A new exhibition at the University Museum in Bergen shows how Bergen missionaries, traders and seal hunters left their mark on Greenland.
A young Greenlandic woman, Maria from Paamiut, died on Osterøy in 1748. She came there with the missionary priest Sylow, who had been serving in Greenland.
The exhibition «Bergen-Greenland: forgotten connections» at the University Museum in Bergen explores why she ended up there and Bergen's role in the colonization of Greenland.
Bergen priest central to colonialization
The plan was for Maria to return after completing her missionary training, but she never got to see her homeland again. Her portrait is now on display at the University Museum - along with her story.
Bergen's connection to Greenland began 300 years ago when the priest Hans Egede sailed from Bergen to conduct missionary and trading activities. But since then, many of the traces of colonization have been lost.
-"We have worked closely with an interdisciplinary group at the University of Bergen, and their research is now uncovering the forgotten voices and stories about Bergen's role in the colonization of Greenland. This is an important story to tell," says Åshild S. F. Thorsen, senior curator at the University Museum and project manager for the exhibition.
Relevant for today's Greenland
-"In the exhibition, visitors will learn how Bergen missionaries, traders and seal hunters left their mark on Greenland - and how these connections continue to influence us today," says Professor of Art History at the University of Bergen Sigrid Lien, who is responsible for the exhibition.
Exhibitions consist of art, photographs, film and historical documents.
The stories take on an unexpected new relevance because Greenland is once again at the center of international politics. While Greenlanders themselves are discussing self-government and decolonization, the country is once again threatened by the great powers' struggle for resources and political sovereignty.
The exhibition opens on November 21.
About the exhibition:
Bergen-Greenland: forgotten connections / Bergen-Greenland: forgotten connections
Opening: November 21, 2025
Exhibition period: November 2025 - April 2026
University Museum of Bergen, Natural History, Muséplassen 3.
More information: https://www.uib.no/universitetsmuseet/179009/norge-og-grønland-i-300-år
