National Museum of Norway Spotlights Wenche Selmer's Cabin Philosophy
The National Museum of Norway presents an exhibition on Wenche Selmer (1920–1998), highlighting her cabin designs as a metaphor for simple living. Despite working in Paris, Selmer's Norwegian wooden houses left a lasting architectural legacy. She often asked clients, “What can you live without?” Museum director Ingrid Røynesdal praised her restrained formal language and ability to bridge tradition and modernity. Selmer collaborated with her husband, Jens Selmer (1911–1995), a prominent housing architect. The exhibition features drawings, photographs, and narratives.
Key facts
- Wenche Selmer (1920–1998) is the subject of a new exhibition at The National Museum of Norway.
- Selmer worked in Paris for various architects before focusing on Norwegian cabins and wooden houses.
- She viewed the cabin as an ideal for architecture and a metaphor for a simple, good life.
- Selmer often asked clients, 'What can you live without?'
- Museum director Ingrid Røynesdal described Selmer's work as building bridges between tradition and modernity.
- Selmer regularly collaborated with her husband, Jens Selmer (1911–1995), a leading housing architect.
- The exhibition includes drawings, photographs, and narratives.
- The National Museum of Norway aims to highlight Selmer as an important Norwegian architect.
Entities
Artists
- Wenche Selmer
- Jens Selmer
Institutions
- The National Museum of Norway
Locations
- Norway
- Paris