Munchmuseet: A New Cultural Landmark in Oslo

Oslo’s new Munchmuseet is finally open. Since October 22, guests have been able to view The Scream and 40,000 works associated with world-renowned Norwegian painter Edvard Munch in a spectacular waterfront location.

A Groundbreaking Museum Experience

It is the world’s largest collection devoted to a single artist and one of the most anticipated museum openings of the year. Thirteen years after Oslo’s city council decided to build a new museum for Munch’s art (moving it from its original home in Tøyen at Oslo’s east side), the project finally welcomed its first guests last Friday.

A Unique Architectural Design

Designed by Spanish architects Estudio Herreros, this enormous museum dwarfs the original space, featuring 11 galleries spread over 13 floors. Much of the space is dedicated to the life and art of Edvard Munch, introducing some pieces to the public for the first time. Additionally, visitors can enjoy works by other modernist and contemporary artists.

The new Munch museum will host the largest collection dedicated to a single artist ©Guttorm Stilen Johansen

A Landmark in Oslo’s Skyline

Spanish architect studio Estudio Herreros won the contract to design the new Munch museum back in 2009. After some uncertainty regarding both design and location, construction eventually commenced in 2016. The museum sits on Bjørvika bay—a trendy new waterfront district in Oslo—and is five times larger than the original museum in Tøyen.

“Greeting people both day and night, Munch serves as a new reference point in Oslo’s skyline, providing both locals and visitors an overview and orientation within the city, the surrounding mountains, and the Oslo fjord,” notes architect Juan Herreros.

Environmentally Conscious Design

The new museum is part of the FutureBuilt collaboration, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction and operation of new buildings in design-forward Oslo. Designers indicate that Munchmuseet is constructed from environmentally-friendly steel and concrete, with a façade made of translucent aluminum that shimmers against the water when approached from the waterfront.

Oslo is undergoing a cultural overhaul ©Guttorm Stilen Johansen

A Cultural Hub in Oslo

Furthermore, the museum is positioning itself as a perfect place for relaxation in Oslo. Inside, visitors will find a rooftop bar, café, and restaurant with stunning views of the city and fjord. Moreover, there will be rotating exhibitions and concerts to look forward to. “We will change exhibitions regularly, and we will have a comprehensive event program, including concerts, lectures, artist talks, curator talks and more,” said museum director Stein Olav Henrichsen.

Experience the Artful Wonders of Norway

Consequently, with borders now reopened, travelers have an abundance of exciting opportunities in Norway. Munchmuseet represents just one of the many new cultural attractions emerging in Oslo, contributing to the recognition of Norway as one of next year’s top countries to visit (in second place) according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022. The museum is conveniently located just a short walk from the new Deichman library, which opened last summer, and is also near the highly-anticipated new National Museum in Rådhusplassen, set to open in 2022 as the largest cultural center in the Nordic countries.

This article was first published on January 15, 2021, and updated on October 28, 2021.