About

Norway’s most famous international opera singer was born at Hamar

Kirsten Flagstad is Norway’s most famous international opera singer. She was born at Hamar in 1895, in Strandstuen – a small house which today is Hamar’s oldest building and home to the Kirsten Flagstad Museum. The collection was officially opened in 1985 by the then Minister of Cultural Affairs, and on the date that would have marked Kirsten’s 90th birthday. “I always tell people that I come from Hamar; it is something I am very proud of, and I still feel that Hamar is my town!” These were Kirsten's word in an interview about Hedmarken and Hamar in 1958, and visitors to Kirsten Flagstad’s Strandstuen will be in no doubt that Hamar is still Kirsten's town.

Overnight fame at the Metropolitan Opera

Kirsten grew up in a very musical family, and her talent was obvious already at a young age. In 1935, she became an overnight international sensation when she made her début at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York as Siegelinde in Wagner's opera Die Walküre. The museum has a unique collection of costumes, props, photos, and artefacts reflecting the artist’s life both on and off the opera stage. 

It also features Kirsten Flagstad Opera Hall of Fame, which celebrates the country’s best opera singers – past and present. Listen to her repertoire on CD or LP in the museum.

Guided tours

Daily guided tours during the summer season. The museum is open for groups by prior agreement all year round.