Eva Nansen
Fridtjof Nansen married Eva Sars in 1889, and they had five children together. She was a gifted romance singer as well as a pioneer of female skiing. Her early death in 1907 was a hard blow to Nansen.
This photograph was taken in Stockholm in 1895, during Eva's last concert tour. Fridtjof Nansen kept it in his study room, where it can still be seen today.
Sigrun Nansen
Sigrun Munthe became Fridtjof Nansens second wife in 1919, but spent many unhappy and lonely days at Polhøgda while her husband travelled widely on humanitarian and diplomatic missions.
It is believed that Nansen and Sigrun had been romantically involved even before the death of Eva Nansen. This lithograph was drawn by Nansen himself, probably around 1905.
The children
Fridtjof and Eva Nansen had five children: Liv, Kåre, Irmelin, Odd and Åsmund. They grew up in a home where science, art and public engagement were part of everyday life. After Eva’s death in 1907, Nansen ended his stay in London and returned to Polhøgda and the children. Daily life in the household was largely managed by family members and staff, while Nansen himself continued to travel extensively for research, diplomacy and international work.
In 1913 the youngest son, Åsmund, died after a long illness, only ten years old. His death was a profound personal loss for Nansen and deeply affected him in the years that followed.
Odd Nansen
Their son Odd Nansen (1901–1973) became an architect, humanitarian and an influential public voice in Norway. During the Second World War he was arrested by the Nazis and imprisoned in a concentration camp. After the war he worked actively for refugees and human rights, continuing the humanitarian legacy of his father.
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