National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design 🇳🇴

Step into Norway's central showcase of culture at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo. Established in 2003 through the consolidation of five major institutions—including the National Gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Art Industry Museum—the state-owned museum houses a massive collection of over 400,000 works. In June 2022, the museum opened a single, cohesive new building designed by Kleihues + Schuwerk at Vestbanehallen near Aker Brygge.

Inside, you can explore centuries of artistic output across visual arts, design, handicrafts, and architecture. Discover ancient Greek vases, 12th-century textiles like the Baldishol rug, Norwegian silver, classical antiquities from the Paus collection, and historical architectural models. Art enthusiasts can trace the evolution of Norwegian visual arts from 19th-century Romantic Nationalism to contemporary 21st-century installations.

Highlights include famous works by Norwegian masters J.C. Dahl, Hans Gude, Harriet Backer, and Christian Krohg, as well as a rich graphic collection featuring global icons like Rembrandt, Picasso, and Van Gogh. It is an unmissable cultural stop right in the center of Oslo.

What to see at National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design

• The first copy of Edvard Munch's iconic 1893 painting, The Scream
• Classic Roman busts and antiquities from the historical Paus Collection
• The rare 12th-century Baldishol tapestry, Nøstetangen glass, and historical royal costumes
• Masterpieces of Norwegian Romantic Nationalism by J.C. Dahl, Hans Gude, and Harriet Backer
• Nearly 50,000 graphics and drawings by artists including Dürer, Rembrandt, Picasso, and Van Gogh

Visiting tips

Be sure to view Edvard Munch's iconic masterwork, The Scream, in the museum's dedicated gallery spaces.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design is easy to reach on Oslo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Oslo Opera House and Akershus Fortress. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Oslo travel guide.