National Gallery of Norway

Museum Norwegian national gallery holding historic and modern art

In central Oslo, the National Gallery contains Norway’s national painting collection, including major works by Edvard Munch and other Scandinavian artists; visitors study canonical Norwegian paintings and rotating exhibitions.

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The National Gallery of Norway is the principal public art collection historically identified with Oslo and Norway’s national art holdings; the institution dates back to the 19th century. It has been the main repository for Norwegian and international art collected for public display.

The gallery’s collection includes important works by Edvard Munch, including variants of The Scream and Madonna, as well as Norwegian and European paintings and sculptures spanning several centuries. The collection has been displayed in central Oslo and has formed the core of the nation’s public art holdings.

The gallery is located in central Oslo where it has long been accessible to residents and visitors, and its collection is a primary destination for those interested in Norwegian art history.

  • Key holdings: Houses central works from Norway's public art collection, including major pieces by Edvard Munch such as variants of The Scream and Madonna.
  • History: Founded in the 19th century as Norway's principal public gallery and long served as the national repository for historic and modern art.
National Gallery of Norway
59.9162, 10.7376

How to Get to National Gallery of Norway #

The National Gallery of Norway (part of the National Museum) is in central Oslo. It is within walking distance of Oslo Central Station (approximately 10-20 minutes on foot) or a short tram/bus ride to nearby stops such as Nationaltheatret. Use Oslo Central as your main arrival point and either walk or take a short local tram/bus/taxi trip to the museum area.

Tips for Visiting National Gallery of Norway #

  • Check the current location and ticketing before you go: the former National Gallery's collection has been moved into the new National Museum of Norway, so confirm which building is hosting the works you want to see.
  • Buy a timed‑entry ticket online if available and aim for a weekday morning to avoid the larger weekend crowds at the National Museum's new central location.
  • Combine the visit with nearby central Oslo sites-public transport links (trams and buses) serve the museum area well, so plan to arrive by transit rather than searching for parking.

Best Time to Visit National Gallery of Norway #

Plan a weekday visit in late autumn, winter or early spring for fewer visitors and a more relaxed gallery experience.

Winter (quiet)
Dec-Feb · N/A (indoor)
Museum attendance in Oslo is typically lower in winter (outside school holidays), making it a good time for a calmer visit.
Summer (busiest)
Jun-Aug · N/A (indoor)
Summer brings many tourists to Oslo; expect higher visitor numbers-arrive at opening hours or visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Shoulder seasons
Mar-May, Sep-Nov · N/A (indoor)
Spring and autumn weekdays offer a balance of pleasant city weather and moderate museum crowding.

Weather & Climate near National Gallery of Norway #

Climate

National Gallery of Norway's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (720 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 29 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-31°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.7h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
98%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.3h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
16.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
18.2h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
17.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
15.3h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°
97%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.9h daylight

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