Miserabiles Personae

Exhibition in the Abbot’s House

In spring 2025, the exhibition Miserabiles Personae – The Vulnerable in Society, King Magnus VI’s National Law of 1274 will move into the Abbot’s House at Utstein Monastery.
The exhibition has been on a long journey, both nationally and internationally, since it was first shown in St. Peter’s Church in Stavanger back in 2016. Since then, the exhibition — developed by Stavanger Museum through the Norwegian Children’s Museum, in collaboration with leading experts such as Professor of Legal History Jørn Øyrehagen Sunde, Professor of History Erik Opsahl, and designer Ståle Odland — has toured widely. From Stavanger to Bergen, Aga in Hardanger, Shetland, Frosta in Trøndelag, Gulen in Sogn, Uvdal, Eidsvoll, Moster, Alta, and to the Cathedral Ruins Museum in Hamar. Now, it will finally return to the Stavanger region and be displayed at Utstein Monastery.

Magnus Lagabøte and Utstein Monastery

Magnus Lagabøte (Magnus the Law-mender) had a special connection to Utstein Monastery, having received Ryfylke as a fief from his father. It is likely that Utstein served as his royal estate. In 1274, he introduced the country’s first nationwide law code, strengthening royal authority and creating a more unified legal state. The law included provisions specifically intended to protect the vulnerable in society — the Miserabiles Personae — such as women, children, and the poor.

Also for Children!
The exhibition, developed by the Norwegian Children’s Museum, is designed with families in mind.
Visitors will follow the story of Kristin and Magnus, two ten-year-olds living in medieval Stavanger. Kristin is a poor servant girl, while Magnus is the wealthy son of a priest. Through film, comics, and activities, the audience will gain insights into what life was like for children in the 13th century.