Historisk museum
The Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) building at Tullinløkka in Oslo, with Norway's largest collection of archaeological and ethnographic objects, from the Stone Age to more recent times.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Historisk museum opened in 1904 in the large museum building from the Art Nouveau period at Tullinløkka in central Oslo. The building's rich decoration has a rare mix of Norwegian and international elements, and the debate about the new museum was intense when it was completed. The museum is part of the Kulturhistorisk museum (Museum of Cultural History) at the University of Oslo, which manages the country's largest archaeological and ethnographic collections.
In the exhibitions, visitors encounter objects from the Stone Age, the Viking Age and the Middle Ages, among them one of the two best-preserved Viking helmets in the world. Ethnographic exhibitions give insight into cultural diversity, and exhibitions such as “NOREGR – Fortellinger fra middelalderen”, “ARV – Vår plass i historien” and the family exhibition “MUMIE” show the collections from new angles.
A new Viking Age museum is being planned. The objects from the exhibition “VÍKINGR” are to be moved there when the exhibition ends in December 2026. The museum holds many events throughout the year, including children's Sundays and guided tours.
Highlights
- Norway's largest collection of archaeological and ethnographic objects
- Viking Age objects and the dragon head from the Oseberg ship in the exhibition “Miðgarðr”
- The family exhibition “MUMIE” with real Egyptian mummies
- The medieval exhibition “NOREGR”
- Art Nouveau building from 1904 at Tullinløkka
Permanent exhibitions
- NOREGR – Fortellinger fra middelalderen – Meet the knight, the jester and the cook and gain insight into medieval Norway through finds from recent excavations in Oslo.
- ARV – Vår plass i historien – The exhibition looks at how we relate to the heritage of the past and who owns the cultural heritage.
- MUMIE – Family exhibition with four real Egyptian mummies and coffins, amulets and grave goods.
- Founded
- 1904
- Operated by
- Universitetet i Oslo (Kulturhistorisk museum)
Admission & discounts
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people under 18 always have free admission. |
|---|---|
| Groups | –Tailor-made theme tours for groups of up to 30 people, 60 minutes. |
| Tailor-made guided tour, up to 10 people | NOK 3,000Includes an admission ticket to the whole museum. Must be booked at least 7 days in advance. |
| Tailor-made guided tour, 11–30 people | NOK 4,500Includes an admission ticket to the whole museum. Must be booked at least 7 days in advance. |
Guided tours for nurseries and school classes at all levels are free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum building from 1904 is not universally designed. The staircase outside the main entrance has no ramp, and step-free access is via the lift at the back, towards Kristian IVs gate and Tullinløkka (contact a museum attendant or the security telephone +47 22 85 99 13). Lift between the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors, but not on to the 4th floor. Thresholds between the exhibition halls. Accessible toilets on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. Hearing loop only in the lecture hall. Two free accessible parking spaces at the back; the barrier is opened on request. Museum attendants are on every floor.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Children and young people under 18 have free admission. The museum has family exhibitions such as “Miðgarðr – Vikingenes mytiske verden” (“Miðgarðr – The Mythical World of the Vikings”) and “MUMIE”, the latter adapted for children from age 9, and holds children's Sundays throughout the year. The activity room Kilden on the 2nd floor is used for children's and school programmes.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Tullinløkka
The museum is a few minutes' walk from Nationaltheatret train and metro station, and trams 11, 17 and 18 stop right by it at Tullinløkka. It is about a 10-minute walk from Nationaltheatret and about 25 minutes from Oslo S.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
No ordinary parking spaces for visitors. Two accessible parking spaces at the back of the museum, with entry from Kristian Augusts gate and exit to Kristian IVs gate.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Lockers
The museum shop on the 1st floor sells, among other things, historical books, jewellery inspired by the Viking Age, copies of historical objects and toys. Outer clothing, rucksacks and larger bags are placed in lockable lockers. Food and drink are only allowed in the vestibule, in the activity room Kilden on the 2nd floor and in the museum shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography and filming for private use are allowed, but not with flash. Tripods, selfie sticks and photo lamps require arrangement in advance. |
| Good to know | The museum organises guided tours, lectures and children's Sundays, usually on Sundays. Tailor-made theme tours last 60 minutes and accommodate up to 30 people. Crampons may not be used in the museum, and animals other than guide dogs are not allowed. |
