Polhøgda at Lagåsen was the home of the infamous polar explorer, scientist, diplomat, humanist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Fridtjof Nansen (1861-1930). The fortress-like brick villa in neo-Roman style was designed by Nansen himself, in collaboration with palace architect Hjalmar Welhaven. Nansen lived here from when the building was completed in 1901 until his death. His grave is situated in the garden in front of the house.
This is not an open museum, but it is possible to visit the grounds, garden and grave, and beautiful surroundings. Today, the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI) manages and uses the buildings. This is an independent institution that carries out research into international environment, energy and resource management policies.