The Norwegian Folk Museum
The Norweigan Folk Museum is the largest museum of cultural history in
Norway. Set in beautiful surroundings, it boasts fascinating exhibits
reflecting Norwegian heritage. Dont miss the distinctive wooden
stave church dating from 1200, as well as the period costumes and Lapp
exhibitions.
Website: Norwegian Folk Museum
The Resistance Museum at Akershus Castle
Akershus Castle boasts splendid dark dungeons, luxurious upper floors,
banquet halls and staterooms that are still used for royal events. It
holds the crypts of King Hεkon VII and Olav V. During WW II the Nazis
used Akershus Castle as a prison and carried out many executions here.
Today the castle houses the Resistance Museum which gives a graphic
account of German occupation in Norway. The castle has beautiful
grounds and during the summer, many concerts, dances and theatrical
productions are held here.
Website: Resistance Museum
The Kon-Tiki Museum
The Kon-Tiki Museum contains the world-famous balsa-log raft that scientist
Thor Heyerdahl used in his 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean from
Peru to Polynesia. Artefacts from the voyage include lava statues from
Easter Island and other exciting archaeological finds from East Polynesia,
Galapagos and Peru. There are also interactive touch screens with CD-ROM
facilities to guide you through the museum. Also exhibited is the papyrus
boat Ra II that Heyerdahl sailed on an experimental voyage from North
Africa to Barbados in 1970.
Website: The Kon-Tiki Museum
Vikingskiphuset (Viking Ship Museum)
The three Viking burial vessels - the Gokstad, Tune, and Oseberg - dating
from AD 800900 can be seen here. These three ships are the best-preserved
Viking ships in the world. The Oseburg is the most impressive. It is a
20-meter-long royal ship with a dragon-shaped keel, which was found containing
royal remains. There is also a fine collection of beautiful ceremonial sleighs,
household utensils, and tools on display.
Website: Viking Ship Museum
Radhuset (City Hall)
The Oslo City Hall is universally regarded as either "aggressively
ugly" or "the pride of Norway." Visit it and make up your
own mind. Built in 1950, it houses splendid murals by some of Norway's most
respected artists. The murals depict life in Oslo during World War II and
include illustrations of the Nazi occupation. There are also tapestries,
frescoes, sculpture, and woodcarvings on display.
Website: Oslo City Hall
The Munch Museum
Munch is probably best known for his painting The Scream. The museum houses a
collection of 1,100 paintings including The Scream, as well as some 4,500
drawings, 18,000 prints, several graphic plates, sculptures, and important
documentary material about Munch and other Norwegian artists.
Website: The Munch Museum
Barnekunst Museum (International Children's Art Museum)
A pleasure for children and adults alike, the Barnekunst Museum houses a vast
collection of childrens drawings, paintings, ceramics, sculpture,
tapestries, and handcrafts from more than 30 countries. Children can get
involved in special workshops devoted to painting, drawing, music, and dancing.
Slottsparken (The Royal Palace Park)
Slottsparken is the park that surrounds the Royal Palace. From here you can
see the changing of the guard each day at 1:30pm. Walk through the grounds
at your leisure and admire the Royal Palace from afar, entrance is only
allowed by special invitation from the king!
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Located in popular Frogner Park, the Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of
Oslos most well known attractions. Its dramatic outdoor granite,
bronze and iron sculptures portray Adolf Gustav Vinelands vision
of the life cycle. The park is only open during the summer and there is
an outdoor swimming pool as well as an ice rink if you are feeling energetic.
Website: Vigeland Sculpture Park
National Theatre
Norways national theatre opened its doors in 1899. This much-cherished
building is a major example of Norwegian architecture. Built to stage
Ibsens plays, it boasts a lavish Rococo hall and is adorned by some
of the countrys finest artists and sculptors. As well as plays, operas,
ballets and concerts are held here.
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