More about the museum
Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo showcases how people have lived in Norway from the 16th century to the present day. The museum presents everyday life in both cities and rural areas at one of Europe’s largest open-air museums. Its exhibitions feature unique cultural treasures from across Norway.
Through our exhibitions, historic buildings, and collections, we bring the stories of past generations to life, offering visitors a unique perspective on Norwegian culture and everyday life across the centuries.
Among the museum’s attractions are the Gol Stave Church, dating from around 1200, and the OBOS building at Wessels gate 15, which displays apartments from the periods when the building was inhabited, from 1865 to 2002. Houses from Norwegian rural communities are gathered in farmyards from various districts, while urban houses are arranged in block-style streets in the museum’s “Old Town.”
Founded in 1894, Norsk Folkemuseum preserves extensive collections of artifacts, photographs, and archival materials from all over Norway. The exhibitions feature folk art, traditional costumes, church art, and Sámi culture. In addition, temporary exhibitions explore contemporary topics. The museum offers a rich program of activities for children and families and welcomes around 350,000 visitors each year. King Oscar II’s Collection, considered the world’s first open-air museum, is also part of Norsk Folkemuseum.
Since its founding in 1894, the museum has aimed to provide a broad picture of daily life in Norway and to show the interaction between society, culture, and nature. A central mission of the museum is to illuminate questions about what it means to be Norwegian and what constitutes “Norwegianness,” particularly in light of societal changes. This has become especially relevant in recent decades as Norway’s population has grown increasingly diverse.