Enjoy The List of The Best Museums in Oslo

Oslo is a city of hidden gems, and its museums are a perfect example. Did you know that Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum houses ships over 1,000 years old? That’s not just ancient history—it’s ancient cool history. From Viking relics to avant-garde art, Oslo’s museums are more than places to visit; they’re experiences waiting to unfold. In 2025, the city continues to push the boundaries of culture, blending the old with the new.

Whether you’re marveling at Munch’s The Scream or stepping inside the National Museum to witness Norway’s artistic evolution, Oslo’s museums offer an unforgettable dive into the nation’s heart and soul. So, buckle up! Let’s explore some of the best museums in Oslo that will make your trip not just a visit, but a cultural adventure you’ll talk about long after you leave!

Must-Visit Art Museums in Oslo

Oslo is a haven for art lovers, offering a range of museums showcasing both local and international masterpieces. The Munch Museum is a must-visit, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Edvard Munch, one of Norway’s most famous artists. With over 28,000 works, including the iconic The Scream, this museum dives deep into the artist’s exploration of human emotion.

For more classical and contemporary art, head to the National Museum, the largest art museum in Norway. Here, you’ll discover a rich collection that spans from Munch’s masterpieces to works by Van Gogh and Monet. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just appreciate beauty, Oslo’s art museums provide a diverse and enriching experience.

Munch Museum

The Munch Museum is one of Oslo’s most famous museums and for good reason. The museum’s collection consists of over 28,000 works, including paintings, drawings, and prints. It is home to the largest collection of works by the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, including his most famous painting, “The Scream”

Capturing the anguish and turmoil of the human condition, ‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch remains one of the most iconic works of art in history. With its haunting depiction of a figure in distress, the painting continues to captivate and intrigue viewers to this day. Standing before this masterpiece at the Munch Museum in Oslo, it’s hard not to feel the intense emotions that Munch poured into his work.

Visitors to the Munch Museum can take a journey through the artist’s life and work, learning about his influences, his struggles with mental illness, and the cultural context in which he lived. The museum’s permanent collection is supplemented by temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of contemporary artists who have been influenced by Munch.

National Museum

The National Museum is Norway’s largest museum of art, architecture, and design. It is home to a vast collection of works by Norwegian and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts and cultural history spanning over 5000 years.

The museum’s highlights include works by Edvard Munch, as well as a collection of works by French artist Claude Monet. The National Museum also has an extensive collection of Norwegian decorative arts, including furniture, textiles, and silverware.

Among its many treasures, the museum boasts an impressive collection of paintings by Norway’s most renowned artist, Edvard Munch, including his iconic work, “The Dance of Life.” The museum also houses several other significant pieces, such as Harald Sohlberg’s “Winter Night in the Mountains” and Johan Christian Dahl’s “Frederiksborg Castle.” Additionally, the National Museum features an extensive collection of decorative arts and design, showcasing everything from traditional Norwegian costumes to contemporary furniture. With so much to see and experience, a visit to the National Museum is a must for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Norway.

Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is dedicated to the Viking Age, a period of Norwegian history that spanned from the 8th to the 11th century. The museum’s collection consists of three Viking ships that were discovered in the Oslo Fjord in the late 19th century.

Visitors to the museum can learn about Viking culture, including their seafaring traditions, their mythology, and their art. The museum also has a collection of Viking weapons and other artefacts, as well as interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience life as a Viking.

The ships are incredibly well-preserved, and visitors can marvel at their intricate designs and construction. The museum also contains an impressive collection of Viking artefacts, including tools, household objects, and even clothing. One of the most famous exhibits is the Oseberg Ship burial, which was discovered in 1904 and contained the remains of two women, along with a wealth of artefacts. Overall, the Viking Ship Museum offers a unique glimpse into the lives and culture of the Vikings, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Norwegian history.

Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology

The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of technology and engineering. The museum’s collection includes everything from steam engines and locomotives to computers and robots.

Visitors can learn about the history of technology, as well as its impact on society and the environment. The museum also has interactive exhibits that allow visitors to try their hand at building and experimenting with various machines.

The museum has an impressive collection of machines, vehicles, and scientific instruments that showcase the progression of technology from the Industrial Revolution to modern times. Visitors can explore exhibits on topics ranging from electricity and telecommunications to medicine and space exploration. One of the highlights of the museum is the fully functional machine hall, where visitors can see machines from the past and present in action. Additionally, the museum offers hands-on activities and interactive displays, making it a great destination for families with children.

Whether you’re interested in art, history, or technology, Oslo has a museum for you. The Munch Museum is just one of many world-class cultural institutions in the city, and we hope this article has inspired you to explore them all. So, the next time you’re in Oslo, be sure to make time for a visit to the city’s museums.

Interactive and Science Museums in Oslo

Oslo also boasts several interactive museums that engage visitors through hands-on exhibits. The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology is one of the city’s top attractions for science lovers, featuring everything from exhibits on the evolution of technology to fascinating displays on transportation and energy.

With its interactive displays and educational focus, it’s an ideal spot for both children and adults to learn while having fun. If you’re a fan of innovation and technology, this museum is a perfect stop to explore the way science has shaped Norway’s past and future.

Conclusion

From Viking ships to world-class art, Oslo’s museums offer more than just exhibits—they deliver stories that’ll stick with you long after your trip. Whether you’re standing in front of Munch’s iconic masterpieces or interacting with cutting-edge science at the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, each stop offers something unique.

These museums are a great way to immerse yourself in Norway’s rich history, art, and culture. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t just visit—explore, learn, and experience Oslo in a way that will make you see the city in a whole new light. Time to dive into Oslo’s cultural world—you’ll leave with a lot more than just souvenirs!

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