Agder Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden

The Agder Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden in Kristiansand holds collections of minerals, fossils, and animal specimens spanning different time periods. The exhibition spaces recreate regional ecosystems, while the extensive outdoor garden contains both native and rare plant species.

The institution started in the 1820s as a school collection and later moved to the Gimle Gård grounds. The current exhibition opened at the end of the 20th century and has expanded its natural science holdings since then.

The place helps visitors understand the plants and animals that define Norway's southern coastal region and their natural relationships. The garden displays species that would not normally survive in Norwegian climates, making it an unusual sight for local people.

The museum is located on the edge of the city and is well served by bus connections, with ample parking on site. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the botanical garden covers a large area to explore.

The botanical garden holds one of the largest cactus collections in Scandinavia, which is surprising for a northern country. It also features specialized areas with carnivorous plants and a conifer arboretum, collections that stand out as unusual for the climate.