Skimuseet

About the museum

The Skimuseet at Holmenkollen was established in 1923 and is the world's oldest specialist museum for skiing. The initiative came from the palace administrator and architect Hjalmar Welhaven, and the first collection consisted of his private collection. Later, objects were systematically collected from all over the country. Objects from the great Norwegian polar expeditions, donated by Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, are an important part of the collection.

The museum was first housed in a timber building at Frognerseteren and was moved down to the ski jump in connection with the Winter Olympics in Oslo in 1952. Parts of today's café are located in the original museum from 1952. For the centenary of Skiforeningen (the Ski Association) in 1983, new premises were built inside the mountain next to the ski jump, and in 1997 the museum got a new square, entrance and shop. For the centenary in 2023 the museum opened with a new foyer and café designed by Snøhetta and a new basic exhibition on the oldest ski and polar history.

Today you can experience 5,000 years of ski history. The exhibitions include Det hvite sporet (The White Track) on the earliest ski history and the polar expeditions, Vinterglede (Winter Joy) on the development of skiing as a leisure activity and sport, Vær og føre (Weather and Conditions) on climate and snow, and Blåkollen, a play universe for children. The ticket also gives access to the ski jump tower, which has a view over Oslo. The Skimuseet is part of Skiforeningen.

Highlights

• 5,000 years of ski history
• Objects from polar expeditions donated by Nansen and Amundsen
• The exhibition Det hvite sporet (The White Track)
• Blåkollen, a play universe for children
• The ski jump tower with a view over Oslo is included in the ticket
• Café and shop with a view

Permanent exhibitions

• Det hvite sporet – The earliest ski history and the stories of the great polar expeditions.
• Vinterglede – How skiing developed into a modern sport and a form of outdoor life through the ages.
• Blåkollen – The children's own play universe with blue gnomes (blånisser), fog trolls (tåketroll), slides and caves.

Founded

1923

Operated by

Skiforeningen

Admission & discounts

All tickets give access to both the Skimuseet and the ski jump tower. Tickets can be bought online and at the museum. Walking around the area and looking at the ski jump is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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 is adapted for wheelchair users with a lift and accessible toilets, and the ski jump tower is adapted for wheelchairs. Assistance dogs are permitted; other dogs cannot be taken into the museum, but are welcome in the foyer and the café.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Interactive exhibitions and child-friendly activities. Blåkollen is the children's own play universe with blue gnomes, fog trolls, slides and caves, and is included in the ticket. In winter there is an area for ski play behind the museum.

Getting there & parking

The GPS address is Kongeveien 40. It is possible to cycle to Holmenkollen, including by e-bike.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café with a view over Oslo and outdoor seating on the south side, open during the museum's opening hours. Museum shop with souvenirs, books, clothing, ski-related products and Dale of Norway. The toilets outside the museum are free; the toilets inside the museum are reserved for paying guests.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The whole Skimuseet can be rented after opening hours, preferably combined with a guided tour and an aperitif; capacity over 100 people.

Plan your visit