Two people, inspired by the Arctic landscape and the nomadic way of life, have created a unique life’s work on the tundra. Over the course of several decades, their dedication and creativity have shaped Juhls Silvergallery into a cultural oasis.
From the Vidda to the World: The Legacy of Frank and Regine
Frank and Regine Juhls came to Kautokeino in the 1950s, at a time when there were no roads and no notion of tourism. They were drawn to the Sámi way of life and the open landscape, and chose to stay.
The work began on a small scale. Without capital or support, they built up both home, workshop, and gallery, driven by a shared will to create. They learned the silversmith’s craft and became the first to work with it among the Sámi, in close dialogue with local traditions and needs.
Over time, the place grew on a hillside above the river outside Kautokeino. The buildings developed gradually, room by room, shaped by the landscape and their own ideas. The architecture reflects the tundra, with soft lines and a calm continuity between the spaces.
Today, the gallery forms a composite whole, where Nordic applied arts meet craftsmanship from other parts of the world. The expansions, particularly from the 1980s, introduced new impulses and perspectives, helping to open the place toward a wider world.
Juhls Silvergallery has developed into a key destination in Northern Norway, yet it is above all, the place itself that shapes the experience. The interiors, the sequence of rooms, and the light create a distinct atmosphere, where art, craftsmanship, and architecture work together.
Under the same roof lies the workshop, where all the jewelry is still produced. Each piece emerges from this place and continues a tradition developed over generations.
Frank and Regine had two daughters, Rauna and Sunniva. Since 1985, Rauna has run the Juhls shop at Bryggen in Bergen, while Sunniva took over the operation in Kautokeino in 2008. She continues and develops the place in collaboration with a highly skilled workshop.
Today, Juhls Silvergallery appears as a cohesive environment where different expressions meet. Sámi traditions, Nordic design, and influences from other cultures come together within a broader context. The place has been shaped over time, through work, experience, and a continuing will to develop it further.
Visit us
Under the same roof as the gallery and shop, our own jewellery is designed, crafted, and sold, created in our workshop in Kautokeino. The gallery also presents a curated selection of Nordic applied art, alongside crafts from other parts of the world.
We are located 5 km from the centre of Kautokeino, clearly signposted from the Esso gas station.
We offer free admission and complimentary guided tours, giving insight into the structure of the building and the connection between architecture, art, and craftsmanship.
There is also a simple café, where you can sit down and experience the place at your own pace.
Juhls Silvergallery also serves as a venue for concerts and cultural events.
This is not a place to rush through. We recommend allowing plenty of time for your visit, and we encourage you to join a guided tour to fully appreciate the connections between all elements.
For opening hours, please see: Contact Us
Frank and Regine.
I 1954 utformet Regine Juhls smykker i lengselen etter den korte sommeren på Finnmarksvidda. Kolleksjonen er en tidløs reise inn i naturens små undere.
Finnmarks første sølvsmie, har siden 1959 vært en pioner i nord. Håndverk, kvalitet og yrkesstolthet står sentralt i alt vi gjør. Vi jobber kontinuerlig med å forbedre våre metoder og rutiner for å oppnå høyest mulig kvalitet.
