Oslo, Norway

Munch

The Nordics • See & do • Munch in Oslo, Norway

What’s the museum in a nutshell?

The Munch museum in Oslo, which opened in 2021, is a sprawling 11-story structure designed by the award-winning Spanish architecture practice Estudio Herreros. The building, which stands at over 57.4 metres, offers some of the best views of Oslo’s skyline from its observation area on the top floor. It is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist and offers visitors access to the most extensive collection of works by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch in the world, with over 26,700 works in the collection.

What is showcased?

The museum’s collection includes over half of Munch’s known works, including his iconic painting The Scream, as well as thousands of other items included in Edvard Munch’s original bequest to the city, such as his printing plates and lithographic stones, thousands of letters and approximately 10,000 objects from his own personal belongings. Additionally, the museum hosts major temporary exhibitions by both Norwegian and international artists, exploring Munch’s enduring influence on generations of artists that have followed.

What is the architecture like?

The perforated, translucent aluminium façade of the Estudio Herreros building reflects the changing colours and conditions of the Oslo skies, making it a stunning sight to behold. The interior of the museum is fully accessible and offers visitors a wide-ranging program of events and experiences for visitors of all ages, including concerts, literature readings, performance and art workshops, and enhanced studio spaces. Visitors can also enjoy a meal in the 12th-floor Bistro Tolvte restaurant, as well as cocktails at bar Kranen, with views overlooking the city and Fjord.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

Sentrum, which is Norwegian for ‘centre’, is the heart of Oslo and where most of the city’s major attractions are located. The neighbourhood’s main street, Karl Johans gate, connects Oslo’s downtown train station to the Royal Palace, one of the city’s most recognisable sights. The Bjørvika harbour area, with the city’s Instagram-friendly landmarks the Oslo Opera House, the Munch museum and the spectacular Barcode project, are also in the Sentrum area.