The National Museum opened its new building on the harbour behind City Hall in June 2022, bringing together Norway's national collections of older, modern and contemporary art, architecture and design under one roof. For most visitors the heart of it is the Edvard Munch room, which gathers eighteen of his most important works, including The Scream, painted in 1893 and given to the National Gallery in 1910, along with The Sick Child, The Dance of Life and Ashes. The museum also holds early versions of Madonna and The Girls on the Pier. Around the Munch room, the collection galleries run from medieval tapestries and Norwegian romantic landscapes to modern painting and a strong design and crafts collection. On top of the building sits the Light Hall, a vast glowing box used for big temporary exhibitions. It stands next door to the Nobel Peace Center at Brynjulf Bulls plass.
How to visit: the museum is huge, so pick a route. Go to the Munch room first, while you are fresh, then follow the Norwegian painting galleries for the landscapes of fjords and mountains that shaped the national image. Design fans should save time for the furniture and crafts galleries.
Tickets: buy in advance online, as the museum recommends, and keep your ticket handy because it is scanned at the entrances to exhibitions. Check the opening hours page before you go, since the museum closes one day a week and has late openings.
Pairing: the Nobel Peace Center is next door, City Hall and the Aker Brygge waterfront a few minutes away, and the fjord cruise boats leave from the pier in front. Combine it with MUNCH on another day to see both sides of the painter.
What to expect
The experience
A large museum of art, architecture and design, with the Munch room, collection galleries and the Light Hall for exhibitions.
Best time
Opening time or a late opening, when the Munch room is quietest.
How long
Two to three hours for highlights.
Tips
Book online, head to the Munch room first and keep your ticket for each exhibition entrance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers who want The Scream and the full sweep of Norwegian art.
- Families
- Best for older children; plan a short route around the Munch room and design galleries.
- Couples
- A late opening, then dinner at Aker Brygge.
- Pair with
- The Nobel Peace Center next door and MUNCH on another day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is The Scream at the National Museum?+
Yes, the 1893 painted version hangs in the Edvard Munch room with seventeen other key works.
What is the difference between MUNCH and the National Museum?+
MUNCH holds the artist's own estate; the National Museum has many of his most famous paintings within a broader national collection.
Should I book National Museum tickets?+
The museum recommends buying in advance online; tickets are scanned at exhibition entrances.
Where is the National Museum?+
At Brynjulf Bulls plass 3, behind City Hall and next to the Nobel Peace Center.
How long do I need?+
Two to three hours for highlights; art lovers can spend a full day.
