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Directorate for Cultural Heritage

The ruins of Hamar cathedral. A permanent structure enclosing these ruins was built in 1998. Photo: Jiri Havran © Riksantikvaren

The Directorate for Cultural Heritage in Norway (Riksantikvaren) is responsible for the practical implementation of the Norwegian Cultural Heritage Act and the objectives laid down by the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) and the Ministry of the Environment.

We are responsible for ensuring that a representative selection of monuments and sites from all periods is preserved for present and future generations. The selection of monuments and sites must provide an overview of historical developments, the way of life and the range of works of art and craftsmanship of each period.

International Project News

The safeguarding of cultural heritage is a global concern that demands international cooperation. The Directorate for Cultural Heritage cooperates with countries in Europe, Asia and Africa as well as with international organisations.

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Indigenous groups, national minorities and cultural remains

Norway has one indigenous group, the Sami, as well as five national minorities and several more recent immigrant groups. Working with the different groups, the Directorate aims to preserve a representative selection of their cultural remains.