About Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisk Museum) is part of the University of Oslo’s museum complex at Tøyen and comprises four specialist departments: geology-palaeontology, zoology, botany, and entomology. Together they create one of Scandinavia’s most comprehensive natural history collections, spanning the deep history of the earth, the diversity of life, and the specific natural environment of Norway.
The museum is well known for its dinosaur skeleton exhibits, alongside an extensive Norwegian mineral, rock, and fossil collection reflecting the country’s remarkable geological diversity. The zoology galleries hold Norwegian wildlife dioramas recreating habitats from Arctic tundra to deep boreal forest, a whale skeleton, and extensive natural history specimens.
Surrounding the museum buildings is the Botanical Garden (Botanisk Hage), Scandinavia’s oldest, founded in 1814. The garden is free to enter and covers over 13 hectares with more than 7,500 plant species from around the world. A Victorian-era tropical greenhouse (Palmehuset) contains cacti, palms, and rainforest plants — a remarkable contrast to Oslo’s Nordic climate outside.
What to See: Highlights
- Dinosaur skeleton exhibits including T-Rex cast
- Norwegian mineral, rock, and fossil collections
- Wildlife dioramas — Arctic to boreal forest habitats
- Whale skeleton on display
- Adjacent Botanical Garden — always free to enter
- Victorian tropical greenhouse (Palmehuset, 1868)
- Entomology collection — rare insects from around the world
Skip the Queue — Buy Natural History Museum Tickets in Advance
Booking online guarantees your entry and skips the ticket queue — especially important in summer and on weekends in Oslo.
Prices may vary. Booking fees may apply. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. DisclosureIs Natural History Museum Included in the Oslo Pass?
✓ Yes — Natural History Museum is included with the Oslo Pass, giving you free entry plus 30+ other Oslo attractions and unlimited public transport. At 120 NOK adult entry, the Oslo Pass pays for itself quickly when combined with other included museums.
🔑 Get the Oslo Pass — From 495 NOK/day Affiliate link. Commission earned at no extra cost to you. DisclosureVisitor Tips for Natural History Museum
Include the Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden surrounding the museum is free to enter and one of Oslo’s most pleasant outdoor spaces. In spring it is famous for cherry blossoms and tulips; in summer the rose garden and perennial borders are at their finest.
Good for families with young children: The dinosaur gallery is the most popular section with young visitors. Under-18s enter free. The museum is a good choice on a rainy day, and the surrounding garden provides outdoor space when the weather improves.
Combine with a Tøyen neighbourhood visit: Tøyen is one of Oslo’s most diverse and interesting neighbourhoods, with excellent food culture and a lively local character very different from the tourist-heavy city centre.
Guided Tours Including Natural History Museum
- 🎧 Audio guide tours available on-site
- 👥 Small group tours (max 12 people)
- 🌟 Private guided experiences
- 🌎 Combined Oslo museum day tours
Getting to Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is at Tøyen, easily reached by Metro (T-bane). Lines 2 and 3 both stop at Tøyen station, a 5-minute walk from the museum entrance. Journey time from the city centre is approximately 10 minutes.
Bus routes also serve Tøyen, and the area is well connected to the rest of Oslo by the metro network. The Oslo Pass covers all public transport.
Best Hotels Near Natural History Museum
Stay within easy reach and make the most of your Oslo museum visit. Check Booking.com for current rates and availability:
🏠 Find Hotels Near Natural History Museum →Natural History Museum: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the Botanical Garden (Botanisk Hage) surrounding the museum is completely free to enter at any time, year-round. The museum buildings themselves charge admission (120 NOK adults, free under 18). The Victorian Palmehuset greenhouse is also free as part of the garden.
Yes — the palaeontology section includes impressive dinosaur skeleton displays including a cast of a T-Rex, various other dinosaur remains, and extensive fossils from across geological time. The dinosaur exhibits are among the most popular with families.
Yes, the Natural History Museum is included in the Oslo Pass. The Botanical Garden is always free regardless of Oslo Pass status.
The Palmehuset is a Victorian-era cast iron and glass greenhouse dating from 1868, containing tropical and subtropical plants including palms, cacti, banana plants, and rainforest ferns from around the world. It is one of the oldest surviving greenhouses in Norway and entry is free as part of the Botanical Garden.
Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours in the museum buildings. Combined with a walk through the Botanical Garden and a visit to the Palmehuset, plan for 2.5–3 hours total in the Tøyen museum complex.
