Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Cultural history museum in Bygdøy, Norway
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is a cultural history museum in the Bygdøy district of Oslo that presents Norwegian architecture and everyday life from different eras. The site spreads across a large outdoor area with wooden houses, farmsteads, and workshops brought here from all parts of the country.
Librarian Hans Aall founded the collection in 1894 to preserve rural Norwegian heritage before it disappeared. King Oscar II's royal collection was added later, expanding the display to include urban and courtly objects.
The museum name reflects Norway's effort to define its own national identity after centuries under Danish and Swedish rule. Visitors today see people dressed in period clothing demonstrating old craft techniques and recreating rural life.
The sprawling site works well for a half-day visit, and comfortable shoes are recommended due to the paths between buildings. Several indoor rooms display furniture and everyday items from different periods, while gardens and open courtyards sit outdoors among the houses.
A medieval stave church from the year 1200 was completely dismantled and rebuilt here, preserving the original timber frame. Inside, you see carved dragons and other figures from the time when Norway was just converting to Christianity.
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