7 new reasons to visit Oslo in 2020

Want to see Scream with a view? The iconic, new Munch Museum is opening this spring. But that is not the only reason why both art lovers and others should visit Oslo this year – now, you can also go skiing even in the summer, and explore one of the world’s most striking libraries.

2020 is a year for red carpets, evening dresses and champagne – at least in Oslo. As several projects long in the making are finally getting ready to open their doors to the public, you can hardly pick a more exciting time to visit our capital. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best reasons to book your Oslo ticket right now.

1. The new Munch Museum, Architect: Estudio Herreros

Edvard Munch is one of the world’s most significant artists, and the new, iconic Munch Museum in the city centre provides evocative, engaging and modern art experiences. The Museum is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist. Munch’s art is shown in three permanent exhibitions, which means that many of his 28,000 works are displayed at all times. Temporary shows present works by renowned Norwegian and international artists, as well as innovative contemporary artists. All in all, you’ll be able to walk through eleven exhibition halls on seven of the buildings thirteen floors.

In addition to all the fantastic exhibitions, you can attend concerts, literary readings and other cultural activities and events. The whole family can also create art together in one of the fun art workshops. If you need a break, you can stop by the restaurant on the 13th floor. Chances are you’ll stay there for quite a while to enjoy both the wonderful food and the spectacular view.

Opens in the spring of 2020.

2. Oslo public library Deichman Bjørvika, Architect: Lund Hagem Arkitekter and Atelier Oslo

The country’s many libraries might be the reason why Norwegians read more than any other European nationality, and the new Oslo Public Library in Bjørkvika definitely makes the list of exceptional Norwegian libraries. The modern building is intended to be a free common area to house conversations, discussions, sharing, and learning – and reading, of course.

Opens in the spring of 2020.

3. Indoor skiing at SNØ, Architect: Halvorsen & Reine

Are you visiting in the summer, but still want to go skiing? Now you can! 20 minutes from the Oslo city centre by train, the indoor skiing arena SNØ has alpine slopes for both experts and beginners, a terrain park, and cross-country tracks for all levels. Oh, and snø means snow, by the way.

The arena will be open all year round from January 2020.

4. The cultural destination Ramme, Architect: Enerhaugen Arkitekter

Ramme is a brand new cultural destination just south of Oslo. The property used to belong to Edvard Munch, who painted some of his most famous works here. “The place I have is almost the most beautiful along the entire coast”, he wrote to his aunt Karen in 1910. But Ramme isn’t just about Munch – they arrange art exhibitions, plays, concerts, and other cultural activities as well. While you’re here, you can stay at Ramme fjordhotell, eat organic food from the visitors’ farm Ramme gård, and take a stroll in the forest or park.

Opens in the spring of 2020 with a major Munch exhibition in cooperation with the Munch Museum.

5. The Climate House in the Botanical gardens, Architect: Lund Hagem Arkitekter and Atelier Oslo

Learn about all things climate in the new Climate House in Oslo’s Botanical gardens. The main target group is young people, but there’s a lot to digest here for the whole family – not only about what climate change means for the planet but also about the solutions that exist. Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to take action!

Opens as part of the Natural History Museum in the spring of 2020.

6. The Oslo Philharmonic’s new conductor

Despite being only 23 years of age, the hopes for Oslo Philharmonic’s new Chief Conductor Klaus Mäkelä are high. “His profound musicianship and strong artistic interpretations have already marked him out as a unique presence internationally”, says Ingrid Røynesdal, CEO of the Oslo Philharmonic.

Klaus Mäkelä will start his tenure with the Oslo Philharmonic in August 2020 but will conduct a few concerts from February onwards. We’ve already booked our tickets!

7. The new National Museum …
Architect: Kleihues + Schuwerk

… opens in 2021. Here, the collections of the National Gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Norwegian Museum of Decorative Arts and Design will finally be collected under one roof. In the meantime, stop by the information centre Mellomstasjonen to see how the largest art museum in the Nordics will turn out when finished. Why not join a guided tour or an artist talk?