Historical Museum

History museum · Hammers ·

Historical Museum

History museum · Hammers ·

Viking artifacts, mummies, coins, and global history exhibits

Information

Frederiks gate 2, 0164 Oslo, Norway Get directions

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Channel Your Inner Indiana Jones at the Museum of Cultural History The museum of cultural history is managed by the Univeristy of Oslo and features many interesting exhibits, with a plethora of artefacts from all over the world. Working its way up from prehistory, there is much focus on the Viking Age and Medieval Period, and the museum is connected to the Viking Ship Museum as well (the entry ticket is valid for both museums). The museum continues to fund digs to discover more of Oslo and Norway’s cultural heritage – for example the trade with other countries and the influence this had on the people who lived here in the days of yore, as it were. These days, many interesting objects emerge from the digs in the new part of Bjørvika (by the Opera house), showing Norwegian ways of life many hundreds of years ago."

Museums of Oslo

Historical Museum

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

The 22 Best Things to Do in Oslo in 2025

"I appreciated the wide-ranging exhibits on Norway’s past, including lots of Viking material plus displays on ancient Egypt (mummies), Africa, the Stone Age, and Arctic expeditions; it also houses the country’s largest coin collection, and your ticket can be used for free entry to the Viking Museum (and vice versa) if done within 48 hours—note the Viking Museum is closed for renovations until 2026." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/best-things-to-see-oslo/

Historical Museum

Jedi M.

Google

Wow. This is a great museum. You must allow time to visit it all. The museum exhibits are amazing. The museography is very modern, attractive and interesting. They really put a lot of effort into each exhibition. We were lucky to get to see the exhibition “Midgard” which is breathtaking. Super interesting, imaginative and attractive. Honestly one of the highlights of our trip. The store is nice with lots to choose from. The day we went their cafeteria offerings were quite minimal and unattractive. You won’t regret the visit !

Francesca C.

Google

The Historical Museum in Oslo is a fascinating place that offers much more than just Norwegian history. While the exhibitions do a great job of showcasing Norway’s past—from the Viking Age to medieval and cultural heritage—the museum also takes visitors on a journey through different parts of the world. It truly feels like you can discover global history and cultures all under one roof. The exhibitions are well-organized, informative, and visually engaging, making it easy to learn while enjoying the experience. Whether you are interested in archaeology, ancient civilizations, or Scandinavian traditions, there is always something interesting to explore. This museum is also very family-friendly. Children can have a great time thanks to interactive displays, games, and special kids’ workshops that take place on Sundays and Tuesdays. These activities help keep young visitors engaged and curious, turning learning into something fun and memorable. Overall, the Historical Museum in Oslo is a wonderful destination for both adults and children. It combines education, entertainment, and cultural discovery in a welcoming environment. Whether you are a tourist or a local, it is definitely worth a visit.

V H

Google

Our main reason for visiting this museum, was because it was part of the oslo pass, we are so glad we did, it was packed full of a vast selection of historic items to see, we especially loved the small portion of gold coins, on display that was removed when the Nazis arrived.

Martin R.

Google

Small museum with high quality items from the Iron/ Viking Age and the medieval period, in particular parts of stave churches. Some of the items are contrasted with collectibles from the ethnographic collection. The building, constructed in a blending of Art Nouveau and Nationalromantik is for its own sake worth a visit. A minus: one special exhibition on the Vikings consists primarily of animations with a high noise level.

Matthew J.

Google

Interesting and educational exhibit about Midgard and Nordic mythology. Interactive exhibits, beautiful building good for kids of all ages.

Simon D.

Google

Very interesting exhibitions, with some of the most beautiful viking age artifacts in the world! The only criticism we had was that anything not related to Scandinavia feels like an afterthought.

Мээргул Мырзабай К.

Google

The museum isn’t very big, but it’s absolutely worth a visit! A great way to learn more about Norwegian culture and history. I was really impressed and don’t regret a single minute or penny spent.

Kostas T.

Google

Very nice museum, not like, huge or with a milion things to see, but instead cosy, spacious, with interesting stuff, of good variety about the history of man. Generally worth it.

Robyn P.

Yelp

This is a small museum with a lot of great artifacts on 3 levels. Unfortunately, there is NO AUDIO GUIDE or LIVE GUIDE to explain all of the items on display (which I would have gladly paid extra for). Worth a visit if you have the Oslo Card, but I'm not sure it would be worth paying full admission. Artifacts included Arctic, Vikings, Indians and a large display of gold coins. Lockers are provided free of charge and they make you put your backpack in the locker. Photography is allowed throughout the museum.

Brianna B.

Yelp

This museum was a pleasant surprise and we got a ticket package for both this one and the Viking Ship museum. It was several floors that just kept going on forever, housing some incredible artifacts from all over the world. There was so much to see it was almost too much to take in. They also had a neat art exhibit on the second floor that I assume they change out periodically. There wasn't a line when we went and it was the middle of the day on a weekday. It helps to pay attention to Google Maps busy estimates.

Candace A.

Yelp

Nothing special. Half the exhibits were closed which was disappointing. Nothing I would recommend.

Monica L.

Yelp

The museum building itself is worth a look , both on the outside and on the inside. When it comes to exhibitions, they tend to vary and some are permanent. Right now, there is an exhibition on Indians in America. The museum is not that large, but has three floors and it is easy to find your way around. I personally, thought it was nice with a museum that is not overcrowded with things, but some might find it otherwise. So, the exhibition on Sami people and native people of America are worth a visit if in town, but I would not go there if I had little time on my hands. I would rather check out the museum close by with industrial art : "kunstindustri -museet" .Entrance is 80NKR but it also covers the Viking museum at Bygdøy.

Annika W.

Yelp

First up: This review is limited to the medieval and Viking exhibits, since that is all I saw. I came hoping to get the background story on the Vikings after seeing the Viking ship museum on Bygdoy (which is small but great) and because the ship museum ticket lets you see the historical museum for free. But alas, no background story was to be found - the exhibits are completely lacking in any sort of narrative, there's no story to follow and explore. It's a great artifact collection (decorated with somewhat confusing, extremely colorful dolls and cloth art for what I assume is kids appeal). There are laminated sheets hanging on the wall that explain what each piece is, but that's mostly it as far as any sort of explanation goes. The Viking ship museum is about to get a major update in the next few years, so my best guess is that that's where you'll get he scoop on that part of Scandinavia's history in the future, but for now, options seem to be a bit limited.

Tom O.

Yelp

Worth the stop in, but get there early. It closes at 5pm, even on a Thursday when he other museums are open until 7pm. I liked it better than the Viking Museum.

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

Museums of Oslo

Historical Museum

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

The 22 Best Things to Do in Oslo in 2025

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/best-things-to-see-oslo/

Historical Museum

Jedi M.

Google

Francesca C.

Google

V H

Google

Martin R.

Google

Matthew J.

Google

Interesting and educational exhibit about Midgard and Nordic mythology. Interactive exhibits, beautiful building good for kids of all ages.

Simon D.

Google

Very interesting exhibitions, with some of the most beautiful viking age artifacts in the world! The only criticism we had was that anything not related to Scandinavia feels like an afterthought.

Мээргул Мырзабай К.

Google

Kostas T.

Google

Very nice museum, not like, huge or with a milion things to see, but instead cosy, spacious, with interesting stuff, of good variety about the history of man. Generally worth it.

Robyn P.

Yelp

Brianna B.

Yelp

Candace A.

Yelp

Nothing special. Half the exhibits were closed which was disappointing. Nothing I would recommend.

Monica L.

Yelp

Annika W.

Yelp

Tom O.

Yelp

Worth the stop in, but get there early. It closes at 5pm, even on a Thursday when he other museums are open until 7pm. I liked it better than the Viking Museum.

Historical Museum

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