Fantastic celebration & “Museum director believes in breaking ground just after New Year”

28 August 2026

Yes, on August 28, 2021, we could read this statement from the director of Museum Nord, Geir Are Johansen, in a story from NRK.

28 August 2021 stands as a special day for Museum Nord. The new Hurtigruten Museum was officially opened. It was a fantastic day, with a public festival at Stokmarknes, big bands, market street and many activities. The opening was conducted by the then Minister of Culture and Equality Abid Raja (V). The atmosphere was great in the numerous audience that had turned up to participate in the event.

Minister of Culture and Equality Abid Raja opens the Hurtigruten Museum. Photo Eldar Syversen

The minister was given a tour of the Hurtigruten Museum before the official opening. Here are some film clips from the day:

The director of the museum at the time, Lina Vibe, was one of those who participated in the tour with the minister. Video: Eldar Syversen

On the flag deck, the stage was set for dancing and a good atmosphere. The Minister of Culture was literally on board and swung the marketing director of Museum Nord, Hege Anita Eilertsen in the dance. Video: Eldar Syversen

But what does that have to do with breaking ground? The day became a double day of celebration. Just listen:

The Minister of Culture had a surprise

Abid Raja gave a great speech about the Hurtigruten, its importance and how important it is that this story is told. Before he made the actual opening of the Hurtigruten Museum, a few important words were made.

The words dealt with the meaning of the cod in both Northern Norwegian and national contexts.

“I have with me a big piece of news. We in the government have decided, the cod project will become a reality,” said Abid Raja from the podium at Stokmarknes on August 28, 2021 (quote from NRK).

“We will do our part to ensure that the story is told. That is why we have decided to provide state funds in the national budget with a total of NOK 162 million for a new cod museum in the north.” (NRK)

Congratulations!!

Today, 28 August 2026, we congratulate the Hurtigruten Museum on its 5th anniversary and hope many people show up for the celebration. The Minister of Culture thinks the opening party and Stokmarknes were absolutely king!

“Absolutely king!” Video: Eldar Syversen

The shovel was put in the ground

It did not happen just after the New Year as the director enthusiastically hoped for. But it did not take too long – and now, 5 years after the minister conveyed the message that the allocation from the state was in place, the importance and history of the cod is being told precisely at SKREI in Kabelvåg.

SKREI has already opened its doors to the public. This happened on 30 June 2026. The official opening will be on 19 September 2026. At that time, Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery (AP) will conduct the actual opening ceremony.

SKREI. Photos Kjell Ove Storvik

Programme for the Hurtigruten Museum’s 5th anniversary on 28 August:

All kindergartens in Hadsel municipality are invited to come with their five-year-olds for a proper birthday party. All children have free admission on this day, and adults only pay half price! In addition, we have a 5% discount, since we are FIVE years old on all items in the store and in the café.

Program for SKREI’s official opening on 19 September:

It will be a whole week of events and cultural programs, in history, art, marine biology and recent research. The opening week ends with a large family event on Saturday 19 September, with free admission to all four arenas of SKREI.

We welcome you to fantastic celebrations in both places.