Natural History Museum in Oslo

The Natural History Museum in Oslo is Norway's oldest and largest museum of natural history and part of the University of Oslo. It stands in the Tøyen district, about five minutes by Metro east of the city centre, surrounded by a botanical garden.

How did the museum begin?

The story starts in 1814, when the University Botanical Garden was founded near Tøyen Manor. About a century later, once the main campus in central Oslo had become too small, the zoological, botanical and geological collections moved to Tøyen as well. The geological museum was established in 1917 by Waldemar Christofer Brøgger, whose name one of the buildings still carries.

What is there to see?

The museum is not one single building but several, scattered across the garden grounds:

• Brøggers hus – geology and palaeontology: minerals, rocks and fossils,
• Colletts hus – zoology and the animal collections,
• Klimahuset (the Climate House) – a newer building devoted to climate science.

One of the best-known exhibits is "Ida", a fossil of an early primate. The museum bought her in 2007 and presented her to the world in 2009.

The Tøyen botanical garden

The botanical garden, from which the whole museum grew, is open to everyone and free of charge. For many visitors it is one of the best-value experiences in Oslo. Sources give different figures for the plant collection, from roughly 7,500 to roughly 8,500 species and varieties, so treat the numbers as approximate. A walk through the garden pairs well with a visit to the exhibitions.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission free? The botanical garden is free. The museum and special exhibitions require a ticket.

How do I get there? Tøyen is about five minutes from central Oslo by Metro. The site lies at roughly 59.920 N, 10.772 E.

Is it suitable for children? The animal collections, fossils and minerals make it a popular family outing. Leave some time for the garden as well.

Where can I check opening hours and ticket prices? Hours and prices change, and some listings online are out of date. Check the museum's official website, nhm.uio.no, for current details.

Who is it for?

The museum suits anyone curious about the nature of Norway and the wider world: geology and mineral enthusiasts, animal lovers, families with children, and visitors interested in climate change. Because the site consists of several separate buildings plus the garden, plan a few hours for a full visit, and on a fine day combine it with a stroll among the plants. Tøyen is well connected by public transport, so the museum fits easily into a one-day tour of the Norwegian capital alongside the sights and galleries of the city centre.