The Resistance Museum Oslo - Norway's Most Important WWII Museum
The Resistance Museum Oslo is one of the main museums about World War II in Norway. The war in Norway is not often talked about on a global scale, but the impact on the country was huge. Norway was the most occupied country in Europe and a large part of the country above the Arctic Circle was destroyed when the Nazis retreated in 1944/45. Because of the heavy occupation on a relatively young country, there was a huge resistance movement that performed various acts of sabotage.
Whenever I am in Oslo with a group this is one of the museums I recommend. Many of us from outside of Europe haven’t heard about the severe impact of the war on Norway, and this museum is incredibly eye-opening and informative. It’s well presented and provides a good overview of the war. It is especially worth visiting if you are planning on visiting multiple cities in Norway.
Here’s my overview of the Resistance Museum in Oslo.
Resistance Museum Oslo
Be sure to read my detailed travel guide for Oslo, including practical information and things to do.
Establishment of the Resistance Museum in Oslo
The museum was founded in 1962 by several key representatives from organisations made up of civilians and military personnel. Originally, it was a private foundation. The museum opened to the public in May 1970 and Crown Prince Harald was in attendance. The opening coincided with the 25th anniversary of Norwegian liberation. The museum was designed by Otto Torgersen, who worked with key personnel representing various branches of the underground forces. In 1995, the museum was handed over to the State by the Ministry of Defence.
The museums founders wanted to strengthen the collective will to protect national freedom and otherwise contribute to a continued support for Norwegian democratic values. Additionally, it was important to strengthen knowledge about the years of occupation for future generations and research.
Location & Building
The museum is housed in a building that forms part of the Akershus Fortress complex. The fortress was used by the Nazis as a prison and torture centre and executions of Norwegians took place in the courtyard by the Resistance Museum. After the war, Quisling was executed by firing squad at the fortress.
To get here, you have to enter the fortress complex and make your way up the cobblestone path towards the main Akershus Fortress museum. The Resistance Museum is located just before the main museum. The walk is a little steep for some to get here. There is a staircase up to the museum, or you can follow the ramp path up as well.
Akershus Fortress Self-Guided Walk
We have a self-guided walk around Akershus Fortress, which includes the Resistance Museum.
Exhibitions
The exhibitions have recreated five years of occupation through pictures, documents, posters, objects, models, original copies of newspapers and recordings. The exhibition begins with the day Norway is invaded on the 9th of April 1940 and ends with the liberation on the 8th of May 1945.
What I like about the museum is that it doesn’t just focus on one element of the war, even though the name ‘Resistance Museum’ may make it sound like it’s only about the resistance. Rather, it places the war in a wider context, ranging from military aspects to the everyday life of ordinary citizens. I also appreciate the museum isn’t so high tech with iPads and televisions everywhere. Yes, you get some interesting home-made dioramas, but I find it charming. In many ways, it’s an ‘old fashioned’ museum in the best way possible.
The Resistance Museum celebrates the effort of the Norwegian resistance, highlighting key events like the Vemork power plant sabotage but also telling the story of the everyday acts of resistance. The museum also covers the tragic sides of the war, including the reign of terror of the SS and Gestapo and the prison and concentration camps that were in Norway, along with the deportation of Norwegian Jews.
There are English translations for most of the items on display, but items like newspapers or posters have not been translated into English.
Practical Information
Getting Here
The closest tram stop to the museum is Kontraskjæret, which is where tram line 12 stops.
You do have to walk into the fortress complex to access the museum, and there is some uphill walking involved to get there. It takes up to 15 minutes to get to the museum from the tram stop.
Taxis can’t drive you up to the museum.
The museum is well-signed once you enter the fortress.
Prices
Up-to-date prices can be found on the museum website: https://kultur.forsvaret.no/museer/norges-hjemmefrontmuseum
There are good discounts for seniors and groups with more than 10 people.
Opening Hours
Up-to-date opening hours can be found on the museum website: https://kultur.forsvaret.no/museer/norges-hjemmefrontmuseum
In summer, they are open daily from 10am – 5pm. In winter, the opening hours are shorter.
Time in the Museum
Depending on how much you want to read, allow between 45 and 90 minutes inside the museum. It’s not a large museum, but there are many interesting things to look at!
Museum Shop
I love a good museum shop, and this one is up there. Of course, they only really sell books about the war. Still, the selection of books in English is fantastic. There’s also a good section of books in Norwegian and other languages as well.
Be sure to read my detailed travel guide for Oslo, including practical information and things to do.
