National Library of Norway, National library facility in Oslo and Mo i Rana, Norway.
The National Library of Norway operates from two locations: a public division on Henrik Ibsens gate in Oslo and a mountain vault in Mo i Rana. The institution collects and preserves Norwegian publications, historical documents, and cartographic materials across both sites.
The library was established in 1988 when Norway separated national library functions from the University of Oslo Library. This move created an independent institution to manage Norway's cultural heritage.
The library displays Norwegian cultural treasures in its "Enlightened" exhibition, including handwritten musical scores by Edvard Grieg and letters from Roald Amundsen's expedition to the South Pole. These materials give visitors a direct connection to the creative work of important Norwegian figures.
The Oslo location is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, making it easy to visit. The Mo i Rana facility requires advance arrangements and is not set up for drop-in visits.
The Map Centre holds printed maps of Norway dating back to 1482, making it the largest collection of Norwegian cartographic materials. These historical maps show how the country's geographic representation changed over the centuries.
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