Grinimuseet

About the museum

Grinimuseet lies in Bærum, where the Germans set up the Grini prison camp on 14 June 1941 in the new women's prison at Ila. A barrack camp of more than 30 barracks was gradually built, and the camp became Norway's largest German prison camp during the war. Almost 20,000 people were held there, among them many who would later shape postwar Norway, such as Einar Gerhardsen, Odd Nansen, Johan Borgen and Arnulf Øverland. 786 Grini prisoners died, most of them after they had been sent to Germany.

After the liberation the camp was taken over by the prison service and given the name Ilebu fengsel, which was used for prisoners charged with treason until 1951. Today Ila fengsel og forvaringsanstalt (Ila prison and detention centre) is in the original prison building. The old Grinimuseet had been housed in the Kommandanturet (the Commandant's Office), the red wooden building where prisoners were registered and had to hand over their belongings.

The museum now occupies an authentic prisoners' barrack and opened with new exhibitions and regular opening hours in 2021. The exhibitions are built on the prisoners' own accounts and show the history of the camp through film, pictures, sound, objects and modern technology. The themes include arrest, interrogation and torture, punishments, the men sentenced to death, the prison guards and the women of Grini. The museum is part of MiA – Museene i Akershus and also offers guided tours in Trandumskogen, where 194 people were executed during the war.

In autumn 2026 the newly renovated Kommandanturet opens with a café and better visitor facilities.

Key themes

• Authentic prisoners' barrack from Grini prison camp
• Exhibitions built on the prisoners' own accounts
• VR experience that recreates the camp
• Introduction to Grini's history on Sundays
• Guided tours in Trandumskogen for groups

Permanent exhibition

• Grini fangeleir – fastutstilling – Exhibitions in an authentic prisoners' barrack on the themes of arrest, interrogation and torture, punishment and uncertainty, the men sentenced to death, the prison guards, living and surviving, and the women of Grini.

Operated by

MiA – Museene i Akershus

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on Sunday 22 November 2026 (opening of the Kommandanturet).

The MiA annual pass gives free admission during ordinary opening hours, and also at Oslo Museum, Østfoldmuseene, Vestfoldmuseene and Buskerudmuseene. Companion cards are accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is in an original prisoners' barrack with some high door thresholds and narrow passages, but it is possible to get around with a wheelchair and rollator. There is a wheelchair ramp, accessible parking and an accessible toilet, and it is possible to drive right up to the entrance. The exhibitions have subdued lighting that can be turned up if needed. All introductory texts have been translated into English, and several installations and films can be chosen in English, but some are only in Norwegian. The museum has air conditioning and is cool on hot days.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

The themes are serious, and the museum's school programmes are aimed at grades 9–10 and upper secondary school. A family ticket is available.

Getting there & parking

It is possible to drive right up to the entrance and the wheelchair ramp.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Small kiosk selling coffee, tea, mineral water, lefse and muffins, which must be enjoyed outdoors. A new café in the Kommandanturet opens on 22 November 2026. The shop sells books about Grini prison camp, postcards and a few other products.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit