Townhouse from Kirkegata 15

Between 1703 and 1828, this town¬house belonged to the Collett family, owners of the town’s largest timber exporting firm. It was also one of its most exclusive dwellings and a center of social life. From 1843, the house was owned by the Cappelen family who ran a bookstore and later a music store here until it was torn down in 1938.

Chriatiania, ca. 1700.

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Town House from Kirkegata 15 Anne-Lise Reinsfelt / Norsk Folkemuseum

The Collett and Cappelen Town House - Start

The house is largely a replica. Original elements include wooden details and old bricks in visible masonry. The north wing with its bay window dates from the 1600s, and the weather vane shows the year James Collett took over the property. The main facade was built in several phases during the 1700s. The property suffered damages when the Swedish King Carl XII besieged Akershus Fortress in the early 1700s. The current facade is from around 1760 and reflects the symmetry of the baroque period.

The house today has four wings surrounding a courtyard. There are several classical interiors from John Collett's period. the 1790s, including the large corner room The back part of the west wing was the servants' sleeping quarters. The south wing contained a wash house with a kitchen above. Originally there was another set of buildings built around a courtyard which housed the various enterprises of the owners.

The Collett and Cappelen Town House - Start