Edvard Munch bought Ekely when we was 53 years old and already a recognised and prosperous artist. Until then, his adult life had been marked by frequent travels and perpetual uprooting. 

The 45-acre property had previously housed a plant nursery, and included a Swiss-style main house, servants’ quarters with stables and several outbuildings. After Edvard Munch moved in, he also had several outdoor studios of various shapes built, in addition to the so-called winter studio.