Munch Museum

The Munch Museum, branded as MUNCH since 2020, is an art museum in Bjørvika, Oslo, dedicated to the life and works of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The original museum opened in Tøyen on 29 May 1963 and housed over 1,200 paintings, 18,000 prints, six sculptures, 500 printing plates, 2,240 books, and various other items, mainly donated by Munch himself and his sister Inger. In 2008, an architectural competition was held for a new museum in Bjørvika, won by Spanish architect Juan Herreros. After political debate, the project was approved in 2013, construction began in 2015, and the new building was officially opened by King Harald V on 22 October 2021. Notably, on 22 August 2004, The Scream and Madonna were stolen in an armed robbery but recovered in 2006. MUNCH is one of Norway’s most significant cultural institutions, offering an extensive insight into Edvard Munch’s artistic legacy. Its waterfront location near the Oslo Opera House and striking modern architecture make it a prominent landmark in the city. The museum showcases Munch’s most famous works, including The Scream, Madonna, The Sick Child, and Puberty, alongside rotating exhibitions and cultural programs. Combining art, history, and contemporary design, MUNCH serves as both a world-class art destination and a hub for public engagement with Norway’s most celebrated painter.