"I was completely
knocked out!"

Morten Krogvold .
Photo: Knut Røthe

Morten Krogvold by the Munch museum .
Photo: Knut Røthe

The famous Norwegian photographer Morten Krogvold was moved by his experience at MUNCH.

The museum is just one of the many cultural attractions he recommends in Oslo ...

Morten Krogvold .
Photo: Knut Røthe

Oslo's best
cultural spots

with photographer Morten Krogvold

Morten Krogvold .
Photo: Knut Røthe

The Cultural Triangle is a series where renowned cultural personalities show you their favourite spots in Norway's biggest cities.

They will let you in on where to eat and sleep, and what to see.

The Munch Museum .
Photo: Knut Røthe

"MUNCH in Oslo is on a par with the Tate Modern in London. One of the most amazing artists the world has ever seen, Edvard Munch, has finally been given the home his art deserves," says Krogvold.

Munch Museum from 2020 .
Photo: Knut Røthe

The new MUNCH is 60 meters high and clad in recycled aluminium plates.

Its characteristic curve at the top is intended as a symbol: The building is respectfully bowing to Oslo.

The Munch Museum in Oslo .
Photo: VisitOSLO / Didrick Stenersen

Here, the first of many great works of art is being lifted into its new home during the summer of 2021.

Edvard Munch's legacy is one of the world's largest collections of art by a single artist, and the museum oversees more than 42,000 unique works.

Moving art into the Munch-museum .
Photo: Munchmuseet

"The museum has three versions of 'The Scream'. Each version of this iconic painting is shown in a rotunda, one hour at a time. It's worth all three hours," insists Krogvold.

While you wait, you can also explore 11 galleries and 13 floors of unforgettable experiences.

“The Scream” (Skrik), Edvard Munch (1893) .
Photo: MUNCH

And last, but not least, enjoy the panoramic view from the top.

"I could see the dancers at the Oslo Opera House, who were rehearsing for a show. This is the place to be," says Krogvold.

Deichman Bjørvika, the Oslo Public Library, is nearby. The building is a piece of architectural eye candy that the Norwegian photographer highly recommends you check out.

The Oslo Opera House .
Photo: Didrick Stenersen

Full of culture, but hungry for food, we tag along as Krogvold takes us to his favourite restaurant, Theatercaféen.

Since it's a Monday, the restaurant is closed (to the public), but that doesn't stop our intrepid photographer, who is friendly with the staff.

Theatercaféen .
Photo: Knut Røthe

"Let's go through the kitchen," he says in a determined way, motioning for us to follow.

Krogvold quickly passes through the large kitchen, gesturing left and right.

"Hi, are you preparing tomorrow's lunch?"

"Yes," says the chef, laughing.

"Home!" says Krogvold, passing through the revolving door at the actual entrance.

Morten Krogvold at Theatercafeen .
Photo: Knut Røthe

Morten Krogvold at Theatercaféen .
Photo: Knut Røthe

The photographer chooses a table by the window, where you can see Stortingsgata, a well-known street in Oslo, and the National Theatre. Its location has made this Art Deco restaurant a favourite haunt of actors.

"This is the most important restaurant in Norway, with the richest traditions. Norwegian artists have been coming here for more than 100 years, ever since the time of the great bohemians. Here, you will find many stories and experiences," Krogvold says in an authoritative voice.

Norwegian photographer Morten Krogvold .
Photo: Knut Røthe

Krogvold himself resembles the bohemians he speaks so kindly of: he has wavy hair and prominent features, he enjoys life, and has a keen interest in art and cultural history.

"Everything from betrayal and infidelity, to the funniest stories and conversations have happened here."

And let's not forget the scandals.

"A horse was in here once. Someone once arrived to a small party here on horseback," he chuckles.

Morten Krogvold at Theatercaféen .
Photo: Knut Røthe

There are caricatures of all the greatest and most famous regulars on the walls. Among them, Krogvold himself, the artist Edvard Munch, the famous Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann, and many more.

Theatercaféen interior .
Photo: Knut Røthe

"My favourite dishes are all connected to days of the week. On Fridays, I eat tartar, with a cold beer and a jenever."

Morten Krogvold at Theatercaféen .
Photo: Knut Røthe

Krogvold's triangle is almost complete. Now, we need a place to sleep.

"When we artists come to Oslo, we always stay at Cochs Pensjonat.

Morten Krogvold at Cochs Pensjonat .
Photo: Knut Røthe

The pension is located only ten meters from Lorry, a restaurant that has inspired many myths and seen some notorious events.

Right next to Lorry, you will find Litteraturhuset, the country's first literature house. And on top of that, you'll be the Royal Palace's neighbour while staying at the pension.

Restaurant Lorry .
Photo: Knut Røthe

"There are so many stories running through these walls. I can't even begin to tell you all of the things that have happened here," he says.

Krogvold then remembers a story about some guests who brought a horse in here — all the way up to the fifth floor! The fire department had to come and hoist it down.

"This place is like a novel written by the well-known Norwegian author Lars Saabye Christensen."

Stairs at Cochs Pensjonat .
Photo: Knut Røthe

"... in fact, he already has written about it!" Krogvold quickly adds.

"In the award-winning novel 'The Half Brother' by Saabye Christensen, Arnold Nilsen stays 4,982 days and nights at the Cochs Pension, in room 502. This room is just called 'The Half Brother room' now," he explains.

Lars Saabye Christensen at Cochs Pensjonat .
Photo: Knut Røthe

"My foreign art students always stay here. And they love the place. It's got soul. Everyone who's interested in art history should stay a night at Cochs," Krogvold concludes.

Cochs Pensjonat .
Photo: Knut Røthe

We have now completed the triangle. You don't have to walk far to get from the pension to Theatercaféen and to the Munch museum. Oslo is one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

Scroll down to see more cultural attractions that Krogvold recommends, and read more about the extraordinary new Munch museum.

Or listen to the podcast Norway Next, and learn about Oslo on the go!

Morten Krogvold at Theatercaféen in Oslo .
Photo: Knut Røthe

ABOUT MORTEN KROGVOLD

Krogvold is known for his portraits of prominent artists and atmospheric landscapes in black and white. He has held international photography courses in over 20 countries. The photographer has held over 30 solo exhibitions and published a large number of books. In his photos, Krogvold experiments with human encounters with the world, what one sees, hears and thinks when the encounters occur, and connects it to our inner experiences of them. His use of motifs often consists of people, nature and monumental architecture, all depicted in solitary grandeur, presented in carefully planned compositions and with long exposures and based on the perfect light. In this way, the perfect motif of the present is created, based on, according to him, an inner creation that has existed as long as humans have existed on earth as thinking individuals.

Read more about Morten Krogvold Show Less

Krogvold's cultural favourites

Check out the photographer's recommended attractions, restaurants, and hotels for culture enthusiasts.

Plan your trip

Hungry for more cultural experiences in the Norwegian capital? Plan your trip to Oslo now! Check out things to do in Oslo, or get more cultural insider tips from the locals.

Culture on the itinerary

Explore Krogvold's culture spots

Featured

Krogvold's hot spots in Oslo

Bristol Grill

The main restaurant at Hotel Bristol offers excellent international and Norwegian dishes based on seasonal variations. Bristol Grill is centrally… Read more

Bristol Grill

Lorry Restaurant

Restaurant in Homansbyen that has been serving artists, writers, culture personalities and ordinary people since 1887. The atmosphere is relaxed and… Read more

Lorry Restaurant

Theatercaféen

A piece of Norwegian cultural history, located in the elegant Hotel Continental across from the National Theatre. Theatercafeen has been one of Oslo's… Read more

Theatercaféen

Deichman Bjørvika / Oslo Public Library, Main Branch

Enjoy literature, art, films, lectures and more at Oslo's main library. Read more

Deichman Bjørvika / Oslo Public Library, Main Branch

MUNCH

The world's number one destination for experiencing Edvard Munch's life and art Read more

MUNCH

Cochs Pension

Pension on the corner of Royal Palace Park with a popular combination of central location, solid accommodation and reasonable prices. Coch's 88 rooms… Read more

Cochs Pension

The Kon-Tiki Museum

Thor Heyerdahl (1914–2002) gained worldwide fame when he crossed the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft Kon-Tiki in 1947. He followed this up… Read more

The Kon-Tiki Museum

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Sculpture park in the Frogner Park with more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) in bronze, granite and cast iron, including… Read more

Vigeland Sculpture Park

The Royal Palace

The royal residence at the top of Karl Johans gate, home to HM King Harald V and HM Queen Sonja. The building is in neo-classical style with a facade… Read more

The Royal Palace

Fram Museum - The Polar Ship Fram

Fram is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south. At the Fram Museum you can… Read more

Fram Museum - The Polar Ship Fram

Nobel Peace Center (temporarily closed)

One-of-a-kind museum with inspiring stories of the Nobel Peace Prize and people's efforts to create a better world Read more

Nobel Peace Center (temporarily closed)

National Museum - Architecture

The National Museum - Architecture is closed for rehabilitation during 2023. Museum of architecture that explores contemporary and historical themes… Read more

National Museum - Architecture