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MUNCH Museum, Oslo

  • Writer: Thor
    Thor
  • Jan 18
  • 4 min read
Modern building with tilted roofline by waterfront, large sculpture of a kneeling figure in front, cityscape and crane in the cloudy backdrop.

MUNCH is Oslo’s main museum for Edvard Munch, located on the Bjørvika waterfront close to Oslo Central Station. You can see iconic works from the world’s largest Munch collection, plus major temporary exhibitions, a strong public program, and one of the best city views you can get from an indoor cultural venue.


Sist oppdatert: 2026


MUNCH facts for travelers: Quick overview and key details


Quick overview

  1. Best for: first time visitors to Oslo, art focused travelers, rainy day plans, families (kids enter free)

  2. Typical time needed: 2 to 3 hours for highlights, 3 to 5 hours for a slower visit with breaks

  3. Where it is: Bjørvika, a short walk from Oslo Central Station

  4. Ticketing: timed entry is common, buy ahead in peak periods

  5. What sets it apart: many floors of galleries, rotating exhibitions, and a clear visitor flow


Key facts

  1. Official name: MUNCH

  2. Address: Edvard Munchs plass 1, 0194 Oslo

  3. Regular opening hours: Sunday to Tuesday 10:00 to 18:00, Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 to 21:00

  4. Standard ticket prices: Adult 220 NOK, Under 25 100 NOK, Kids 0 to 17 free

  5. 2024 trend: MUNCH reported 746,146 ticketed visitors in 2024, up from 2023

  6. 2025 trend: MUNCH stated that more than 750,000 people visited in 2025

If you are planning your trip around this visit, review Oslo transport, costs, and area planning before you lock in your time slot.


Tickets and entry


Ticket types and what you get

Your entrance ticket gives you access to all exhibitions in the building during your visit. MUNCH recommends buying tickets in advance so you avoid sold out time slots.

Practical ticket notes

  1. Adult: 220 NOK

  2. Under 25: 100 NOK

  3. Kids 0 to 17: free

  4. Companions: free when eligible


Oslo Pass and free entry notes

MUNCH lists Oslo Pass information and other eligibility categories under ticket information. If you plan multiple attractions in one day, compare the pass value against your paid entry list and the public transport you will use.

For broader planning, align your Oslo days with season, daylight, and your preferred transport style.


Opening hours and best time to visit


Opening hours

MUNCH publishes normal opening times on its visitor pages. Always check the official site on the day you go if you travel around holidays or special events.


Best time to visit

You will have the smoothest visit when you plan around crowd patterns.

  1. Best days: weekdays outside peak summer

  2. Best time of day: right at opening for quieter galleries, or late afternoon for a calmer flow before closing

  3. Weather strategy: use MUNCH on rainy or windy days and save waterfront walking for clearer weather

If you want to combine two major sights in one day, treat MUNCH as your anchor museum slot and keep the rest of the schedule light.


Location and how to get there


From Oslo Central Station

You can walk from Oslo Central Station to MUNCH in about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your route. The path is straightforward through Bjørvika and fits well into a day that also includes the Opera House waterfront.


Local transport

Oslo public transport is integrated, so you can use metro, tram, bus, and local ferry with the same ticket system. Use the official journey planner to choose the most efficient route based on where you stay.

If you stay near the harbor and want a design focused base, choose a hotel in Tjuvholmen or Aker Brygge for an easy waterfront walk.


What to see and how to plan your visit


What you should not miss

MUNCH rotates exhibitions, so exact room layouts change. These are the most reliable planning anchors.

  1. Signature Munch works that draw first time visitors, including versions of The Scream

  2. Permanent collection sections that show Munch’s themes and techniques across his career

  3. Temporary exhibitions that bring in contemporary artists and wider context

  4. The building itself, including viewpoints over the Oslofjord and the city

Expert perspective

In a 2024 program announcement, MUNCH Director Tone Hansen said the museum aims to inspire, challenge, and bring people together while stimulating critical thinking.


Suggested visit plans

Plan A, highlights in 2 hours

  1. Start with the core Munch galleries

  2. Add one temporary exhibition floor

  3. End with the view and a short break

Plan B, full visit in 4 hours

  1. Core galleries

  2. Two temporary exhibition floors

  3. Break for food or coffee

  4. Return for the final floors you care about most

If you want another major outdoor art stop the same day, pair MUNCH with Vigeland Sculpture Park. It balances indoor museum time with an open air walk.


Accessibility and practical rules


Accessibility

MUNCH is a modern venue with elevators and clear wayfinding. Expect long indoor walking across multiple floors. If you travel with mobility needs, confirm any temporary access changes on the official visitor information page.


Practical rules that affect your visit

  1. Arrive on time for your entry slot in busy periods

  2. Use the museum cloakroom and storage guidance to reduce friction in galleries

  3. Follow photo and filming rules for the exhibitions you visit


FAQ-MUNCH Museum

Common questions

  1. Where is MUNCH in Oslo?

MUNCH is in Bjørvika at Edvard Munchs plass 1, close to Oslo Central Station.


  1. How long do you need at MUNCH?

Plan 2 to 3 hours for a standard visit. Plan 4 hours if you want a slower pace and multiple exhibition floors.


  1. Do you need to book tickets in advance?

Book ahead in peak periods. Time slots can sell out, especially on weekends and during school holidays.


  1. Are kids free at MUNCH?

Yes. MUNCH lists kids 0 to 17 as free entry.


  1. What are the opening hours?

Normal opening times are Sunday to Tuesday 10:00 to 18:00, and Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 to 21:00. Check official updates for exceptions.


  1. What else should you combine with MUNCH?

Pair it with nearby Bjørvika waterfront walks, the Opera House exterior, or an outdoor art stop like Vigeland Sculpture Park.


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