MUNCH is the museum built around the estate Edvard Munch left to the city of Oslo, and since 2021 it has lived in a tall, leaning tower on the Bjørvika waterfront, a short walk from the Opera House and Oslo Central Station. Visit Oslo describes it as holding the world's largest collection of Munch paintings, and the building spreads it over thirteen floors of galleries and visitor spaces. The museum's own guidance is simple: a version of The Scream is always on display, alongside works such as The Sun, Madonna and The Dance of Life, while other floors carry changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The upper levels add panoramic windows, a terrace and a sky bar, so a visit ends with the fjord at your feet.
How to see it well: book a timed ticket, because entry slots are limited and the popular afternoon times go first. Start with the Munch floors, where his paintings, prints and drawings show how restlessly he reworked the same motifs, then take the escalators up through the changing exhibitions. The versions of The Scream are fragile and shown in rotation, so the one on view may be a painting, drawing or print.
Timing: MUNCH is open every day of the year except 1 May, and stays open into the evening from Wednesday to Saturday, which is the best time to go in the dark months. Oslo Pass holders cannot pre-book; free tickets are released on site for each time slot, often with a short wait.
Pairing: walk the Opera House roof next door before or after, then follow the waterfront promenade to the Deichman library and the old town quarter. To see the 1893 painted Scream itself, add the National Museum by City Hall.
What to expect
The experience
A timed-entry art museum over thirteen floors, with the Munch collection, changing exhibitions, a terrace and a sky bar.
Best time
A late opening from Wednesday to Saturday, or first thing in the morning.
How long
Two to three hours, longer with a meal or a drink upstairs.
Tips
Book a time slot, start on the Munch floors and finish with the view from the top.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who knows The Scream and wants to understand the painter behind it.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the scale and the views; under-tens may prefer a shorter loop.
- Couples
- An evening visit and a cocktail in the sky bar above the fjord.
- Pair with
- The Opera House roof next door and the National Museum by City Hall.
- Time needed
- Half a day with lunch.
Good questions
Is The Scream at the Munch Museum?+
Yes. MUNCH says a version of The Scream is always on display, rotated between the fragile painting, drawing and prints.
Do I need to book MUNCH tickets?+
Booking a timed ticket is wise, as entry slots are limited and popular times sell out.
Is the Munch Museum open every day?+
It is open every day of the year except 1 May, with late hours from Wednesday to Saturday.
Can I use the Oslo Pass at MUNCH?+
Yes, but pass holders cannot pre-book; free tickets are released on site for each time slot.
Where is MUNCH?+
At Edvard Munchs plass 1 in Bjørvika, a short walk from Oslo Central Station and the Opera House.
