22 July Information Center

The 22 July Information Center (Norwegian: 22. juli-senteret) is a learning centre in Oslo dedicated to remembering the terror attacks of 22 July 2011 and sharing knowledge about them. It stands in the city centre at Teatergata 10, close to the government quarter. Admission is free.

What is this place?

The centre works with the mediation of memory and knowledge about the attacks in Oslo and on the island of Utøya. It is not a traditional museum filled with display cases, but a space for learning, conversation and reflection. It shows what happened that day, how society has talked about it, and how victims and survivors are remembered today.

What happened on 22 July 2011?

On that day a bomb exploded in the government quarter of Oslo, and the perpetrator then attacked participants at a youth camp on Utøya. Seventy-seven people were killed, most of them young people. It was the deadliest attack in Norway since the Second World War. The events deeply affected the country and remain an important reference point in Norwegian public debate.

What will I see in the exhibition?

The permanent exhibition is titled "The Public Conversation About 22 July". It includes a timeline of the attack on 22 July 2011 and seven narratives about the events, presenting them from different perspectives. The centre's website also carries witness testimonies. Temporary exhibitions are held from time to time, for example "Your words are important" in 2024.

How long to spend and who is it for?

The subject is difficult, so allow time to go through the exhibition calmly. It is designed mainly for visitors over 14. Younger children also need information and answers about the attacks, but a conversation with a parent or guardian matters most in that case. Pushchairs, trolley cases and large bags are not allowed inside, so it is best to bring as little as possible.

Getting there

The centre sits in the middle of Oslo, a short distance from the high-rise government building, and is easy to reach by public transport. Buses 37 and 33 and trams 70, 11, 17 and 18 serve the area. From most places in the city centre you can also walk.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission free? Yes, entry is free.

Where exactly is the centre? At Teatergata 10, 0180 Oslo, in the city centre.

Are the opening hours fixed? Opening days and hours have changed over time, so check the official website, 22julisenteret.no, before you go.

Is it worth visiting on a short trip to Oslo? Yes, if you want to understand one of the most significant events in recent Norwegian history. The place calls for attention and respect, and it gives a sober picture of how the country handles the memory of the tragedy.

Is there material for visitors who do not speak Norwegian? The centre runs an English version of its website, and the exhibition is meant to be accessible to international guests as well. Confirm details before your visit.

Practical tips

Plan the visit for a quieter time of day and avoid squeezing it into a tight schedule. Keep quiet and be respectful, as many visitors are moved by personal stories. Afterwards, consider a walk through the nearby government quarter, where the first of the attacks took place.