The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Oslo

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is situated on the Bygdøy peninsula, Oslo and has an Open-Air Museum with 160 historic buildings and a stave church from the year 1200.

The museum focuses on the period from 1500 until the present and indoor exhibits feature Norwegian folk costumes, folk art, church art, and Sami culture.

Norsk Folkemuseum was established in 1894 by Hans Aall and aims to preserve and showcase Norway’s cultural heritage. Hans Aall was the director until his death in 1946. Reidar Kjellberg became Director of the museum in 1947 and remained museum director until he retired, in 1974. From 1990 until 2000, the museum was under Erik Rudeng’s leadership, currently, Olav Aaraas is the director.

The museum features over 150 traditional buildings from different regions of Norway, dating from the 13th century to the present day. These buildings include farmhouses, barns, and other structures that provide insight into the country’s rural and urban history.

Visitors to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History can explore the various buildings and exhibitions to learn about Norwegian folk art, traditional crafts, folk costumes, and everyday life throughout history. The museum also hosts events and activities, such as folk music performances, traditional dance demonstrations, and handicraft workshops.

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History also includes Ibsen Museum, Bygdø Royal Farm, Bogstad Manor, Gjestestuene & Eidsvoll 1814.

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History Facts

• The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is situated on the Bygdøy peninsula.
• Norsk Folkemuseum was established in 1894 by librarian and historian Hans Aall.
• One of the world’s oldest and largest open-air museums, with 155 traditional houses from all parts of Norway and a stave church from the year 1200.
• The museum also has indoor exhibits with traditional handicraft items, folk costumes, Sami culture, weapons, toys, pharmaceutical history and changing exhibitions.
• The Norsk Folkemuseum is Norway’s largest museum of cultural history.
• Norwegian Museum of Cultural History also includes Ibsen Museum, Bygdø Royal Farm, Bogstad Manor, Gjestestuene & Eidsvoll 1814.
• Hans Aall was the director until his death in 1946.

How to Get to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

How to get to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History using different transports. From Oslo Central Station you can either go by foot, bicycle or Car:

• By Car: Get on E18 from Dronning Eufemias gate and Langkaia then Follow E18 to Bygdøy allé in Frogner. Take the exit towards Bygdøy from E18 and Take Dronning Blancas vei and Bygdøyveien to Museumsveien, this journey should take around 10 minutes.
• By Public Transport: From Drammen take R10 to Nationaltheatret stasjon then Walk 4 minutes to Nationaltheatret, Bygdøy via Bygdøynes to Folkemuseet, which should be around 6 stops, and finally walk 2 minutes to the Museum.
• Walk from the Central Station to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes

Opening Hours

Ticket Prices

Find out about more places you can Visit in Oslo:

• Viking Ship Museum
• Akershus Castle and Fortress
• Frogner Park

Find out more about The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Oslo with Norskfolkemuseum

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists interested in exploring Norway’s cultural heritage. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the country’s past and gain a deeper understanding of its traditions and way of life.