National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design Museum

Website: https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/

The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design is Norway’s central state museum for visual arts, architecture and design, located in central Oslo. It brings together the national collections under one roof in a purpose-built building that opened in 2022.

Exhibition highlights include historical and modern Norwegian painting, international works, architecture displays and design collections; the museum is notable for its holdings by Edvard Munch. The building also offers public circulation spaces and a roof terrace with city views.

The museum was formed by the consolidation of several national collections into a single institution and building, designed to present Norway’s artistic and design heritage and to host large temporary exhibitions. Its new facilities expanded display and storage capacity and modernized presentation and conservation.

It stands in central Oslo on Bankplassen, within easy walking distance of other cultural institutions and transport links.

• New building (2022): The current National Museum building in Oslo opened to the public in 2022 and houses the merged national collections for art, architecture and design.
• Munch collection: Houses important works by Edvard Munch, including versions of The Scream and Madonna from the national collection.

What to See#

• Fine art collection: Permanent collection galleries holding Norwegian and international painting, sculpture and graphic art, including major works by Edvard Munch.
• Architecture and design collections: Departments and displays covering architecture and design, with examples of Norwegian applied arts and industrial design.
• Building and roof terrace: The new museum building with a grand entrance hall and a publicly accessible roof terrace that offers views over central Oslo.

The National Museum (Nasjonalmuseet) in Oslo is located close to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) and the city centre. It is within a short walk from Oslo S and well served by city trams, buses and regional trains - arrive at Oslo Central Station or Nationaltheatret and walk a few minutes to the museum. Street and public parking are limited in the immediate area; public transport is recommended.

• Book a timed ticket in advance for the National Museum of Norway's popular exhibitions (the museum combined major national collections and can be busy), then arrive at opening for a quieter look at flagship works.
• Head to the more specialised departments (architecture and design floors) later in the day-most visitors concentrate on the large painting galleries, so these areas are often less crowded and reveal different displays.
• Allow time for the museum café and shop on site; even outside peak times the main galleries draw crowds, so short breaks help you re‑enter galleries refreshed and avoid bottlenecks.