Norwegian Coastal Express Museum

[2] The museum was officially opened by Transport Minister Kjell Opseth on July 2, 1993—the 100th anniversary of the first coastal express voyage.

The museum was officially opened on July 2, 1993 by Transport Minister Kjell Opseth on the centenary of the day that SS Vesteraalen started the first voyage from Trondheim on the coastal express route.

One year later, the museum received an enormous gift from the Ofoten and Vesteraalen Steamship Company: the retired coastal express ship MS Finnmarken (1956).

[6] A temporary roof and tarpaulin were installed on the ship in an effort to limit moisture damage while discussing how and whether MS Finnmarken is to be preserved.

The state has shown little willingness to take over the operation of the Coastal Express Museum, but it provided funds to build the temporary roof to prevent further deterioration while discussing the matter.

Including the government's contribution, NOK 100 million will be made available to build a permanent protective structure over MS Finnmarken.

It was also decided to establish a municipal enterprise to build and serve as the owner of a newer and more compact Coastal Express Museum.