The National Museum
Introduction
The National Museum in Oslo, Norway, also known as the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, is a vibrant cultural landmark located in the heart of the city’s waterfront district. Opened in June 2022, the museum brings together Norway’s most extensive collections under one roof and offers visitors a rich and immersive experience. From internationally acclaimed masterpieces to interactive family activities, the museum is a destination that invites all ages to discover and appreciate art, design and architectural heritage.
About the Museum
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Kleihues + Schuwerk and developed by Statsbygg, the National Museum spans approximately 55 000 square metres across three floors. It houses over 400 000 objects, of which around 6 500 are displayed in the permanent collection located on the first and second floors . The carefully curated exhibition presents art, design and architecture in a chronological narrative while also weaving thematic juxtapositions throughout .
On the first floor, visitors discover design and crafts spanning ancient to modern eras—including Roman busts, the Baldishol tapestry from the tenth to twelfth centuries, royal garments from Queen Maud and Queen Sonja, and cutting-edge Norwegian fashion. The second floor showcases Norwegian and international art from 1500 to the present, featuring historic landscapes, still lifes, powerful modern works and strong contemporary voices. Standout pieces include Norwegian masters like Edvard Munch, Harriet Backer, Harald Sohlberg, Christian Krohg, Hannah Ryggen and Theodor Kittelsen, alongside global icons such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Paul Gauguin.
Rising above the structure is the Light Hall, a luminous temporary exhibition space, and the building’s rooftop offers panoramic views of the Oslofjord, complemented by a café serving local seasonal offerings. The museum also includes multiple cafés—including Bollebar for sweet buns and juices—an art library and archive, workshop and activity spaces, and a museum shop.
Interesting Facts
- It is the largest museum in the Nordic region and larger in floor area than both the Rijksmuseum and the Guggenheim Bilbao.
- The museum building uses natural materials—oak, bronze, marble and slate—and hidden fossils in its floors dated at 230–240 million years old.
- The permanent collection spans nearly 3 000 years of art, design and architecture in over 80 rooms and six thousand works.
- Children and families can enjoy interactive features, including the Fairy Tale Room inspired by Theodor Kittelsen’s creatures, drawing stations, activity benches and hands-on workshops.
- The museum consolidates five former institutions into a single venue: the National Gallery, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, the Museum of Architecture, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Riksutstillinger.
- The art library houses extensive archives and publications related to Norwegian art history, open to the public on certain days.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Contact Details
Phone: +472 198 2000
Website: nasjonalmuseet.no/
Facebook: facebook.com/nasjonalmuseet/
Conclusion
The National Museum in Oslo is much more than a display of national treasures—it is a living, welcoming cultural centre that brings together art, design, architecture and family-focussed engagement. Whether you are tracing the emotional intensity of Edvard Munch’s The Scream, exploring royal costumes, or enjoying a serene workshop as your children draw fairy-tale figures, the museum offers something for everyone. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, deeply rooted in sustainable design and geological storytelling. Plan to spend several entertaining hours—or even a full day—exploring its galleries, workshops, cafés and rooftop vistas. For both locals and international visitors, the National Museum is a bright, inspiring hub that celebrates the past, present and future of Norwegian creativity.
