It is Norway's largest gallery under the direction of artists, and has served as a major center for exhibits of Norwegian and international contemporary art.

After having raised funds and interest for several years, Bildende Kunstneres Styre (now Norwegian Visual Artists Association) acquired the site for its headquarters in 1927 and opened an architectural contest in 1928.

Several important specifications were imposed on entries, among them natural light from the ceiling, limited building height, and a façade that blended with the surrounding architecture.

It was renovated in 2000/2001 at a cost of about NOK 20 million to improve the galleries, the general structural and aesthetic integrity, and bring safety infrastructure to modern standards.

Kunstnernes Hus is governed by a five-member board, four elected by the Norwegian Visual Artists Association, and one from the Ministry of Culture.