At Brynjulf Bulls plass 3 beside Oslo’s Pipervika harbour, the National Museum brings Norwegian and international art, design and historical objects together under one roof. Its collection includes Edvard Munch’s The Scream, works by Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet, and Norway’s largest collection of art made before 1945. The galleries span paintings, sculpture, furniture, pottery and contemporary installations, arranged across two main floors. Leave time for the upper Light Hall and a break at the second-floor café, which has views over the water.
Art and objects across the collection
The National Museum brings together art, architecture and design in a collection that ranges from historical objects to contemporary work. Its more than 6,500 works include paintings, sculpture, furniture, pottery and objects from different cultures. The museum also holds Norway’s largest collection of art made before 1945.
The displays offer more than one way into the collection. You can focus on Norwegian art, look for internationally known painters, or move between paintings and design objects. The range makes it possible to follow a particular period or material, or simply explore what catches your eye.
Paintings, sculpture and contemporary work
Edvard Munch’s The Scream is among the museum’s best-known works. The collection also includes works by Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet. Paintings are concentrated on the second floor, alongside some sculpture; the first floor includes historical objects and material from different cultures as well as contemporary installations.
Rooms have short explanatory texts to introduce their displays and ideas. Sculpture galleries provide paper, pencils and boards for visitors who want to sketch. Interactive stations for children are set up at benches, and the museum also holds workshops. These details give families and visitors who prefer to look closely ways to spend time beyond moving from one artwork to the next.
The building and planning your visit
The museum’s modern building stands along Pipervika harbour in central Oslo. Its two main exhibition floors cover a large collection, so a quick circuit can mean missing sections. The upper Light Hall, a glass space used for temporary exhibitions, and the rooftop terrace add further places to explore. The café on the second floor has views over the water.
Set aside several hours if you want to see a broad range of the collection. Visitors with limited time can begin on the second floor for paintings, then choose whether to spend the remaining time on the first-floor displays. The museum is closed on Mondays. Tickets in advance are recommended, and free lockers are available with a ticket. Coats and bags must be left outside the exhibition areas; storage includes hangers and lockers.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the National Museum in Oslo?
Allow around 2 to 4 hours. The collection is extensive, and visitors who want to explore the galleries at a relaxed pace can spend longer.
Is the National Museum in Oslo closed on Mondays?
Yes. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Can I bring a coat or bag into the galleries?
Coats and bags must be left outside the exhibition areas. Free lockers are available with a ticket.
Where can I see paintings at the National Museum?
Many paintings are on the second floor, alongside some sculpture. If you have limited time, start there.
