The Historical Museum

How did people live in historical times?

At the Historical Museum you can travel back in time and see Norway’s largest collection of artefacts from prehistoric times and the Middle Ages.

Experience some of the most exquisite objects from the Norwegian Viking Age, such as ornate swords, gold jewellery, and the world's best preserved Viking helmet.

See an extensive collection of religious artefacts from the Middle Ages and gain insight into wonderfully diverse cultures from across the world through the museum's ethnographic exhibitions.

The Historical Museum is a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture, and the rich embellishments have a unique mix of Norwegian and international elements.

Exhibitions:

VíKINGR: Some of the most exquisite artefacts that have been found from the Norwegian Viking Age.

Miðgarðr – The Mythical World of the Vikings: Step into the world of Norse mythology in a Viking exhibition for the whole family.

Transformation – Faith and Sacred Objects in the Middle Ages: Rare artefacts from Norwegian stave churches

Collapse – Human Being in an Unpredictable World: An exhibition showing how forces of nature can cause both collapse and new development in cultures.

Control – Attempting to tame the world: Stories of how humans and animals co-exist.

Heritage – Our place in history: How do humans relate to the heritage and legacy of the past?

NOREGR – Medieval Stories: Meet the knight, the jester, and the chef, and hear their stories of medieval Norway.

The Medieval Kitchen – New Flavors in Town: Embark on a tasteful journey back to the medieval kitchen.

Mirror Kingdoms – Poland and Norway in the Middle Ages: Mini exhibition about two remarkably similar countries in the Middle Ages.

Good as Gold – Coins are History: Norway's largest coin collection.

Uqšuqtuuq – The collection from Roald Amundsen: How indigenous people lived in Gjoa Haven in Northern Canada during the early 1900s.

Vitality – Artefacts made to improve life: Thematic exhibition on the diverse spectre of tools used throughout various eras and places.

Visit Historical Museum's website for temporary exhibitions and changes in the program.

Longer opening hours on Thursdays.

Norwegian name: Historisk museum