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Must-Visit Museums in Oslo: Explore the Best of Art, History, and Culture

2024-09-25

A Guide to the City's Best Museums

Whether you're into Viking history, modern art, or learning about Norway’s maritime past, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a simple guide to the must-see museums in the city.

Viking Ship Museum

If you’re fascinated by Vikings, the Viking Ship Museum is a must. The Viking Ship Museum is home to the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, like the Oseberg and Gokstad ships, which are over 1,000 years old! Along with the ships, you’ll find artifacts like tools, clothes, and even a beautifully carved wagon from Viking burial sites.

Note: The museum is currently undergoing renovations, but it’s definitely worth visiting when it reopens.

Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway

Munch Museum

Edvard Munch is one of Norway’s most famous artists, and this museum is all about his work. Here, you can see his world-renowned painting The Scream and many others. The museum also features rotating exhibitions with contemporary art. Plus, the new building, right by the waterfront, offers amazing views! 

Address: Edvard Munchs Plass 1, 0194 Oslo, Norway

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is an open-air museum where you can walk through Norwegian history. There are over 150 historic buildings, including a stave church from the 1200s. You can explore old houses, farms, and even small villages, seeing how Norwegians lived through the ages. They often have folk dances and traditional food tastings too!

Address: Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo, Norway

Fram Museum

Love adventure? The Fram Museum is for you. It’s dedicated to polar exploration and showcases the Fram, a ship used by famous explorers like Roald Amundsen on their Arctic and Antarctic journeys. You can even step on board to get a sense of what life was like for these brave explorers. Our Hop On - Hop Off Buses will take you right outside the museum.

Address: Bygdøynesveien 39, 0286 Oslo, Norway

National Museum

Recently reopened, the National Museum is the largest art museum in the Nordic countries. It houses an incredible collection of Norwegian and international art, including works from Munch, Van Gogh, and Monet. It’s a huge place, so plan to spend some time here.

Address:Brynjulf Bulls plass 3, 0250 Oslo, Norway

Kon-Tiki Museum

This Kon-Tiki museum tells the story of explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his daring journey across the Pacific Ocean on the raft Kon-Tiki. You’ll see the actual raft he used and learn about Heyerdahl’s incredible expeditions.

Nobel Peace Center

Located by the waterfront, thhe Nobel Peace center is dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize. It shares inspiring stories of past laureates who’ve worked for peace and human rights around the world. It’s a thought-provoking and powerful place to visit.

Address: Bygdøynesveien 36, 0286 Oslo, Norway

Oslo City Museum

If you want to know more about Oslo itself, this museum is perfect. Located in Frogner Park, it covers the city’s history, showing how Oslo has changed from a medieval town to the modern city it is today. Our Hop On - Hop Off Buses will take you to Vigelandsparken. Enjoy a short 10-minute walk through the park to visit the museum.

Address: Frognerveien 67, 0266 Oslo, Norway

Oslo’s museums offer a bit of everything—history, art, adventure, and culture. Many of these spots are easy to get to, and each one provides a unique insight into Norway’s rich heritage.

Find the spots on this Oslo map

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