Nasjonalmuseet for kunst, arkitektur og design

About the museum

The Nasjonalmuseet for kunst, arkitektur og design was established in 2003, when four previously independent museums were merged: Nasjonalgalleriet, Kunstindustrimuseet, Museet for samtidskunst and Arkitekturmuseet. Riksutstillinger was also part of the merger. The many collections were in the following years spread across several buildings in Oslo.

The museum's new main building is located in Vika, at Brynjulf Bulls plass on the former Vestbanen area near Rådhusplassen and Aker Brygge. The building has an exhibition area of about 13,000 square metres and is clad in slate from Oppdal. It opened on 11 June 2022 and brings the whole collection together under one roof.

The collection exhibition shows around 6,500 works in chronological order, from imperial porcelain and Roman busts to contemporary Norwegian fashion. On the 2nd floor are, among others, Edvard Munch's The Scream, and Hannah Ryggen's textiles and John Savio's woodcuts have been given a prominent place. There is also a Fairy-Tale Room (Eventyrrommet) with the universe of Theodor Kittelsen and a separate hall for the architect Sverre Fehn.

In addition to the collection, the museum shows changing exhibitions and has a library, shop, café and a roof terrace with views of the fjord. The museum also runs Nasjonalmuseet – Arkitektur and Villa Stenersen, which have their own opening hours.

Highlights

• Edvard Munch's The Scream and other main works in the collection exhibition
• Around 6,500 works from antiquity to today
• The Baldishol Tapestry, almost a thousand years old
• Queen Maud's and Queen Sonja's costume collection
• The roof terrace with views of the Oslofjord
• The Fairy-Tale Room with the universe of Theodor Kittelsen

Permanent exhibition

• Samlingen – The collection exhibition shows around 6,500 works of art, design and architecture from antiquity to today, with Munch's The Scream as one of the highlights.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Stiftelsen Nasjonalmuseet for kunst, arkitektur og design

Director

Ingrid Røynesdal

Visitors per year

approx. 602,546

Admission & discounts

Membership costs NOK 699 (NOK 349 for those under 25) and gives unlimited admission for the member and one guest for 12 months. The ticket can be upgraded to membership at the ticket desk on the same day. Open guided tours are free with an admission ticket. Tickets are scanned at the entrance to the exhibitions.

Accessibility

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

The museum is built to universal design standards, with a lift and step-free access to all public areas. Your own wheelchair can be used, and the museum's hosts help with loans. Seating and rest areas are available in the exhibitions. Several counters and meeting rooms have a hearing loop, and some signs have Braille. A torch can be borrowed at the information desk. The Museumsguide app has audio description of 21 works, and 21 audio narratives are available in sign language. Four accessible parking spaces are in Dokkveien. Villa Stenersen does not yet have full wheelchair access.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The museum has the Eventyrrommet (Fairy-Tale Room) on the 2nd floor and workshops for children. On the lower ground floor is the workshop Urskogen Silva, which is suitable for everyone over three years old and has a family tour every Saturday. Strollers larger than 100 × 75 cm must be parked in the cloakroom. Changing and nursing rooms are next to the cloakrooms on the lower ground floor.

Getting there & parking

The main entrance is at Brynjulf Bulls plass 3. There is also a separate entrance to the library at Dronning Mauds gate 2, and to the café and shop from the museum square on the 1st floor. Bicycle racks are on the museum square and behind the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi (Nasjonalmuseet-guest). Café on the 1st floor, the Salongen on the 2nd floor, a bar on the roof terrace when the weather allows, and Sirkus Renaa in the Stasjonsmesterboligen. Cloakroom and toilets are on the lower ground floor (–1).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum rents out premises for events.

Plan your visit