The Munch Museum Guide

Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. If you’re interested in art, the Munch Museum should definitely make it onto your travel itinerary. It houses the largest collection of works by Edvard Munch, the Norwegian painter who was a pioneer of expressionism.

Where the museum is

The museum, now branded simply MUNCH, stands on the waterfront in Bjørvika, next to the Opera House, where it opened in October 2021. It spent its first fifty years in Tøyen, and older guidebooks still send visitors there, so check the address before you set off. Bjørvika is a short walk from Oslo S and easy to combine with Aker Brygge along the harbour promenade.

The building is thirteen storeys of deliberately leaning tower, and the collections are arranged so that visitors can follow Munch’s development as a painter. It is not only about the paintings: the museum holds tens of thousands of sketches, prints, photographs and notes bequeathed by Munch to the city, which give real insight into how he worked.

Touring the collection

Visitors can take a tour of the museum to understand the works of Munch in depth. An audio guide takes you through the galleries with detailed explanation of the paintings and their significance, and introduces the life and times of Munch and how events in his life influenced his art. The museum also offers guided tours for groups and individuals.

From The Scream to Madonna

The museum holds versions of some of the most famous works in the art world, including The Scream, Madonna and The Vampire. The Scream is among the most recognisable paintings ever made; the museum displays its versions on rotation for conservation reasons, so which one is out varies. There is also a substantial collection of self-portraits that track Munch’s moods across decades.

Beyond Munch

Apart from Munch’s own work, the museum runs contemporary exhibitions and shows work by artists in dialogue with him. There is a library, a shop, and restaurants and a bar on the upper floors with a view across the fjord. The museum also organises workshops and events for children, making it a reasonable destination for families.

Practical tips

Check opening hours before travelling, as they vary by season and the museum has a late evening on some days. Book online to skip the queue at busy times. Weekends are crowded. Photography rules vary by exhibition, so look for the signs. Allow two to three hours if you want to do more than march to The Scream and out again.

Conclusion

The Munch Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers or anyone who wants to learn more about Norway’s history and culture. With a vast collection of paintings, sketches and photographs, it provides deep insight into Munch’s approach to art and expression. For the man behind the work, read the haunted genius, Edvard Munch.