The National Museum of Norway is the largest art museum in the Nordic countries, located in the heart of Oslo’s waterfront district. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan your visit.
To skip the explanation and book tickets, head here: The museum is included in the Oslo Pass, which can save you serious money if you’re planning to visit several Oslo attractions.
Updated March 2026: This guide reflects the current pricing and hours.
National Museum of Norway quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Tue–Wed: 10:00 – 20:00; Thu–Sun: 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Ticket prices | Adults: 200 NOK; Under 25/Students: 120 NOK |
| Address | Brynjulf Bulls plass 3, 0250 Oslo, Norway. |
| Nearest transport | Aker Brygge (Tram 12) / Nationaltheatret (Subway) |
| Time needed | 3 to 5 hours |
National Museum of Norway opening hours
The National Museum of Norway is open Tuesday through Wednesday from 10:00 to 20:00, and Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The museum is closed every Monday to allow for gallery maintenance and private events.
Please note that the museum is closed on major public holidays, including 1 May and 17 May (Constitution Day).
National Museum of Norway ticket prices
General admission for adults is 200 NOK, while young people under the age of 25 and students under the age of 30 receive a reduced rate of 120 NOK. Children and youth under the age of 18 enter free of charge but must still obtain a zero-cost ticket for entry.
The museum is included in the Oslo Pass, which provides free entry to over 30 attractions including the MUNCH Museum, Fram Museum, and the Nobel Peace Center. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
Why book the Oslo Pass?
- 🏛️ 30+ Museums and Attractions: Enjoy free entry to Oslo’s world-class cultural sites, including the Munch Museum, the National Museum, and the fascinating Fram polar ship museum.
- 🚆 Unlimited Public Transport: Save on travel costs with free, unlimited use of all Ruter buses, trams, metro, and local trains, including regular train transfers to and from Oslo Airport.
- ⛴️ Fjord & Bygdøy Ferries: Includes the essential ferry ride to the museum-rich Bygdøy peninsula, as well as public ferries to the scenic islands scattered throughout the Oslo Fjord.
- 🍴 Dining & Activity Discounts: Benefit from special offers and 20% discounts at selected local restaurants, guided walking tours, and seasonal activities like ski or sled rentals.
- 📱 Instant Digital Access: Skip the physical ticket office—simply download the official app to your smartphone and scan it for seamless, paperless entry at every stop.
How to get to the National Museum of Norway
The museum is situated by the Aker Brygge waterfront and is most easily reached by Tram 12, which stops at the “Aker Brygge” station directly outside. For those using the subway (T-bane), the Nationaltheatret station is a five-minute walk away and serves all lines.
Visitors arriving from outside the city centre can take the ferry to the Aker Brygge pier, which is located 200 metres from the main entrance. The National Museum is also within walking distance of the Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), approximately 15 minutes away.
Parking at the National Museum of Norway
There is no dedicated public car park at the National Museum; however, four disabled parking spaces are available in Dokkveien, to the right of the main entrance steps. For general parking, visitors should use nearby commercial facilities such as the Aker Brygge P-hus or Vika P-hus.
Bicycle parking is available at the staff entrance facing Munkedamsveien and near the Aker Brygge tram stop. Given the museum’s central location, public transport is highly recommended as street parking is extremely limited.
How long to spend at the National Museum of Norway
A visit to the National Museum typically takes three to five hours. This duration allows for a comprehensive walk through the 90+ rooms of the permanent collection, which spans design, craft, and fine art from antiquity to the present.
Visitors who wish to spend more time in the Light Hall (Lyshallen) for temporary exhibitions or those planning to dine at the Bolle Bar should allow for a full day. Re-entry is permitted on the same day with a valid ticket.
Accessibility at the National Museum of Norway
The National Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with a street-level lift located to the right of the main steps that accommodates wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and prams. All 13,000 m² of exhibition space is serviced by accessible lifts and features barrier-free entry points.
The museum provides complimentary wheelchairs and wheeled walking frames for loan at the ground floor information desk. Accessible restrooms and sensory-friendly zones are distributed across all floors, including a breastfeeding room on level -1.
What to see at the National Museum of Norway
The Munch Room is the museum’s primary highlight, housing a world-famous version of Edvard Munch’s The Scream (1893), alongside Madonna and The Dance of Life. This dedicated space allows visitors to see these masterpieces together in a quiet, controlled environment.
The Baldishol Tapestry is one of the most significant medieval artefacts in the collection, dating back to the 12th century. This rare piece of textile art is displayed in the design and craft section, which also features a 600-year-old Ming Dynasty dragon vase.
The Light Hall (Lyshallen) is a massive, translucent space on the third floor that crowns the building. It hosts rotating temporary exhibitions and provides 2,400 m² of bright, flexible space for contemporary installations.
The Permanent Collection includes over 6,500 works, featuring Harald Sohlberg’s Winter Night in the Mountains and works by international masters like Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse. Look for small fossils embedded in the mussel lime floor in front of the stairs leading to the Light Hall.
The Rooftop Terrace offers panoramic views of the Oslofjord, the Akershus Fortress, and the City Hall. This area is generally open during the summer season and on clear days during the winter months.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Visit on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings when the museum is open until 20:00 to avoid crowds. |
| Logistics | Jackets and bags larger than A4 must be placed in the free lockers on floor -1. |
| App | Download the “Nasjonalmuseet” app for a free audio guide and interactive navigation. |
| Entry | Buy tickets online in advance to skip the queue at the physical ticket office. |
| Dining | The Bolle Bar on the first floor serves traditional Norwegian buns and snacks. |
Frequently asked questions about the National Museum of Norway
| Query | Answer |
| Is the National Museum of Norway suitable for children? | Yes, it features interactive stations, a dedicated children’s art world, and free entry for under 18s. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the National Museum of Norway? | It is not mandatory, but digital pre-booking ensures faster entry during peak weekend periods. |
| Is the National Museum of Norway open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open on Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00. |
| Are bags allowed at the National Museum of Norway? | Only small bags (A4 size or smaller) are allowed; larger backpacks and umbrellas must go in lockers. |
Things to do near the National Museum of Norway
- Nobel Peace Center: A museum dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize, located across the square.
- Oslo City Hall: Known for its iconic murals and hosting the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
- Aker Brygge: A vibrant waterfront area for shopping, dining, and harbor views.
- Akershus Fortress: A medieval castle and military grounds overlooking the museum and fjord.
More Oslo travel
Other Oslo travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Review of Oslo’s Kon-Tiki Museum.
- Is The Salmon Oslo’s best free museum?
- How to get to the Bygdoy Peninsula when the ferry isn’t running.
- What to see at the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park.
- Top tips for visiting the Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo.
