREI will open in 2026.