Norwegians invest in their public institutions the way other countries invest in stadiums, and the results are extraordinary. Oslo's main library — Deichman Bjørvika — opened in 2020 and immediately became one of the most talked-about new buildings in Europe: six open floors, a rooftop terrace with panoramic Oslofjord views, a cinema, maker spaces, and a philosophy that the library belongs to everyone, not just card-holders.
But Deichman Bjørvika is not Oslo's only library worth visiting. The National Library of Norway on Henrik Ibsens gate is a monumental 1913 neo-renaissance building two blocks from the Royal Palace — it holds original Ibsen and Munch manuscripts, runs free cultural exhibitions year-round, and has a covered courtyard café that most tourists walk past completely unaware it exists. Deichman Majorstuen, a beautiful Art Nouveau neighbourhood library in Frogner, is the perfect complement to a Vigeland Park visit — five minutes walk away and completely overlooked by the tourist circuit.
All three are free. All three are open to tourists without any registration. And all three offer something most Oslo attractions cannot: the feeling of stepping into the city as it actually is, rather than as it presents itself to visitors.
Oslo's Libraries
Three buildings, three very different experiences — all free
Deichman Bjørvika (Oslo Public Library)
One of the most beautiful new public buildings in Europe — free rooftop with panoramic Oslo views, right next to the Opera House.
Deichman Grünerløkka
Norway's first purpose-built library (1914) — a beautiful Greek Revival building on Schous plass in the heart of Grünerløkka, recently restored and completely free to visit.
National Library of Norway
Norway's national library — a grand 1913 neo-renaissance building near the Royal Palace that's free to visit, with rolling cultural exhibitions, reading rooms, and one of Oslo's finest café courtyards.
Deichman Majorstuen
Oslo's most beautiful neighbourhood library — a 1913 Art Nouveau building in the heart of Majorstuen with a stunning reading room, free exhibitions, and the feel of an undiscovered local gem.
What Each Library Offers
Deichman Bjørvika
Opened 2020FreeThe architectural showpiece
Six floors of open reading spaces in a striking modern building on the Bjørvika waterfront. The rooftop terrace has unobstructed views over the Oslofjord. There's a cinema, a recording studio, a maker space, and a ground-floor café. The building itself is the main attraction — but the programme of free events, exhibitions, and concerts makes it genuinely worth spending an afternoon here.
Highlights
- ✓Rooftop terrace with Oslofjord views
- ✓Free cinema screenings
- ✓Maker space and recording studio
- ✓Ground-floor café
- ✓Frequent free cultural events
Deichman Grünerløkka
Opened 1914FreeNorway's oldest library building
Completed in 1914 and still in active use, Deichman Grünerløkka is the oldest purpose-built public library in Norway. Architect August Nielsen designed the Greek Revival building on Schous plass with the same ambition usually reserved for civic halls and banks. The building is a listed heritage site, recently restored, and sits in the middle of one of Oslo's most enjoyable neighbourhoods for walking.
Highlights
- ✓Norway's oldest purpose-built public library
- ✓Greek Revival architecture — registered heritage building
- ✓Recently restored interior
- ✓Schous plass — a natural stop on any Grünerløkka walk
- ✓Free events and community programmes
- ✓10 min walk from Mathallen food market
National Library of Norway
Opened 1913FreeThe grand national institution
A monumental neo-renaissance building near the Royal Palace that holds over six million items — including original manuscripts by Ibsen, Grieg, and Munch. The main reading room is one of Oslo's finest interiors: painted ceiling, cast-iron galleries, high arched windows. Rolling exhibitions cover Norwegian literary and cultural history. The covered courtyard café is excellent and almost always quiet.
Highlights
- ✓Main reading room open to all visitors
- ✓Original Ibsen and Munch manuscripts in the collection
- ✓Free rolling exhibitions — literature, maps, photography
- ✓Covered courtyard café — one of Oslo's best secrets
- ✓Regular free author talks and concerts
Deichman Majorstuen
Opened 1913FreeThe Frogner neighbourhood library
A neighbourhood branch in Majorstuen — five minutes from Vigeland Park. A good stop if you're already exploring the Frogner area, with free exhibitions and a genuine local atmosphere.
Highlights
- ✓Free entry, open to all
- ✓Local neighbourhood feel
- ✓5 min walk from Vigeland Sculpture Park
- ✓Good children's section
Practical Tips for Visiting Oslo Libraries
No registration needed
Walk in freely — no library card or Norwegian ID required for visitors.
All three are free
Entry, reading rooms, exhibitions, and most events cost nothing.
Check events calendars
Free concerts, talks, and screenings happen regularly at all three.
Cafés are open to all
You do not need to be a library user to use the cafés at any location.
Rainy-day options
All three are excellent choices when Oslo's weather turns — warm, free, and interesting.
Photography allowed
In all public areas of all three buildings — but be discreet in quiet reading rooms.