New Cultural Openings in Oslo You Shouldn’t Miss

Following a huge investment in cultural capital, Oslo is emerging as a destination focused on creativity and the arts. Several new museums, exhibitions, and attractions have opened in Norway’s capital this year, just as tourists return.

Travelers won’t need to take any pre-departure COVID tests or show proof of vaccination to enter the country, and regular access to hand sanitizer could be your only reminder of the pandemic.

Oslo’s Waterfront National Museum is a Triumph

The Nasjonalmuseet, which opened on June 11, represents Oslo’s new cultural centerpiece and the largest museum in the Nordics. With over 80 rooms and 6,500 artifacts on display, the museum features a vast collection that merges works from five major cultural institutions.

Visitors can explore artworks chronologically in an architectural marvel that combines art, design, and history. The first floor highlights designs and crafts, showcasing ancient tapestries, ornamental cabinets, and sculptures that date back over 4,500 years. On the second floor, fine arts come to life, featuring a dedicated Munch room with several iconic pieces, including a version of The Scream. Additionally, works from renowned artists like Manet, Monet, Degas, and Rodin are located in designated areas.

To fully appreciate the museum, attendees should not miss the changing exhibitions. The third-floor Light Room, with its impressive 7-meter-high glass and marble walls, is designed to use the space creatively. Currently, the engaging exhibit “I Call It Art” showcases contemporary pieces from emerging Norwegian artists.

Tracey Emin’s New 18-Ton Bronze Sculpture

The new Munch Museum launched in October 2021 to display Edvard Munch’s collection gifted to the city. In stark contrast to the museum’s glass-and-metal architecture designed by Estudio Herreros, Tracey Emin’s new bronze creation, The Mother, is a striking 9-meter-tall female figure that was placed in its permanent location at the start of June. Set amidst wildflowers on the museum’s pier, she gazes toward the fjord and will be shaded by growing silver birch trees, creating a serene space for visitors to appreciate.

Emin’s sculpture, inspired by powerful female figures, including her own mother, offers a unique representation of strength and serenity. This is the first bronze statue of this scale modeled after an older woman, approximately 80 to 90 years of age. The figure stands as a universal symbol of maternal strength and grace, adding an organic contrast to the surrounding modern architecture.

Satyricon and Munch Black Metal Music Exhibit

Munch’s latest exhibition, running until August 28, offers a unique fusion of black metal music and late-19th-century paintings by Edvard Munch. The renowned Norwegian band Satyricon has composed music to accompany various visual elements from the collection. As visitors enter the dimly lit room, they are invited to let their eyes adjust while experiencing a 56-minute soundtrack that evokes an array of emotions, from drama and tension to fear and reflection. This captivating exhibit leaves a lasting impression.

Deichman’s Future Library Takes Literary Culture into the Next Century

Deichman Library transcends the traditional concept of a city library: it serves as a gathering space, fostering community engagement and knowledge sharing. One of the key features is The Future Library, which houses manuscripts submitted by prominent authors that will remain unread for 100 years. The handover ceremony for new manuscripts by Karl Ove Knausgård, Ocean Vuong, and Tsitsi Dangarembga will take place on June 12, providing a glimpse into literary history.

Sommerro Hotel: A New Luxury Experience

The city’s former electricity office, where residents once paid their bills, is being transformed into the luxurious Sommerro Hotel. Expect a blend of 1930s decor and modern features within the beautifully restored building, including a rooftop complex with TAK Oslo restaurant, offering Nordic-Japanese cuisine, a sauna, and a year-round outdoor swimming pool. The accessible wellness suite, which features facilities once used as public baths, will open fully in November.