The Kon-Tiki Museum

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Kon‑Tiki Museum, located on the scenic Bygdøy Peninsula in Oslo, Norway, invites visitors to experience the thrilling heritage of adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. Nestled among a cluster of maritime and cultural museums, this institution brings to life the explorer’s groundbreaking sea voyages and offers a captivating journey through human curiosity and daring. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a science lover, or a family seeking an inspiring outing, the Kon‑Tiki Museum promises an unforgettable experience.

About the Museum

Opened in a temporary structure in 1949 and relocated to its present building in 1957, the Kon‑Tiki Museum was founded in direct response to the global fascination with Heyerdahl’s 1947 Kon‑Tiki expedition. Since its official establishment, nearly twenty million people have walked through its doors. The museum showcases not only the original Kon‑Tiki balsa‑wood raft but also the reed vessel Ra II and other craft and artefacts from subsequent expeditions, including Ra, Tigris, and journeys to the Galápagos Islands, Easter Island, Fatu Hiva, and Peru.

Visitors can explore multi‑sensory exhibitions: beneath the iconic raft lies an underwater diorama featuring a model whale shark, and nearby is a thirty‑metre‑long replica of a cave from Easter Island. The museum also houses Heyerdahl’s personal library of approximately eight thousand volumes, which is recognised by UNESCO as part of the Memory of the World register.

At the heart of the museum experience is its cinema: every day at noon—and regularly throughout the day—the Academy Award‑winning documentary Kon‑Tiki from 1950 is screened, complete with the original footage and Thor Heyerdahl’s own narration. The actual Oscar statuette is also on display.

The facility welcomes guests all year round, with extended opening hours in summer and consistent service in winter. Visitors will also find a charming gift shop featuring Norwegian design items, books, and expedition‑inspired souvenirs—open to everyone, with or without a ticket.

Interesting Facts

Nearly two million admissions: Since 1950, close to twenty million visitors have explored the museum’s exhibitions .
Original vessels on display: View both the authentic Kon‑Tiki raft and the reed boat Ra II, each highlighting bold experiments in ancient navigation.
Immersive environments: Explore a cave-like Easter Island replica and an underwater whale shark diorama beneath the raft.
Oscar‑winning film screening: The museum screens the 1950 Kon‑Tiki documentary daily, and also displays the original Academy Award.
UNESCO‑listed research library: Heyerdahl’s archive and eight‑thousand‑book library are part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World.
Family‑friendly storytelling: Exhibits feature narratives for children—such as Johannes the crab from the Kon‑Tiki journey and Safi the monkey from Ra—along with interactive puzzles and activity corners.
Celebrating 75 years: In 2025 the museum marks its seventy‑fifth anniversary, commemorating its inception and evolving exhibitions since 1950.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +472 308 6767

Website: kon-tiki.no/

Facebook: facebook.com/KonTikiMuseum

Conclusion

The Kon‑Tiki Museum in Oslo offers a celebration of human spirit, creativity, and connection across cultures. With its rare collection of original vessels, immersive exhibits, award‑winning film, and a cherished library, the museum transcends the label of a simple historical attraction. It invites visitors of all ages to explore, wonder, and reflect on the power of daring ideas.

Whether you are captivated by the story of Thor Heyerdahl, fascinated by maritime history, or simply searching for an enriching day out with family or friends, the Kon‑Tiki Museum is a must‑visit. Located on the beautiful Bygdøy Peninsula—accessible by bus, ferry, bike, or car—this museum promises to ignite curiosity and inspire long after you leave its halls.

Embark on a voyage of discovery at the Kon‑Tiki Museum—you may come for the rafts, but you will leave with a deeper appreciation for exploration, sustainability, and the ties that bind humanity.