Experience
MUNCH
This building has transformed Oslo's skyline, nodding respectfully towards Norway's bustling capital.
At the time of his death in 1944, Edvard Munch had no descendants to oversee his estate …
… he had therefore chosen to bequeath all of the artworks still in his possession to the City of Oslo.
Including Self-Portrait with Cigarette (pictured) andone of the world's most iconic paintings …
... The Scream!
In one of the versions, you may be able to make out a tiny text that reads "Painted by a madman", which some believe was painted by Edvard Munch himself.
In order to honour Munch's legacy, Oslo has built the MUNCH museum, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist.
Estudio Herreros designed the sixty-metre tall building, which has less than half the emissions of corresponding buildings.
Many of the architectural decisions were climate driven.
The building is clad in wavy recycled aluminium panels that have varying degrees of transparency. The exterior is designed to screen and reflect sunlight to maintain a stable temperature inside.
Moving the fragile paintings into the museum was no easy job.
The largest paintings, which are up to 50 square metres in size, had to be transported by water to the new museum. They were then lifted 21 metres by crane and maneuvered through a large opening in the side of the building's sixth floor.
Afterwards, the seven-metre high opening was sealed shut – for good.
The two enormous paintings that were moved in this way – The Sun (pictured) and The Researchers – were painted to inspire the students at The University of Oslo.
The paintings are displayed in a grand hall that stretches over two floors, and can be seen in the Edvard Munch Monumental exhibition.
But Edvard Munch was not only a painter. He loved to experiment with photography and didn't hesitate to use himself as a model. In other words …
… Munch took a lot of selfies!
His photographs can be seen in the digital exhibition, The Experimental Self.
If you find that your head is full of aesthetic experiences but your belly is empty, head to one of the three places to eat and drink. You don't need a ticket to the museum to visit them.
Order oysters or a Munch burger at the delicious Tolvte bistro on the 12th floor, or head up to the rooftop cocktail bar Kranen for drinks and an extraordinary view of Oslo.
What a place for a date night!
Buy a picnic basket downstairs at the MUNCH Deli & Kafé to take along to the idyllic Opera beach right outside the museum and the National Opera. Go for a swim (yes, we swim outside year round!) and warm up in one of the many hot saunas nearby.
Don't forget to set aside some time to stroll around and explore this new and super trendy neighbourhood, including Munch Brygge and Oslobukta.
Read more about the MUNCH museum in Oslo.
Oslo has become a new hot spot for art lovers in recent years.
In addition to MUNCH, don't miss the chance to visit The National Museum, The Astrup Fearnley museum or the outdoor masterpieces, The Vigeland Sculpture Park or the Ekeberg Sculpture Park.