I. Rønning eksteriør. Camilla Damgård

Photo: Camilla Damgård/Maihaugen

I. Rønning

A journey back to Lillehammer's historic retail environment

Here, you can experience the old textile store with its range of clothing and fabrics, taking you back to a time when quality and personalized service were at the forefront. Perhaps a new shipment of handkerchiefs has just arrived?

In March 2001, I. Rønning Manufaktur closed its doors after 80 years of continuous operation and 70 years with the same authentic interior in a corner location on Storgata in Lillehammer. While neighboring shops underwent changes in ownership and appearance, Rønning resisted change, remaining a steadfast presence in the town. The nostalgic store offered garments that others had stopped carrying and provided a level of customer service that few could match.

When the store’s last owner, Helge Rønning, retired after 50 years behind the counter, Maihaugen took over the store's interior and remaining stock, preserving an essential part of the town's commercial history.

The textile store was reopened in a similar corner location at Maihaugen, furnished exactly as it was the year before it closed, offering visitors an authentic experience of Lillehammer’s historic retail environment.

The shop offered a broad selection of manufactured goods. Photo: Camilla Damgård/Maihaugen.

I. Rønning is recreated to look like it did when it was located in Lillehammer city center. Photo: Camilla Damgård/ Maihaugen.

The old counter from the shop is preserved. Photo: Camilla Damgård/Lillehammer.