Nedre Strandgate 17 and 19

Nedre Strandgt. 17 and 19 are the only original general retail houses in Stavanger that are perfectly preserved. 

The four buildings were constructed during the period 1770-1840. On the Vågen side the seafront warehouses stand wall-to-wall with their gables facing the sea. Until the beginning of the 20th century small ships could dock right at the seafront warehouse walls to load and unload their goods. Since then quays and streets have been built, separating the houses from the sea. The main buildings with the general store, offices and apartments face the streets at the back. The well and the terraced gardens so typical of this area are on the other side of the street.

Nedre Strandgt. 17 and 19 belong to the municipality of Stavanger. The property was comprehensively restored and modernized at the beginning of the 1980s and the Maritime Museum opened its exhibitions in these premises in May 1985. After the opening, the municipality was awarded the sought-after "Europe Nostra" diploma for exemplary rehabilitation and conversion of the buildings.

The old seafront warehouse had doors opening onto Vågen. Windows offering an open view to the busy traffic of our own day have now replaced these. Standing by these windows, you can be a part of the environment of the past while contemplating life in the modern harbor right outside the house. In this way the history of shipping can be made to come alive in its right surroundings.