Royal Norwegian Navy Museum founded at Horten

Background. The Royal Norwegian Navy Museum (Marinemuseet) documents the history of the Royal Norwegian Navy. It is situated at Karljohansvern, the former main naval base in Horten, a municipality in Vestfold county. The museum is sometimes regarded as the world's first naval museum because it was the first collection of naval memorabilia open to the public, establishing its historical significance.

Historical Significance. Founded in 1853, the museum is the oldest existing museum of its kind in the world. Its status as the first public collection of naval memorabilia distinguishes it from other institutions. The museum's location at Karljohansvern connects it to the naval heritage of Horten, which experienced economic changes when the Navy moved its main base to Bergen in the mid-20th century.