Emanuel Vigelands Museum
One of Oslo’s most unusual art experiences. This small museum-mausoleum at Slemdal is best known for the huge fresco Vita, covering the barrel-vaulted interior in dramatic scenes of human life, birth and death. It is dark, resonant and unforgettable.
Emanuel Vigeland's Museum at Slemdal is one of Oslo's best kept secrets. The museum's main attraction is a dark, barrel-vaulted room, completely covered with fresco paintings. The 800 sq.m. fresco Vita depicts human life from conception till death, in dramatic and often explicitly erotic scenes. Large groups of bronze figures reiterate the dedication to the mystery of procreation. Entering the museum is a unique experience. The impression of the dimly lit frescoes with multitudes of naked figures is reinforced by the unusual and overwhelming acoustics of the room.
Emanuel Vigeland (1875-1948) erected the building in 1926, intended as a future museum for his sculptures and paintings. He eventually decided that the museum should also serve as a mausoleum. All the windows were closed and his ashes were to rest in an urn above the entrance door. Influenced by Italian prototypes, he named his building Tomba Emmanuelle.
The museum was opened to the public on 8. December 1959. The museum is a private foundation and receives funding from Kulturetaten, Oslo Kommune
2025 marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Emanuel Vigeland, which was celebrated with a series of exhibitions and events. These events were organised with the support of Bergesenstiftelsen and Eckbos Legat.
We strongly recommend booking tickets online ahead of time: LetsReg
Address: Grimelundsveien 8, 0775 Oslo.
Open every Sunday, 11:30–16:00, and advance booking is strongly recommended.