Munch
Introduction
Nestled in the vibrant Bjørvika district of Oslo, the Munch Museum stands as a beacon of Norwegian cultural heritage. Officially branded as MUNCH and located at Edvard Munchs Plass 1, this striking thirteen‑storey building overlooks the Oslofjord and graces the city skyline with its sculptural form. Since opening on 22 October 2021, the museum has invited visitors from around the world to immerse themselves in the life and legacy of Edvard Munch, one of Norway’s most celebrated artists.
About the Museum
The Munch Museum hosts the world’s largest collection of Edvard Munch’s works, with nearly 28 000 pieces ranging from paintings and graphic prints to drawings, photographs and sculptures. The collection includes more than 1 000 paintings, over 18 000 prints, around 4 500 drawings and upwards of 13 000 photographs. It began with Munch’s own generous bequest to Oslo in 1940 and has since expanded through additional gifts, trades and careful acquisitions.
Designed by Estudio Herreros from Spain, with input from Jens Richter, the museum’s architecture is a marvel of modern design. The 60‑metre‑tall structure features a slanted glass and aluminium facade whose reflective panels create an ever‑shifting appearance with the changing light over the fjord. Inside, the museum unfolds vertically: visitors ascend through floors of atmospheric galleries, moving from light‑filled spaces to more intimate, carefully lit rooms crafted for preservation and contemplation .
Beyond exhibitions of Munch’s masterpieces, MUNCH offers a rich array of cultural experiences. Audio guides, tours in several languages and engaging workshops, such as frottage art creation, encourage immersive interaction. The upper floors host Bistro Tolvte and Kranen Bar, where one can enjoy food, drinks and spectacular panoramic views across Oslofjord.
Interesting Facts
- The museum moved from its original Tøyen site (opened 1963) to the new Bjørvika building in 2021, marking a major cultural shift for Oslo.
- With over 28 000 works in a 26 313 m² building spanning 13 floors, it is one of the world’s largest single‑artist museum collections.
- The museum houses multiple versions of iconic works like The Scream, rotated every thirty minutes behind carefully controlled lighting of just 25 lux to protect their integrity.
- A daring armed robbery in 2004 stole two masterpieces—The Scream and Madonna—from the old museum. Both were recovered in 2006, prompting extensive upgrades to security.
- Architecturally, the building uses recycled concrete and aluminium and incorporates clever climatic solutions such as adjustable transparency in its facade to reduce energy usage by up to 50 percent.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Contact Details
Phone: +472 349 3500
Website: munch.no/
Facebook: facebook.com/munchmuseet/
Conclusion
The Munch Museum in Bjørvika is not merely a repository of art—it is a living cultural centre that celebrates the emotional richness and innovation of Edvard Munch. From its thoughtfully curated galleries to interactive programmes, workshops and breathtaking views, it offers a deeply engaging experience for all who visit. Whether you are drawn by a desire to witness masterpieces like The Scream and Madonna, to explore behind‑the‑scenes conservation, or simply to soak in panoramic fjord vistas from the rooftop bar, MUNCH leaves a lasting impression. It is a must‑visit landmark for art lovers and curious travellers alike, affirming Oslo’s place on the world stage of culture and creativity.
