Top 10 Art Museums In Oslo, Norway

William
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read
art museums in oslo

One of the good things about museums is that they spark the imagination. After seeing the art on display, you start to consider what message the artist is passing along and what their inspiration was. In Oslo, Norway, you’ll find numerous art museums that include the International Museum of Children’s Art, Stenersen Museum, and Munch Museum. These places not only preserve history but are also home to unique and intriguing works of art. Besides the displays, you can explore, research, and take photos of these beautiful museums. They are strategically located, making them easy to access through public transportation. Read on to find out about the top art museums in Oslo, Norway.

Why Trust Trip101?


Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team

Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles

Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)

Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform

Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts

Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more

Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content

Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.

Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.

1. The Vigeland Park

Right in the heart of the city lies this clean and spacious park. It’s one of the most popular places in Oslo, visited by many tourists and locals daily. It’s a sculpture park by Gustav Vigeland, and it displays creative sculptures that depict different life stages, from birth to death. Over 200 sculptures tell of the human condition, including love, responsibility, conflict, and relationships. You can easily access the park via public transportation, and it’s free entry. The park’s well-maintained gardens have a wide variety of flowers, bringing out that cool and relaxing effect. You can also indulge in recreational activities like jogging on designated paths around the park.

Visited this place?

2. Emanuel Vigeland Museum

Siste helg! Utstillingen Emanuel Vigeland «VITA» i Galleriet i Buen kulturhus, er åpen tors.-søn. Kl. 13-16. Siste...

Posted by Emanuel Vigeland Museum on Thursday, 22 August 2013

This place was named after Emanuel Vigeland, a multi-talented Norwegian painter, and brother to Gustav Vigeland. Here, you will see phenomenal paintings that reveal Vigeland’s life. His ashes are still preserved in a room inside the museum, and it is meant to honor him and his work. Among the pieces of art are erotic paintings depicting womanhood and sexuality. Once in a while, there are interesting concerts that are held here for a good cause.

Emanuel Vigeland Museum

Address: Grimelundsveien 8, 0775 Oslo, Norway

Website: Emanuel Vigeland Museum

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

Visited this place?

3. The Queen Sonja Art Stable

Dronning Sonja KunstStall, Parkveien, Oslo, Norway 2017-07-30 a
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wolfmann used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Queen Sonja Art Stable, situated near the Royal Palace, was renovated and gifted to Queen Sonja on her 80th birthday. This museum has a wonderful art collection, ranging from marvelous sculptures to fascinating paintings. You’ll also find information about the royal family at this magnificent establishment. The staff is accommodating and welcoming, and you can also request to be shown around.

The Queen Sonja Art Stable

Address: Parkveien 50, 0010 Oslo, Norway

Website: The Queen Sonja Art Stable

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Visited this place?

4. Stenersen Museum

Stenersenmuseet Oslo 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bengt Oberger used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Opened in 1994, Stenersen Museum in the heart of Oslo is home to donated works of contemporary art. Being a landmark in the city, it’s an iconic building with magnificent architecture. Visit this place and check out works of art by Amaldus Nielsen and Ludvig O. Ravensberg, among others.

Stenersen Museum

Address: Tuengen allé 10C, 0374 Oslo, Norway

Opening hours: Sun: 12 - 4pm (closed from Mon to Sat)

Visited this place?

5. New National Museum


This museum is still currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2021. It’s expected to usher in new ideas and aims to inspire the public through exhibitions that are relevant to current times. This will be the largest art museum in Oslo and neighboring Nordic countries.

Visited this place?

6. Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art

Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, this fascinating museum is home to contemporary art. It’s a clean and well-organized museum with amazing sculptures and paintings. The incredible architecture and the interesting exhibitions will take you to a whole new world of creativity. Among the works of art on display is Damien Hirst’s iconic “Mother and Child (Divided)”. Up-and-coming artists also have a section dedicated to them to showcase their talents. You’ll be aided by informed and courteous staff who are ready to answer questions about the pieces. After a walk through the museum, relax and enjoy coffee or tea and some snacks at a cafe nearby. Visit the public beach adjacent to the museum for scenic views of the coastline. You can also see Oslo’s harbor from this attraction.

Visited this place?

7. National Museum - Architecture

art museums in oslo | national museum - architecture
Source: instagram

National Museum - Architecture is home to over 300,000 artifacts that date back to the 1800s. The museum clearly depicts Norwegian housing architecture. This place offers free entry for architecture students. You’ll find books and drawings related to the subject here that are good for research and reference. On Thursdays, it’s free entry for all. There’s a coffee shop near the museum where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and relax after touring the place.

National Museum - Architecture

Address: Bankplassen 3, 0102 Oslo, Norway

Website: National Museum - Architecture

Opening hours: Tue - Wed, Fri: 11am - 5pm; Thu: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Visited this place?

8. The International Museum of Children's Art


This museum is home to art created by kids from 180 nations. You will be able to see what inspires children from around the world to express themselves through art. There is art displayed on several floors, and there are activities like African drum classes that take place on-site. Children can engage in fun activities like drawing and painting. Though taking pictures inside the museum is prohibited, you can buy a postcard of paintings inside at a fair price. This place is easily accessible via public transportation like a train.

The International Museum of Children's Art

Address: Lille Frøens vei 4, 0371 Oslo, Norway

Website: The International Museum of Children’s Art

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9:30am - 2pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Fri & Mon)

Visited this place?

9. The Vigeland Museum

Vigelandsmuseet
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Helge Høifødt used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Named after a prolific Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, this museum was his home and workshop. Learn about his life story and vision through the works displayed around the museum. He depicted humanity through exquisite and astonishing sculptures. The museum is easy to walk through because there are signs everywhere, and it’s also free entry. See the temporary exhibition by local and international artists, which showcases inspiring art from up-and-coming talents. For a relaxing time, visit the lake nearby and spend an afternoon with friends and family after checking out the museum.

The Vigeland Museum

Address: Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo, Norway

Website: The Vigeland Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Visited this place?

10. Munch Museum

Munch-museet-jody
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jodyno used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Dedicated to Edvard Munch, you’ll find his life story and works of art here. This must-visit tourist destination in Oslo has unique art collections and informative videos for you to enjoy. The museum’s incredible exhibits are coupled with helpful and informed staff. It’s easily accessible by public means of transport like taxis and buses. Inside, there are designated paths and corridors for people in wheelchairs. Buy souvenirs like postcards at the gift shop and take a picture by some of Munch’s most famous works. Enjoy food and drinks like coffee and juice at the museum’s coffee shop, where outdoor seating is available. Make sure to buy tickets in advance to avoid the large crowds at the gate.

Munch Museum

Address: Tøyengata 53, 0578 Oslo, Norway

Website: Munch Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Visited this place?

The fascinating Oslo, Norway

Visiting museums is a recreational activity that doesn’t require much effort to indulge in. You’ll be surprised by what you can learn and see in these art museums. Visit them for a cultural experience you won’t forget.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

William believes that we should strive to make the world a better place. He's passionate about landscapes, the ocean, and people. When not traveling, he enjoys swimming, hiking, and planning for...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Register Here
0 Comments
Explore Oslo
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.
glass igloo norway

Top 9 Glass Igloo Hotels In Norway - Updated 2024