Top 50 best museums in Oslo

Akershus Fortress, also known as Akershus slott og festning in classical Norwegian, is a significant historical site located in Oslo, the capital city of Norway. It is situated by the Oslo fjord, offering picturesque views of the water body. The fortress is also conveniently located next to the city hall, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city center.

Please note that the Viking Ship Museum will be temporarily closed for renovations from September 2021 until 2025/2026. This is an important piece of information for tourists planning to visit the museum during this period.

The Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, serves as a platform for the Nobel Peace Prize and the ideals it embodies. This center is not just a museum, but a place where culture and politics intersect to encourage involvement, discussion, and reflection on topics such as war, peace, and conflict resolution.

The Oslo City Museum, located in the heart of Norway's capital, is a department of the larger Oslo Museum. Since 2006, it has been an integral part of the city's cultural and historical landscape, offering visitors a deep dive into the rich history of Oslo.

The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, located in Oslo, Norway, is a privately owned contemporary art gallery. It was established and opened to the public in 1993, making it a relatively recent addition to the city's cultural scene. The museum is known for its collection of modern and contemporary art, and it has become a significant cultural institution in Norway.

The Historisk museum, located in Oslo, has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1904. This museum is a testament to the rich history and culture of Norway, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the past and gain a deeper understanding of the country's heritage.

Oscarshall palace, a summer palace in neo-Gothic style, is situated on Bygdøy by Frognerkilen in Oslo. This location offers a unique blend of historical architecture and natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate both. The palace was designed by Danish architect Johan Henrik Nebelong for King Oscar I and was completed in 1852.

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, also known as Norsk Folkemuseum, is located in Bygdøy, Oslo, Norway. It is a cultural history museum that houses extensive collections of artifacts from all social groups and regions of the country. This provides a comprehensive insight into the diverse cultures and histories of Norway.

The Fram Museum, located in Oslo, Norway, is a museum dedicated to the history of Norwegian polar exploration. It is situated on the peninsula of Bygdøy, an area that is also home to several other museums. The museum was inaugurated on May 20, 1936, and it pays tribute to Norwegian polar exploration and three notable Norwegian polar explorers – Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, and Roald Amundsen.

Ekebergparken Sculpture Park is a unique blend of nature, history, and art. Located in the southeast of Oslo, Norway, this national heritage park offers a unique experience for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park is nestled in a wooded area, providing a serene backdrop for the various sculptures that adorn its landscape.

The Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo is a privately owned and operated institution that houses a collection of vessels and artifacts. These items were used or brought back from the numerous expeditions conducted by the renowned explorer Thor Heyerdahl (1914–2002). The museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the world of maritime exploration and understand the historical significance of these expeditions.

The Forsvarsmuseet, also known as FMU, is a museum dedicated to defense history. It is situated in building 62 at the historic Akershus Castle in Oslo, Norway. This location not only provides a fitting backdrop for the museum's exhibits but also adds to the overall experience of understanding Norway's military history.

Oslo Reptile Park is a unique destination in Norway, being the only reptile park in the country. This privately owned animal park offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of reptile species up close.

During the tumultuous times of World War II, Villa Grande served as the residence of Vidkun Quisling, a prominent figure of the era. Known as Gimle at the time, the villa was the center of Quisling's activities. This historical context adds a layer of intrigue and significance to the villa, making it a point of interest for those interested in World War II history.

The Norwegian Maritime Museum is situated in a prime location at Bygdøynesveien on the Bygdøy peninsula. This location is on the western side of Oslo, the capital city of Norway. The museum's location is easily accessible and offers a scenic view of the surrounding area.

The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, located in Oslo, serves as the national museum for industry, science, technology, and medicine. It provides a comprehensive insight into the country's industrial history and advancements in various scientific fields.

The Mini Bottle Gallery, also known as Småflaskemuseet, is a unique museum located in Kirkegaten, Oslo. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique experience for tourists interested in unique collections.

Sporveismuseet Vognhall 5, also known as the Oslo Tramway Museum, is a transport museum situated in the Majorstuen area of Oslo. The museum exhibits a collection of preserved metro trains, trams, buses, and trolleybuses that have served the city over the years. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the city's public transportation history.

The Norwegian Resistance Museum, also known as the Home Front Museum, is situated in the historic Akershus Fortress in Oslo, Norway. This location not only provides a fitting backdrop for the museum's collection but also adds to the overall experience of understanding Norway's history during World War II. The fortress itself is a significant historical site, and the museum's location within it allows visitors to combine their visit with a tour of the fortress.

The Munch Museum, also known as Munch since 2020, is an art museum located in Bjørvika, Oslo, Norway. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the life and works of the renowned Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch. It provides a comprehensive insight into Munch's artistic journey and his significant contributions to the world of art.

The Holmenkollbakken Museum, located in the city of Oslo, Norway, is home to the world's largest ski jump platform. This unique feature makes it a significant point of interest for tourists who are interested in winter sports or architectural marvels. The museum is named after the Holmenkollen mountain on which it is situated.

The National Gallery of Norway, situated in Oslo, is a significant part of the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design. Since 2003, it has been a part of this larger institution, offering visitors a comprehensive look at Norwegian and international art, architecture, and design.

The Geological Museum in Oslo, also known as the Geologisk og paleontologisk museum, is a significant part of the Natural History Museum of the University of Oslo. Established in 1917, the museum has a rich history and is a testament to the scientific and cultural heritage of the city. It was founded on the initiative of Geology Professor Waldemar Christofer Brøgger and opened to the public in 1920 with numerous exhibits.

The Ice Skating Museum, known as Skøytemuseet in Norwegian, has a rich history dating back to 1914. It is conveniently located at Frogner Stadium in Oslo, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum's location also adds to its charm, as it is situated in one of the city's most popular sports venues.

The Jewish Museum in Oslo was officially opened in 2008, featuring its first exhibition titled “Freedom won not only once”. This exhibition focused on Jewish artists in Norway and the Jews who actively participated in the fight against National Socialism during World War II. It provides a unique insight into the role and contributions of the Jewish community during this significant period in history.

The Ibsen Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the playwright Henrik Ibsen, is conveniently located near the Royal Palace on Henrik Ibsens gate in Oslo, Norway. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, located in Oslo, Norway, was established in 2003. It is a result of the merger of five institutions: the National Gallery of Oslo, founded in 1836, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, in 1876, the Riksutstillinger (1953), the National Museum of Architecture (1975) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (1988).

The Viking Planet is a unique digital museum experience with two locations in Norway, one in Oslo and the other in Haugesund. These museums offer a unique insight into the world of the Vikings, using advanced technology to bring history to life.

The Botanical Museum of Oslo, also known as Botanisk museum or Lids hus, is a botanical museum situated in Oslo. It was established in 1863, drawing its foundation from the herbarium of Professor Blytt, a renowned botanist who lived between 1789 and 1862. This museum is a testament to the rich botanical history of Norway and offers a unique insight into the country's diverse plant life.

Villa Stenersen is managed by the National Gallery of Norway and is open to the public every Sunday during the summer months. This provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the villa and appreciate its architectural design and historical significance.

This museum tells the story of the life and work of Emanuel Vigeland, the much-venerated Norwegian sculptor. It was designed by himself!

The International Museum of Children's Art in Oslo is a unique institution dedicated to the collection, preservation, and dissemination of art created by children and young people up to 18 years old from around the world. This museum provides a platform for young artists to showcase their creativity and talent, and offers visitors a unique insight into the world of children's art.

The exhibitions of the Cultural History Museum are spread across four main buildings in the city center of Oslo. These include the Historical Museum located at Frederiks gate 2 and Frederiks gate 3, the Laboratory at Frederiks Gate 3 and St. Olavs Gate 29, and the Viking Ship Museum situated on the Bygdøy peninsula. Each of these locations offers a unique insight into different aspects of Norway's cultural history, providing a diverse and enriching experience for visitors.

The Bygdøy Royal Estate, also known as the Bygdø Royal Farm, is a significant historical site located in the northwestern part of the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo, Norway. This Kongsgård estate and manor house serves as the official summer residence of the King of Norway, adding to its historical and cultural significance. Visitors can appreciate the grandeur of the estate and its rich history.

The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies, also known as the HL Center or the Holocaust Center, is a significant institution located in Bygdøy, Oslo. Established in 2001 by the University of Oslo and the Norwegian government, the center was initiated by the Jewish community in Oslo. It serves as a foundation for research and knowledge dissemination about the Holocaust, discrimination, genocide, and human rights.

The Labour Museum, also known as Arbeidermuseet, is situated in Sagveien 28, Sagene, Oslo. It is a part of the Oslo Museum, which is a collection of museums that showcase the history and culture of the city. The Labour Museum is centrally located in an area that was crucial to the industrialization of Norway in the 1840s.

One of the main attractions at Filmens Hus is the cinema offering Cinemateket, which is operated by the Norsk filminstitutt (NFI). Cinemateket is a specialized cinema that focuses on showcasing classic films and alternative contemporary films. While membership in Cinemateket offers a discount on entrance tickets, it is not necessary to become a member to watch a film. This makes it a great place for tourists who are film enthusiasts to visit.

Popsenteret, located in the Grünerløkka district of Oslo, is a museum dedicated to Norwegian popular music. It was established by the Oslo municipality and opened its doors to the public on November 25, 2011. The museum is part of the Schous Kulturbryggeri, a cultural hub in the city.

Bogstad Manor, located in the borough of Vestre Aker in Oslo, Norway, is a historic Manor House and former estate. This significant site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the grandeur of the Manor House and the rich history of the estate.

Oslo Ladegård, a manor house located in Gamlebyen, Oslo, is a significant historical site. It was constructed on the grounds of the Old Bishop's Palace in Oslo, adding a layer of historical depth to the location. The manor house's location in Gamlebyen, a district known for its rich history, further enhances its appeal to tourists interested in exploring Norway's past.

The Intercultural Museum, also known as Interkulturelt Museum, is situated at Tøyenbekken 5 in Oslo, Norway. This location is easily accessible and is a convenient spot for tourists who are interested in exploring the cultural diversity of Norway.

The Fire Museum in Oslo is open to the public every Wednesday from 11 am to 2 pm. This provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the museum's collection of vintage fire engines and equipment, and learn about the history of firefighting in Oslo.