vigeland park, oslo
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Vigeland Museum

4.6
·804 reviews·, Norway

Explore Gustav Vigeland's former home and studio, revealing the artist's process behind the iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Sunday in December

Free entry & festive activities

CrowdMedium
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vigeland park, oslo

Vigeland Museum

Best Time

First Sunday in December

Free entry & festive activities

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Gustav Vigeland's former home and studio, revealing the artist's process behind the iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park.

4.6
(804 reviews)

"It is much more fascinating to see about his works and what went into them before seeing the larger than life sculptures in the park."

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TIP

Combine with Park Visit

Visit the museum before the park for context. It enhances understanding of the sculptures.

Oslo Pass Value

Free entry with Oslo Pass! Great for budget travelers.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vigeland's Studio & Residence

Vigeland's Studio & Residence

The Museum Building

Explore Gustav Vigeland's former home and studio, offering a personal glimpse into the artist's life and creative space.

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Scale Models & Sketches

Scale Models & Sketches

Exhibition Halls

See detailed scale models and original sketches that reveal the meticulous planning behind the iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park.

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Original Sculptures

Original Sculptures

Various Galleries

Admire original works in plaster, bronze, granite, and marble, showcasing the breadth of Vigeland's artistic talent.

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Planning Your Visit

Visit the Museum Before the Park

Understand Gustav Vigeland's artistic process and the inspiration behind the sculptures by visiting the Vigeland Museum first. This provides context for the expansive Vigeland Sculpture Park, making your experience richer. Reddit

Oslo Pass for Savings

If you plan on visiting multiple attractions in Oslo, consider purchasing the Oslo Pass. It includes free entry to the Vigeland Museum and many other sites, potentially saving you money. Reddit

Best Times

When
First Sunday in December
Why
Free entry & festive activities
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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Hidden gems around Oslo and advice.

Combine with Park Visit

Visit the museum before the park for context. It enhances understanding of the sculptures. Reddit

Oslo Pass Value

Free entry with Oslo Pass! Great for budget travelers. Reddit

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Not a huge Oslo fan... what can I do to change that?

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Things to do visiting (I did search)

Artist's Personal Space

Explore Vigeland's former home for a unique, intimate perspective. Reddit

Understand the Process

See scale models & sketches to appreciate the creation of the park's art. Reddit

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Oslo Trip - Secret tips?

Tips

from all over the internet

Combine with Park Visit

Visit the museum before the park for context. It enhances understanding of the sculptures. Reddit

Oslo Pass Value

Free entry with Oslo Pass! Great for budget travelers. Reddit

Artist's Personal Space

Explore Vigeland's former home for a unique, intimate perspective. Reddit

Understand the Process

See scale models & sketches to appreciate the creation of the park's art. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(804 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Vigeland Museum to be an essential precursor to the iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park, offering valuable insight into Gustav Vigeland's artistic process and personal life. While some find it expensive without the Oslo Pass, the opportunity to see original works, models, and sketches is highly praised. The museum's connection to Vigeland's former residence adds a unique, intimate dimension to the experience.

"Come to this museum before heading to the park! You'll get to see scale models, plaster replicas, and learn about Gustav Vigeland's process on his sculptures. It is much more fascinating to see about his works and what went into them before seeing the larger than life sculptures in the park.

The Museum has all original works of Vigeland made from plaster, bronze, granite, marble, and including sketches. Scale models of what the park, and sculptures placements should have been. Worth the entry, and free with the Oslo Pass!"

Christopher “Digi” Diehm

"Incredible museum, all the sculpture work is incredible. The building is amazing too, make sure to visit the park nearby too."

Matthew Hart

"Every year in December on the first Sunday of advent, the Vigeland Museum invites everyone for a free day at the museum. Complete with Christmas workshops for kids and guided tours in the apartment of Norway's top sculptor - Gustav Vigeland.

The museum is Vigeland's former studio and residence, provided by the city in 1921 in exchange for all of his artwork. His ashes, self-designed bronze urn and burial monument are located in the tower of the museum."

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What People Like

Insight into artist's process
Original works and models
Free with Oslo Pass

What People Dislike

Expensive without Oslo Pass

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Vigeland Museum is easily accessible by public transport. You can take tram lines 12 or 13 to the Vigelandsparken stop, or bus lines 20, 30, or 31 to the Vigeland Museum stop. It's also a pleasant walk from the Majorstuen metro station. Reddit

Limited street parking is available in the vicinity of the museum. It's often easier and more convenient to use public transportation, especially if you're exploring other parts of Oslo. Reddit

Yes, the Vigeland Museum is located right next to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, making it very easy to combine a visit to both. They are essentially part of the same artistic complex. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Vigeland Museum is free with the Oslo Pass. Without the pass, there is an admission fee, which can be a bit expensive if you're not using the pass. Reddit

The most significant discount is included with the Oslo Pass, which grants free admission. Check the official museum website for any other potential seasonal offers or group rates. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Vigeland Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening days and times before your visit. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers a free day every year on the first Sunday of Advent, often featuring special Christmas workshops and guided tours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find Gustav Vigeland's original works in various materials, scale models of the park, sketches, and his personal apartment. It provides deep insight into his creative process. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 45 minutes to an hour exploring the museum, especially if they are interested in understanding Vigeland's artistic journey. Reddit

While the art itself might be more appreciated by adults, the museum sometimes hosts family-friendly workshops, particularly during their free Advent day. It offers a different perspective than the park. Reddit

Photography policies can change, but generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in most areas. Always check for signage or ask staff if unsure. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The museum itself, with its unique architecture and displays of Vigeland's original works and models, offers many interesting photographic opportunities. Focus on the details of the sculptures and the artist's personal space. Reddit

Typically, flash photography is not allowed inside museums to protect the artworks. It's always best to confirm the specific rules upon arrival. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Vigeland Sculpture Park is a hit with kids for its sheer scale and sometimes humorous figures, the Vigeland Museum offers a different kind of engagement. The museum can be a quieter experience, focusing on the artist's process. Look out for special events like the free Advent day which often includes Christmas workshops for kids and guided tours of Vigeland's apartment. Reddit It's a good way to introduce children to art in a more structured environment, complementing the free-roaming experience of the park.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Oslo Pass is your best friend here! It grants free entry to the Vigeland Museum, which can be quite pricey otherwise. Reddit Since the Vigeland Sculpture Park is always free to enter, combining these two makes for an excellent, cost-effective cultural outing in Oslo. Plan your itinerary to maximize the value of the pass if you're visiting other paid attractions as well.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Gustav Vigeland's Artistic Journey

The Vigeland Museum is more than just an exhibition space; it's a portal into the life and mind of Gustav Vigeland, one of Norway's most celebrated sculptors. Housed in his former studio and residence, the museum offers an intimate look at his creative process. Visitors can explore original works in plaster, bronze, granite, and marble, many of which are studies or smaller versions of the monumental pieces found in the adjacent Vigeland Sculpture Park. The museum also displays scale models and sketches, providing crucial context for how Vigeland envisioned the park's layout and the placement of each sculpture. This detailed planning is often overlooked by those who only visit the park itself. Reddit

Beyond the artistic process, the museum delves into Vigeland's personal life. His ashes, along with a self-designed bronze urn and burial monument, are located in the tower of the museum, a testament to his deep connection to the space. The city of Oslo provided this building to Vigeland in 1921 in exchange for his entire artistic legacy, highlighting the significance of his work to the nation. Understanding this history enriches the appreciation of both the museum and the park, revealing the artist's dedication and the city's commitment to preserving his art. Reddit

Connecting the Museum and the Park

Many visitors find that visiting The Vigeland Museum before heading to the Vigeland Sculpture Park significantly enhances their experience. The museum acts as a prologue, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artist's intentions and methods. Seeing the original plaster casts and detailed models allows you to appreciate the scale and complexity of the final bronze and granite figures in the park. It's like reading the author's notes before diving into the novel; you gain a deeper understanding of the narrative and the artist's vision. Reddit

The park itself is a vast outdoor gallery, free to enter and explore. However, without the context provided by the museum, some of the deeper meanings and the sheer dedication involved in creating such a cohesive body of work might be missed. The museum helps to explain the philosophical underpinnings of Vigeland's 'Monolith' and 'The Angry Boy,' among other famous pieces. This synergy between the indoor museum and the outdoor park creates a comprehensive artistic pilgrimage for any visitor interested in sculpture and Norwegian art. Reddit

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