All contemporary art museums to visit in Norway

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 26 museums in Norway. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in Norway:

  1. Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art1

    Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art

     Oslo
    The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, located in Oslo, Norway, is a privately owned contemporary art gallery. It was established and opened to the public in 1993, making it a relatively recent addition to the city's cultural scene. The museum is known for its collection of modern and contemporary art, and it has become a significant cultural institution in Norway.
  2. Ekebergparken Sculpture Park2

    Ekebergparken Sculpture Park

     Oslo
    Ekebergparken Sculpture Park is a unique blend of nature, history, and art. Located in the southeast of Oslo, Norway, this national heritage park offers a unique experience for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park is nestled in a wooded area, providing a serene backdrop for the various sculptures that adorn its landscape.
  3. Henie-Onstad Art Centre3

    Henie-Onstad Art Centre

     Høvik verk
    The Henie Onstad Kunstsenter is an art museum located in Høvikodden, Bærum municipality, Viken county, Norway. It is situated on a headland that extends into the Oslofjord, approximately 10 kilometres southwest of Oslo. This location offers visitors a unique combination of art and beautiful natural surroundings.
  4. Lillehammer Art Museum4

    Lillehammer Art Museum

     Lillehammer
    The Lillehammer Art Museum boasts three main collections. The first collection consists of over 100 paintings from the Matisse school, donated by the museum's founder, Einar Lunde, in the 1920s. The second collection was donated by antique dealer Oscar Johannesen in 1958 and includes a wide range of 19th-century pieces. The third and most recent collection was donated by Jon Dobloug in 2008, featuring 159 paintings from the 1980s and 1990s.
  5. Northern Norwegian Art Museum5

    Northern Norwegian Art Museum

     Tromsø
    The Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum, a visual arts museum in Northern Norway, holds a significant role in the region's cultural landscape. Established in 1985, the museum moved to its current location in Tromsø in 2001. The building, originally designed by architect Søren Andreas Wiese-Opsahl in 1917, has a rich history, having served as a post and telegraph office and later as a police station.
  6. National Gallery6

    National Gallery

     Oslo
    The National Gallery of Norway, situated in Oslo, is a significant part of the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design. Since 2003, it has been a part of this larger institution, offering visitors a comprehensive look at Norwegian and international art, architecture, and design.
  7. 7

    KaviarFactory

     Henningsvær
    The KaviarFactory is a contemporary art venue situated in Henningsvær, Lofoten. It was initiated and is currently managed by Venke Hoff. This venue has become a significant platform for international and local artists to showcase their work, contributing to the vibrant art scene in the region.
  8. The National Museum – Architecture8

    The National Museum – Architecture

     Oslo
    The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, located in Oslo, Norway, was established in 2003. It is a result of the merger of five institutions: the National Gallery of Oslo, founded in 1836, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, in 1876, the Riksutstillinger (1953), the National Museum of Architecture (1975) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (1988).
  9. Southern Norway Art Museum9

    Southern Norway Art Museum

     Kristiansand
    The Sørlandet Art Museum is not just a repository of art, but also a platform for promoting interest, knowledge, and competence in visual arts, crafts, and other visual forms of expression. The museum's collection includes both art and crafts, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the region's artistic heritage.
  10. Sogn og Fjordane Art Museum10

    Sogn og Fjordane Art Museum

     Førde
    The Sogn og Fjordane Art Museum, situated in Førde, Norway, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1987. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections.
  11. Bergen Kunsthall11

    Bergen Kunsthall

     Bergen
    Bergen Kunsthall is a publicly supported art gallery situated in the heart of Bergen. It is nestled between the buildings of Stenersens collections and Rasmus Meyers collections, making it a central point of interest for art enthusiasts. The gallery is easily accessible and offers a rich display of art pieces.
  12. Kystkultursenteret Norveg12

    Kystkultursenteret Norveg

     Rørvik
    The Norveg Coastal Culture and Industry Center, located on the island of Vikna in Norway, is a significant part of the Nord-Trøndelag Coastal Museum. This center offers a unique insight into the coastal culture and industry of the region, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and culture.
  13. The Textile Industry Museum13

    The Textile Industry Museum

     Bergen
    The Textile Industry Museum, situated in Salhus, Bergen, Norway, is housed within the former Salhus Tricotagefabrik knitwear factory. This factory is recognized as a national industrial heritage site. The museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the history and significance of the Norwegian knitwear and textile industry, right where it all happened.
  14. Haldenvassdragets Kanalmuseum14

    Haldenvassdragets Kanalmuseum

     Ørje
    Haldenvassdragets Kanalmuseum is a museum that provides insights into the cultural and natural history associated with the Halden watercourse. It is situated in Ørje, a part of the Marker municipality in Østfold county. This location is rich in both cultural and natural heritage, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in history and nature.
  15. The Savio Museum15

    The Savio Museum

     Kirkenes
    The Saviomuseet is an art museum located in Kirkenes, Norway. It is dedicated to the life and art of John Savio, the first Sami artist to gain widespread recognition. The museum offers a unique insight into Savio's life and his artistic journey, making it a fascinating destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
  16. Intercultural Museum16

    Intercultural Museum

     Oslo
    The Intercultural Museum, also known as Interkulturelt Museum, is situated at Tøyenbekken 5 in Oslo, Norway. This location is easily accessible and is a convenient spot for tourists who are interested in exploring the cultural diversity of Norway.
  17. Kunstbanken17

    Kunstbanken

     Hamar
    Kunstbanken Hedmark Kunstsenter is a unique institution in Norway, owned by Bildende Kunstnere Hedmark, Norske Kunsthåndverkere Øst-Norge, and Hedmark county municipality. This collaboration between artist organizations and the county municipality is unique for a Norwegian art institution. The Kunstbanken is located in the old Norges Bank building in the center of Hamar, at Parkgata 21.
  18. The Norwegian Cartoonist Gallery18

    The Norwegian Cartoonist Gallery

     Drøbak
    The Avistegnernes hus, or the National Center for Drawing and Freedom of Expression, is an art gallery located in the charming town of Drøbak. The gallery primarily focuses on the exhibition of newspaper drawings, comics, and illustration art. This unique focus makes it a distinctive destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in the intersection of art and journalism.
  19. Haugar art museum19

    Haugar art museum

     Tønsberg
    Haugar Art Museum, often simply referred to as Haugar, is an art museum located in Tønsberg in Vestfold and Telemark. The museum primarily exhibits Norwegian contemporary art. It offers a diverse and extensive annual exhibition program, featuring constantly changing exhibitions of both older art and contemporary art from both Norway and abroad.
  20. Nordover20

    Nordover

     Longyearbyen (Svalbard)
    Nordover is an art center located in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, within the upper Arctic Circle. It opened its doors in November 2022 and holds the distinction of being the world's northernmost art center. The center hosts temporary art exhibitions and events organized by the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum and i
  21. Hå gamle prestegard21

    Hå gamle prestegard

     Hå
    Hå gamle prestegard is a unique destination that combines contemporary art and local cultural history. The site is housed in protected historical buildings, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant art scene of the region. The gallery showcases exhibitions from both Norwegian and international contemporary artists, making it a cultural hub for art enthusiasts.
  22. Holmsbu picture gallery22

    Holmsbu picture gallery

     Holmsbu
    Holmsbu Billedgalleri, also known as Stiftelsen Holmsbu Billedgalleri Henrik Sørensens samlinger, is a foundation that owns an art museum in Holmsbu, located in the Asker municipality. The museum was originally owned by Hurum municipality and was established in 1963. It is home to a collection of paintings by Henrik Sørensen, Thorvald Erichsen, and Oluf Wold-Thorne, as well as a selection of Henrik Sørensen's collection of faience, antiques, and books.
  23. The Queen Sonja Art Stable23

    The Queen Sonja Art Stable

     Oslo
    The Queen Sonja Art Stable, located in the former stables of the Royal Palace in Oslo, serves multiple purposes. It is not only a museum but also an art gallery and a concert hall. This unique combination of functions makes it a versatile destination for tourists interested in art, history, and music.
  24. Trastad samlinger24

    Trastad samlinger

     Borkenes
    Trastad Samlinger is a unique Norwegian art and cultural history museum and gallery situated in the northern part of Borkenes in Kvæfjord municipality, Troms county. This museum offers a unique insight into the art, culture, history, and everyday life of people with developmental disabilities, showcasing how they express themselves artistically.
  25. 25

    Eikaasgalleriet

     Ålhus
    Eikaasgalleriet is an art museum and gallery situated in the scenic town of Ålhus in Jølster, within the Sunnfjord municipality. It offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts and tourists alike to explore a wide range of artworks in a serene and picturesque setting.
  26. 26

    Gulden kunstverk

     Steinberg
    Gulden Kunstverk, an art gallery established in 1985, is situated in Steinberg, a location nestled between Mjøndalen and Hokksund. This gallery is a representation of the rich art culture of the region and offers a unique experience to its visitors.