Public Art

If you visit Poulsbo, you need to know the term "Uff Da" -- a Norwegian phrase used to express frustration or commiserate with someone else's frustration. It's even on the side of Slippery Pig Brewery.

 

The Guardian Stone Poulsbo is a sculpture by Bremerton glass artist Lisa Stirrett featuring swords in a stone (has anyone tried to pull them out yet and if they did, would they be king or queen of Poulsbo?)

The sculpture was installed in 2016 and as Poulsbo's often known as "Little Norway" is reflective of Vikings and reminds one of Sverd i fjell, a sculpture of swords that's located in Norway.

The SEA Discovery Center Poulsbo is run by Western Washington University Extension. It's generally open from 11AM- 4PM on Friday and Saturday and admission is by donation.

It's a place for kids to view marine life, with some hands-on activities, too.

In front, you'll find a large Octopus sculpture, which was introduced in 2013. This 7' sculpture is by artist Mark Gale, who also is responsibe for the 12' Poulsbo Norseman statue that stands at Viking Way.

This red English-style phone booth sits on the corner at Jensen Way and Front Street in Poulsbo. You won't find a phone inside, but it's a favorite for photo-stops for visitors.

The impressive Poulsbo Norseman Statue (sometimes called the Poulsbo Viking Statue) is by artist Mark Gale and was unveiled in November of 2012.

The statue sits on the corner of Viking and Lindvig Way -- a bit outside the part of Front Street that most visitors venture down, so you might need to go look for it -- but easy to spot when you're there as it is 12 feet tall and weighs almost 6000lbs!

The Norseman often gets dressed up for various holidays and local events, sometimes having sported sombreros, bunny ears, race bibs, aprons, or giant beer tankards.

I've heard mixed opinions about the statue -- we love it, but there were initally some complaints about the historical inaccuracy of horned helmets and I've met people who think it's "disrespectful" to dress a "proud viking" up in Easter bunny ears.

Read our post about things to do in Poulsbo, WA.

Oscar the Bird King is a whimsical wood troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. He stands near the Point Robinson Lighthouse on Vashon Island.

Pia the Peacekeeper is a whimsical wood troll by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. She sits in forested Sakai Park on Bainbridge Island.

Frankie Feetsplinters is a wood troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. He sits outside the Nordic Heritage museum in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.

Ole Bolle is a wood troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo that sits at Nordic Northwest in Portland, OR.

Brunn Idunn is a wood troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. She sits at Lincoln Park in Seattle.