The ICR 2026 Conference, Living Heritage in Living Landscapes: Place, Practice and Regional Identity, brings museum professionals, researchers, and cultural practitioners together in southern Norway to explore the relationship between people, place, and regional identity. Hosted in Kristiansand and Arendal, the conference combines presentations, discussions, museum visits, and cultural experiences that highlight how heritage continues to shape and reflect living communities.

Throughout the week, participants will engage with museums, coastal traditions, industrial heritage, and cultural landscapes while building international connections within the ICR network. The program also includes excursions, guided tours, and an optional post-conference journey through Setesdal, offering further opportunities to experience Norway’s living heritage firsthand.
Location
Kristiansand & Arendal, Norway
Date
September 21-24, 2026
Schedule at a Glance
Sept 21
Day 1
The conference opens at Kunstsilo in Kristiansand with welcome remarks, followed by presentations and discussions exploring the theme Living Heritage in Living Landscapes. In the evening, participants will travel to Bragdøya for an excursion and dinner highlighting the region’s coastal traditions and maritime heritage.
sept 22
Day 2
The day begins at Vest-Agder-Museet with presentations and the ICR Annual Meeting, followed by a guided tour of the museum harbor. In the afternoon, participants travel to Arendal for check-in at the Grand Hotel before an evening reception and guided visit to Kløckers Hus.
sept 23
Day 3
Participants travel to KUBEN for a full day of presentations and discussions exploring regional museums, heritage, and living landscapes. The day concludes with guided visits and an evening at Merdøgaard, connecting participants with the coastal history and cultural traditions of the Arendal region.
sept 24
Day 4
The final conference day takes participants to Næs Jernverksmuseum, where presentations and discussions explore the connections between industry, community, and regional heritage. Following lunch and a guided tour, participants return to Kristiansand in the afternoon.
sept 24-27
Post-Conference Excursion
Following the conference, participants may join an optional journey through Setesdal, exploring museums, historic sites, and cultural landscapes connected to the region’s mining, folk traditions, and rural heritage. Visits in Evje and Rysstad include museums, cultural experiences, and a stay at Sylvgarden before returning to Kristiansand on 27 September.
Call for Papers
The 2026 ICR Annual Conference invites museum professionals, researchers, students, and cultural practitioners to submit proposals related to the conference theme, “Living Heritage in Living Landscapes: Place, Practice and Regional Identity.”
Learn More
Travel Grants & Scholarships
A limited number of travel grants and registration scholarships are available to help support participation in the 2026 ICR Annual Conference, particularly for members facing financial barriers to attendance.
Learn More
 Join us in Norway
We look forward to welcoming you!
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© ICOM-ICR 2026. All Rights Reserved.
ICOM-ICR is the International Committee for Regional Museums of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

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