The Scream: Visit Norway’s Most Famous Artwork In Oslo

Norway’s capital city Oslo is known for its modernist architecture and green spaces, but it is also the proud home to the world-renowned painting, The Scream, by Edvard Munch.

Renowned globally for its ruthlessly honest depiction of fear, The Scream stands out as one of the few artworks that have profoundly influenced filmmakers and artists across different mediums. It even inspired an emoji, cementing its position as one of the world’s most famous works of art.

Contrary to popular belief, the central figure is not screaming but is instead recoiling in horror from the ‘great scream in nature.’ That’s according to Munch himself, in a poem painted on the frame of his 1895 pastel version.

That’s just one of several versions of the artwork, which are now more visible than ever before thanks to two recently-opened downtown museums.

At the Munch Museum and the National Museum, visitors to Oslo can embark on a fascinating journey to explore the story of Munch himself and his iconic artwork.

Step inside the Munch Museum

Although the Munch Museum's architecture has sparked discussions due to its striking design on Oslo’s waterfront, it has finally given one of Norway’s most beloved artists the space his work deserves.

Named simply ‘Munch’, the museum houses an extensive collection of his works, including paintings, graphic art, sculptures, drawings, and photographs, offering a deep dive into the turbulent world of the troubled artist.

The museum offers 13 floors of art exploring Munch’s themes of death, love, fear, and sadness, together with exhibitions from artists that took inspiration from the Norwegian.

Of course, most visitors head straight for the room hosting Munch’s most famous work. The room is home to three versions: a painting, a drawing, and a print. However, only one is on display at any one time.

Munch created all versions of The Scream on cardboard or paper. This means they are particularly fragile and sensitive to climatic conditions and light exposure, which can degrade color pigments and the materials over time.

To mitigate damage, strict light exposure limits are maintained, and extensive research has been conducted by the museum to ascertain the optimal conditions for preservation.

“None of the versions can be exhibited all the time, so they are displayed on rotation. By doing this, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy and marvel at Munch’s powerful motif,” explained a Munch spokesperson.

Visit the National Museum

Farther along Oslo’s ever-changing waterfront you’ll find the new location of the National Museum. Norway’s largest museum is home to exhibitions covering art, architecture, and design, but it’s arguably best known for its Munch room.

Inside this spacious room you’ll find a painted version of The Scream alongside many of Munch’s other famous works including Madonna and The Dance of Life.

In addition to the 18 works within the Munch room, some of his other paintings are displayed elsewhere in the museum, helping to put his work in a wider context.

Outside of the Munch room, you’ll need at least a few hours to even scratch the surface of this vast museum.

Other highlights include imperial porcelain, contemporary Norwegian fashion including the royal costume collection, and the influence of 19th-century French artists on the development of Norwegian art.

An emerging art city

If you’re visiting Oslo to admire the various versions of The Scream, don't miss out on the other artistic highlights of this Scandinavian city.

Such an itinerary should certainly include the world-famous sculptures of Vigeland Park, plus the paintings within the Oslo City Museum located in the same park.

Other highlights include the phenomenal mausoleum at the Emanuel Vigeland Museum, the fairytale-inspired sculptures in the Royal Palace Gardens, and the impressive private collection of international contemporary art at the Astrup Fearnley Museum.