Norway – a world class art destination
Top art experiences
Feed your soul with a soothing blend of art and nature in Norway.
1. Munch
Check out no less than three versions of the iconic painting The Scream at MUNCH in Oslo.
13 floors are dedicated to the famous expressionist painter Edvard Munch’s life and art.
The highly distinctive museum building, designed by Estudio Herreros, has been specially designed for major art exhibitions.
With its 26,313 square metres and 11 galleries, the museum is tailor-made for the world's biggest collection of art by Munch, as well as works by other Modernist and contemporary artists, often related to Munch's art.
2. The National Museum
More iconic Munch paintings await in the National Museum, next to Rådhusplassen, the square by Oslo City Hall.
First opened in 2022, it is the biggest art museum in the Nordic countries, exhibiting highlights from its collection of more than 57,000 artworks and design pieces.
Here, you can experience art from famous artists like Renoir and Monet, and, of course, works by Norwegian masters, including ...
... Harald Sohlberg’s Winter Night in the Mountains – referred to as "Norway’s national painting".
The museum's collection includes the earliest versions of The Scream, by Edvard Munch.
... and there is much more art to explore.
The Tjuvholmen area features unique architecture and is home to the Astrup Fearnley contemporary art museum, which features key works by artists including Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Norwegian artist Bjarne Melgaard, as well as temporary exhibitions. You will also find a number of Norway's most cutting edge contemporary art galleries in the area.
Oslo also has some incredible outdoor sculpture parks, including Ekebergparken and the must-visit Vigelandsparken. There's also lots of impressive street art along the way!
3. The Kistefos Museum
Combine the perfect day out in nature with an amazing art experience at the Kistefos Museum, which celebrates the best of Norwegian and international contemporary art with its industrial museum, two big indoor art galleries, and impressive sculpture park.
The museum is located in Hadeland, less than an hour’s (beautiful) drive from Oslo.
Take in the unusual sight of the architectural masterpiece, a bridge and gallery named The Twist.
Afterwards, stroll through the sculpture park, which is home to sculptures by international artists including Yayoi Kusama, Fernando Botero, Anish Kapoor, Jeppe Hein, and Claes Oldenburg, to name a few.
The Kistefos museum is just one of many phenomenal art experiences in the Oslo region.
Read more about the cultural destination Ramme (pictured here), the Henie Onstad Art Centre and other fantastic cultural experiences for art lovers around Oslo.
4. KODE
Ride the scenic and iconic Bergen Railway line across the country to the cultural hub of Bergen, and explore the city's KODE Art Museums and Composer Homes, which hosts one of the biggest collections of art, arts and crafts, design, and music in the Nordic countries.
Almost 50,000 pieces are exhibited throughout the four museum buildings Permanenten (KODE 1), Stenersen (KODE 2), Rasmus Meyer (KODE 3) and Lysverket (KODE 4) in the city centre of Bergen, and in the homes of famous musicians and composers Ole Bull, Harald Sæverud, and Edvard Grieg.
Head straight to Rasmus Meyer (KODE 3) if you want to see Jealousy and The Woman in Three Stage s by Edvard Munch.
In Permanenten (KODE 1) and Stenersen (KODE 2) you’ll find temporary exhibitions featuring artists ranging from Paul Cézanne, Nikolai Astrup, and Paul McCarthy, as well as contemporary Norwegian artists.
5. Bergen Kunsthall
Remember to check what’s on at Bergen Kunsthall, which offers contemporary art at its finest.
Located right next to the Lille Lungegårdsvannet pond in the centre of Bergen, Bergen Kunsthall hosts exhibitions and events by international artists and is home to one of the sleekest cafés and nightclubs in town.
6. Kunstsilo – 'The art silo'
There's exciting news in Southern Norway. An old grain silo from 1934 has recently been transformed into one of Northern Europe’s most innovative art institutions, Kunstsilo in Kristiansand.
The world’s largest private collection of Nordic modernist art, the Tangen Collection, as well as Sørlandet Art Museum's permanent collection is exhibited here. In addition, Kunstsilo hosts events, concerts, workshops, and debates – and has an amazing rooftop bar!
7. Hå Gamle Prestegard
Further up the west coast, art and nature make for the perfect combination at Hå Gamle Prestegard, a rectory in Jæren, about a 45-minute drive from Stavanger.
Located right by the sea, four gallery rooms exhibit art in beautiful nature surroundings.
8. The KaviarFactory
In Norway, you can find world class art in the most surprising places.
After winding your way along one of the world’s most beautiful roads in Lofoten, you enter the tiny fishing village of Henningsvær, where you can visit a truly unique international venue for contemporary art - the KaviarFactory.
The venue exhibits works by artists including Olafur Eliasson, Marina Abramovic, and Bjarne Melgaard. You might even catch the northern lights, if you are lucky!
The building itself is a landmark on the approach to Henningsvær.
Many artists and artisans have been inspired by the unique light and landscapes of the north, and their presence is reflected in the many galleries in Lofoten.
And in the rest of ...
... Northern Norway. In this region, you will also find Skulpturlandskap Nordland, Artscape Nordland – one of the largest art projects in the country.
International artists have created sculptures that are located throughout Nordland County, including The man from the sea in Vesterålen (pictured here).
Art installations are strategically located along the Norwegian Scenic Routes, including the Louise Bourgeois memorial at Steilneset on the Varanger National Tourist Route.
Want to experience art in a different way?
Read more about how you can see art from a new perspective!
Find more museums to visit
Explore more art in Norway's biggest cities.
Unique galleries
...and art centres well worth a visit.
Book nowLillehammerLillehammer Art Museum
Lillehammer Art Museum is located in a unique building designed by Snøhetta, in the centre of Lillehammer. The permanent collection comprises Norwegian visual art from the 1830s up until today, and the museum also presents temporary exhibitions featuring Norwegian and international art.
