Most people traveling to Norway and our capital end up visiting at least one of the many museums in Oslo during their time here. Ranging from modern art to Viking ships, there are some exhibitions and museums you really shouldn’t miss on your trip to the Norwegian capital.
Since I’ve lived in Oslo for several years, and still visit the city at least 7+ times a year (my family still live there), I can vouch for each single museum in this guide. I decided to write it to help you choose which museum is best to see in Oslo, especially if you are short on time.
I have covered how long to spend in Oslo over in this guide – but as a general rule, I think 1-2 days in Oslo is enough before you head to the fjords (or up north to perhaps see the northern lights).
Table of Contents
Quick Oslo Travel Guide
Where to stay: My absolute favorite hotel in Oslo is Amerikalinjen, but I also love the luxury of the Grand. Oslo is an expensive city, but there are some budget-friendly options such as CityBox and Comfort Xpress. Check out my Oslo Hotel Guide for more.
Where to eat: Oslo is home to a haven of great restaurants. Personal favorites include Villa Paradiso in the Grünerløkka neighbourhood, Kverneriet in Majorstua (where I used to live), Vippa (a local food court with outdoor seating along the waterfront) and Royal Gastropub (homey pub food in the King’s former waiting room in the train station).
Top activities and tours in Oslo:
- Fjord Cruise on the Oslofjord ($58)
- Oslo Highlights Bicycle Tour ($46)
- City Tour by Bus including Museum Admission ($95)
- Guided Island Hopping and Hiking Tour ($49)
- Culture and Street Food Tour ($77)
Packing for Oslo: Oslo is a city of contrasts. It gets very cold in the winter (my Norway winter packing guide has you covered), and can be nice and toasty in the summer. Therefore, what to pack for Oslo depends on the time of year you visit. Generally, keep layers in mind, and even on a warm summer day I recommend a light jacked in the evening (Norwegians love thin puffer jackets such as these).
Airport transfers: Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is about a 50 minute drive from the city center. The most efficient way to get from the airport to the city is by train. The airport express train is called Flytoget, and they have an app where you can get your tickets using the airport wifi when you arrive. The train takes about 20 minutes. Of course, you can also book a private luxury transfer taking you straight to your hotel.
The 14 Best Museums in Oslo
Whether you are here with kids and end up at the interactive science museum, or you’ve had your eyes set on seeing the Scream at the MUNCH museum for years, I am sure you’ll find an Oslo museum to suit your travel style in this list!
If you are visiting Oslo on a budget, a museum might be ideal – as they are often quite affordable. If you are on an even stricter budget, my guide to the best free attractions in Oslo has you covered.
Please note that most of Oslo’s museums are closed on Mondays. This is instead of Sundays when a lot of things in Norway is closed. Always double check the opening hours/days of the museum you want to visit on their website.
#1 The Astrup Fearnley Museum
The Astrup Fearnley Museum in Oslo is a private art museum with many exciting exhibitions. It was founded in 1993 and is considered one of the leading museums of modern art in the Nordics.
If you are a fan of the arts, a visit to this Oslo attraction is a must. The Astrup Fearnley Museum exhibitions is for many at the top of the list of what to see in Oslo, and the collection is one of Europe’s most comprehensive when it comes to international contemporary art.
Perhaps the most famous (and perhaps controversial) piece in the collection is the sculpture of Michael Jackson and his chimpanzee Bubbles.
Fun fact: guests at The Thief (the luxurious hotel right next door) get complimentary admission to the museum.
#2 The Vigeland Museum
The Vigeland Sculpture park is one of the most popular and famous attractions in Oslo.
But a lot of people don’t know that just around the corner from the entrance is the Vigeland Museum/Vigelandmuseet, where you can learn more about the life and creations of Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland (the man behind all the sculptures and artworks in the park).
The entrance fee to the museum is 120 kroner, and it’s free for kids under 18. On selected days it includes a visit to Vigeland’s apartment – which I highly recommend!
He lived there from 1924 and until his death, and the apartment has been kept the same as it would have been when he lived there. Check the Museum website to see when a guided tour of the apartment is available.
#3 The National Museum
The Norwegian National Museum (Nasjonalmuseet) reopened in 2022 in a brand new and impressive building along Aker Brygge – right by the waterfront. It contains Norway’s largest public collection of paintings and is located a stone’s throw from Akershus Fortress, the Nobel Peace center and most hotels in the Oslo city center.
It is actually the largest museum in Scandinavia (and even the Nordics), and covers several floors of permanent ant temporary exhibitions, including works by famous Norwegian artists such as Theodor Kittelsen (a favorite of mine) and Edvard Munch. They have over 6500 works in total!
Art enthusiasts will have a blast at the National Museum!
Top tip: peek at their website before you go to get the lay of the land and scope out the exhibitions. You wouldn’t want to wander off and miss the pieces you’re dying to see due to the size of the museum.
As a part of their move and refurbishment, the National Gallery closed temporarily. It has still not reopened, as all the pieces and exhibits have been moved to the new Museum building. However, the Museum has said they aim to reopen it at some point to display art.
#4 The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
This used to be one of my favourite activities in Oslo when I was little, as the Science and Technology Museum has so many fun things and activities for all ages.
If you are visiting Norway with children, and you’re wondering what to do in Oslo that will be fun for the whole family, don’t miss this place.
You can explore how electricity works, try to solve challenging puzzles and games, and simply learn while having fun!
#5 The Nobel Peace Center
Right next to the National Museum you will find the Nobel Peace Center, one of my favorite “museums” in Oslo. I say “museum”, because this is more of an interactive exhibition center than a place where you just walk around to look at things.
The Nobel Peace Prize is handed out in Oslo each winter, and the center usually has an exhibition dedicated to the current winner’s work towards peace.
The center focuses on the Nobel Peace Prize, its history, winners, and impact. Modern exhibitions explore peace and war, aiming to inspire visitors to strive for a more peaceful world.
Entrance cost 160 kroner per person, with children being free – making it a great thing to do in Oslo with kids. They have guided tours in English throughout the week, and you can check the schedule on their website.
#6 The Historical Museum
Until the Viking Ship Museum reopens (in 2027 – see more about this below), the Norwegian Historical Museum is at the moment the best place to go to learn more about Norway’s Viking History through artefacts and exhibitions.
They are home to the largest cultural and historical collections in the country, with exhibitions focusing on the Viking Age, the Arctic, and more.
Fun fact: this is where you can view the oldest skull ever found in Norway.
#7 The Norway Resistance Museum
Inside Akershus Fortress you will find the Hjemmefrontmuseet (the Resistance Museum), dedicated to the resistance movement during World War II.
Norway was under German occupation for the majority of the war (from 1940 to 1945 to be exact), and this museum shows how the military and the country as a whole showed small and big signs of resistance against the Nazis.
The museum opened in 1970, and contains photographs, artefacts and documents from this part of Norwegian history.
It’s worth a visit for anyone interested in how Norway fought back (whilst trying to stay under the radar) during the war!
#8 The Norwegian Armed Forces Museum
This is the second museum found inside the Akershus Fortress grounds, and it kind of goes hand in hand with the Resistance Museum.
The Forsvarsmuseum (Armed Forces Museum) opened in this exact spot in 1860, and shows the development of the Norwegian military from the 1400s and until modern times.
Expect to see weapons and uniforms, as well as other artefacts depicting the history of Norway’s armed forces through history.
#9 Ibsen Museum & Teater
Another famous Norwegian artist is Henrik Ibsen, said to be one of the world’s best playwrights, next to William Shakespeare.
His works include Hedda Gabler (1890) and A Doll’s House (1979), and are still being put on by theatres all over the world.
At the Ibsen Museum you can learn more about Ibsen, through exhibitions including artefacts and items belonging to the artist himself.
Henrik Ibsen’s apartment is a part of the museum, furnished with original furniture.
#10 MUNCH (The Munch Museum)
Edvard Munch, born in 1863, stands out as one of Norway’s most renowned artists. His influential works, characterized by their emotional intensity and symbolism, have left a lasting impact on the art world.
While “The Scream” remains his most iconic painting, capturing a sense of existential dread, Munch’s portfolio includes a diverse array of masterpieces. Among these are “Madonna,” a striking portrayal of maternal love, and “The Girls on the Bridge” which showcases his talent for capturing human emotion.
The Munch museum, known as MUNCH, is housed in a modern architectural marvel in Oslo’s waterfront Barcode district. This 13-story building offers a journey through Munch’s artistic evolution, with the most famous pieces displayed on the 4th floor in the intriguing exhibition “Edvard Munch Infinite/Munch Uendelig.”
Side note: They have several versions of the Scream available at the museum, but you can only see one at the time. They make this happen by lighting up one piece at a time – so the versions rotate. This is to preserve the paintings, as they stay in the dark when they are not displayed/lit up. It also makes for an added excitement when you visit MUNCH!
Another tip: Visitors can also savor breathtaking views of Oslo from the 13th floor’s Kranen Bar, making it a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts and those seeking a unique cultural experience.
Seriously, even if you just drop by to see the Scream and then move on to the top floor for a glass of wine – you’ll be all set. Use the glass elevator near the cafe on the first floor to get to the skybar.
The Bygdøy Museums
I’m interrupting the list to give you a little background info about Bygdøy (pronounced “Bigd-uh-ee” – the “ø” is pronounced like the u in burn).
Bygdøy is a picturesque peninsula located just outside the center of Oslo and is famous for being the home of many of the city’s most popular museums.
Visitors can reach Bygdøy by taking the “museum boat” from Aker Brygge, a scenic ride offering views of the Oslofjord. Alternatively, one can opt for the local bus operated by Ruter (bus number 30) or the convenient Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing bus stopping at several of the museums.
With a rich history and an array of fascinating museums, Bygdøy is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Oslo’s cultural heritage.
The next (and final) museums on the list are all located in Bygdøy.
⭐️ Book the sightseeing/museum boat to Bygdøy here!
#11 The Viking Ship Museum / The Museum of the Viking Age (CLOSED UNTIL 2027)
If you are interested in Oslo attractions revolving around the history of the Norwegian Vikings, this should be at the top of your list of things to do in Oslo.
The reason I have used two names in the heading here is that the museum is undergoing major changes. It was known as the Viking Ship Museum until they closed their doors in 2023, and will reopen as the Museum of the Viking Age!
A visit to museum should not be missed, and is in my opinion one of the most unique things to do in Oslo, Norway! Not because it is “off the beaten track” in any way, but because you won’t find anything like it elsewhere!
Whilst we wait for the museum to open, you can read about the fascinating history and heritage of the vikings here on my blog! From their Nordic symbols and meanings to the gods and goddesses they worshipped, I’ve shared everything I know. I have also rounded up the most famous Vikings in history here.
After all, the Vikings are amongst the things Norway is most famous for.
Again, please note that the Viking Ship Museum is closed for refurbishment until 2027. I will update this post when it opens.
At the moment, the best place to view Viking age artefacts in Oslo is the Historical Museum (above). You can also learn about the Norwegian Vikings by visiting the Viking Planet (an interactive experience).
#12 The Norwegian Folk Museum
I love the Norwegian Folk Museum, and think it is such a great way to learn about Norwegian culture! This place a must for anyone visiting Norway to explore their roots (Norwegian-Americans, I’m looking at you).
The Folk Museum is also a fantastic place to get Norwegian souvenirs, in my opinion!
The Folk Museum is an outdoor/open-air museum with 160 historic buildings, showcasing the Norwegian way of life through the centuries. It is similar to Maihaugen in Lillehammer, which I also recommend if you are heading that way (and have the time).
You can enter many of the buildings, so there are indoor exhibits at the museum as well. From the Norwegian national costume (the bunad) to lessons in making traditional lefse and other foods (at Christmastime you might learn about Norwegian Christmas food, for example) – there’s lots to explore!
They have events happening through the year, and activities ranging from folk dancing displays to fun children’s games happening often during the summer. Make sure to check out their website before you go to find out what’s on during your visit.
#13 The Fram Museum
The Fram (meaning “forward”) Museum is dedicated to polar exploration and the expeditions of explorers Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen and Otto Sverdrup.
These Norwegians led expeditions all over the polar areas, such as to the South Pole and Greenland.
Roald Amundsen, for example, lead the first ever expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen lead the first ever (successful) crossing of Greenland.
The main attraction here is the polar expedition ship Fram. The museum is named after this ship.
You can learn more book your entrance ticket to the museum here!
#14 The Kon-Tiki Museum
Speaking of Fram, this is another famous Norwegian ship that has a museum named after it.
The Kon-Tiki belonged to Thor Heyerdahl, who was a Norwegian explorer and archaeologist. His expeditions took him across the ocean to the Galapagos Islands and even Easter Island, and he was overall a very impressive man.
Fun fact: He won an Oscar for his documentary about crossing the Pacific onboard the Kon-Tiki.
The Kon-Tiki Museum is located right by the Fram Museum on Bygdøy, so it makes sense to visit the two museums in the same day.
You can book your Kon-Tiki tickets in advance here!
Oslo Museums FAQ
Below are the most frequently asked questions about Oslo’s museums. I have done my best to answer them all! If you have a question, leave it in a comment below and I’ll get to it!
For art, the best museums in Oslo is the MUNCH and the National Museum. For culture, the Folk Museum or the Viking Ship Museum are the best.
The Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum and Akershus Fortress are all famous Oslo attractions.
The National Museum is the largest museum in Oslo.
No, the cost of visiting the National Museum in Oslo is 200 kroner.
No, the Oslo museums are not free for adults.
Yes, museums in Oslo are usually open on Sundays.
No, the Viking Ship Museum is currently under major refurbishment. It is scheduled to reopen in 2026.
More Activities in Oslo
Now that I’ve covered the best museums in Oslo, I hope you have a decent idea of what to do during your visit. Of course, as Norway’s capital, there are lots of great things to see and do in the city.
Browse some of Oslo’s top-rated activities below!