Kulturkirken JAKOB (JAKOB Church of Culture)

Jakob Church was built in 1880 but lost its role as a parish church in 1985 and fell into disrepair before becoming the site for illegal raves. In 2000 the building was granted a reprieve by an Oslo-based record company and converted into an unusual cultural venue that's also part museum of ecclesiastical art. Its neo-Gothic colonnaded interior still retains its original carved woodwork and the apse is now a softly candlelit venue for performances of contemporary dance, drama, and concerts. A specially commissioned and deeply moving Mass is held in the church at 10pm every Sunday in flickering candelight, with live music and choral singing. Otherwise the church is only open for concerts and exhibitions; be sure and check out the calendar of events on their website.