Oslo: 150th Anniversary of Munch

In the 150th anniversary year of his birth, this illuminating visit to Oslo celebrates Edvard Munch, arguably Norway’s most famous artist.

In the course of our stay we visit sites associated with the artist’s life, such as his studio at Ekely and his home at Hvitsten, Nedre Ramme, and examine the huge body of his work that remains in the city today. We see his murals at the University and the Freia Chocolate Factory, and visit the Munch Museum, which houses paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures representing half the artist's work. The dedicated Munch room at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design also has important pieces, including a version of The Scream.

In addition, we also explore the eclectic architecture and Viking legend of Norway’s historic capital, which lies in the most picturesque setting. We also view the city’s waterfront and stunning Opera House from a boat on the Oslofjord, and visit the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in its magnificent new home designed by Renzo Piano.

There is also the opportunity to visit the picturesque port of Bergen for a four night post tour extension. Please click here to find out more and see the full post-tour extension.

Day 1: Thursday, 11th July

Oslo

Depart on a morning British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. On arrival, transfer to the Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza.  Located in the heart of the city centre and a short walk from the bustling Karl Johan Street, the Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza offers very comfortable accommodation and stunning views over the Oslo harbour and fjord from its roof top restaurant. 

After lunch at the hotel there will be a guided coach tour of the city including a visit to the fascinating Viking Ship Museum on the Bygdøy peninsula to see the funeral ships discovered in the Oslofjord which date back to the 9th century. Return to the hotel before dinner at the Engebret Café. The restaurant, where Munch once had a regular table, is set in a 17th century building and is one of the city’s institutions.

Day 2: Friday, 12th July

Oslo

Leave the hotel on foot for a guided trip to The National Gallery. This houses Norway’s largest collection of Norwegian art, with renowned pieces from the Romantic era, a collection of Edvard Munch’s creations including the iconic image of The Scream, and an extensive collection of European impressionist works. Continue on foot to visit the University’s Aula (Assembly Hall) to see the Munch murals. Munch painted these monumental murals between 1909 and 1916, expressing his new life view following a breakdown.

Following lunch at the Grand Hotel Café, drive to Ekely, to see Munch’s Studio where Munch lived and worked from 1916. Built in Art Deco style, the winter studio was designed by his friend, architect Henrik Bull. The studio went through an extensive renovation in 1991 and the foundation ensures that the studio is used by visual artists as a place to work. Continue by coach to the Vigeland Sculpture Park which is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist. Completed between 1939-1949, the park, which is Gustav Vigelands lifework, contains more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Gustav Vigelands was a contemporary of Munch Return to the hotel by coach. Dinner under own arrangements.

Day 3: Saturday, 13th July

Oslo

This morning visit the Munch Museum which was purpose-built to house the extensive collection of works that Edvard Munch generously bequeathed to the City of Oslo. Continue on to the Freia Chocolate Factory. Founded in 1889, the Freia hall contains 12 original murals painted by Edvard Munch in 1920 and is still used today as a canteen for factory employees. Continue south along the Oslo Fjord to Hvitsten, where Munch had a summer house on the estate, Ramme Gård, now belonging to Mr Petter Olsen.

Following a private lunch at Ramme Gård, continue on foot to visit a private art collection at the newly opened museum at Ramme Gård, opened to coincide with the Munch anniversary.  Continue to Nedre Ramme, the remote house which Edvard Munch purchased in 1910 and lived and worked in for several years. Return to the hotel. Dinner at the Loften fish restaurant at Aker Brygge.

Day 4: Sunday, 14th July

Oslo /London

This morning leave the hotel for the harbour to conclude the tour with a boat trip along the striking Oslofjord. See the city’s stunning location with it’s the contemporary waterfront design. Disembark and walk along the waterfront to the newly reopened Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in a building designed by Renzo Piano. The museum shows temporary and permanent exhibitions by Norwegian and international artists from the post-war era including works such as Damien Hirst’s Mother and Child Divided. 

Lunch at the local restaurant, Bølgen et Moi, before transferring to Oslo Airport to check in for a British Airways flight to London Heathrow, arriving in the early evening.

Post-Tour Extension

To see more details for the post-tour extension to Bergen, please click here. 

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