Fotografiska to open in Oslo

Fotografiska’s expansion continues. The world’s most foremost photography museum is opening in the Norwegian capital. In 2027, Fotografiska Oslo will open in the historic Deichmanske building in the city center’s Government Quarter. Fotografiska has become a global focal point for photography with locations in Stockholm, New York, Berlin, Shanghai and Tallinn, and has welcomed millions of guests since the opening in 2010. “We are incredibly proud of adding Oslo to the Fotografiska family,” says Yoram Roth, Fotografiska’s Executive Chairman.

History is everywhere in the well-known old Deichmanske in the middle of Oslo, where the country’s main public library was situated from 1933 until 2020.

Now the building will soon embark on its next chapter with stories told on its walls, once Fotografiska Oslo opens at the heart of the Deich house of photography in autumn 2027. This is the world’s sixth Fotografiska and the second in Scandinavia. The ambition is, as is with its other venues, to create a cultural meeting spot that combines internationally renowned photographers with local talents and rising stars. The building is a central part of the new Government Quarter, with connecting parks, all due to open in the years to come.

“We are incredibly proud of adding Oslo to the Fotografiska family. Being able to combine this beautiful, old architecture with a modern meeting place, inspiring photography, and exciting events felt like a unique opportunity. We understand that moving into this historic building comes with some serious expectations, and naturally we want to live up to these. Oslo is a cultural city on its rise and Fotografiska fits perfectly into the city’s new vibrant art and culture scene,” says Yoram Roth, Fotografiska’s Executive Chairman.

Fotografiska first opened its doors in Stockholm in 2010, with a major exhibition by the iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz. Since then, it has grown into a global meeting place for contemporary photography, always with the goal of maintaining the sense of the buildings and including the local art scene, both with exhibitions and events. 

“We want to create a special moment for each of our guests. We view them not as visitors but rather as guests. You should have a fun, joyful, inspiring, and thought-provoking time with us, and each visit should offer a range of experiences. Norwegian photography maintains a high international standard and is on the rise. We have already exhibited such names as Simen Johan, Christian Houge, Margaret M. de Lange, Jonas Bendiksen and Anja Niemi”, says Yoram Roth.

This autumn you can get a first taste of Fotografiska Oslo, when Fotografiska Stockholm lends the exhibition The Echo Chamber by the celebrated photographer Erik Johansson to the Nobel Peace Center, opening on September 19. 

The new Fotografiska in Oslo will be operated by Deich and Møller Eiendom, together with Fotografiska’s global management team. Møller Eiendom owns the building and has Norway’s largest private photography collection.

About Fotografiska

Fotografiska is the contemporary museum of photography, art and culture and one of the world's leading museums dedicated to photographic art. Established in Stockholm in 2010 with the mission to inspire a more conscious world, Fotografiska has become a home for inspiration, inclusion and creativity. Fotografiska is currently located in Stockholm, Berlin, Tallinn and Shanghai.

About Deich

Acquisition: Møller Eiendom acquired Deich from Oslo Municipality in 2020.

Previous Use: Served as diverse rental and event spaces, including hosting the Oslo Negative Photo Festival, until it closed for renovation in summer 2023.

Architects: Lundhagem Architects AS

Interior Architects: Paulsen & Nilsen and GrecoDeco

Future Plans: The building will feature Fotografiska museum, several restaurants, bars, meeting- and event places, and programming. It will gain approximately 3,000 new square meters for experiences and exhibitions on ground level with its own Fotografiska entrance. The former backyard, will reopen as a glazed winter garden as part of the museum.

Ownership: Møller Eiendom is owned by the family company Aars AS, which also owns the Møller Collection, one of Norway’s largest private collections of photographs, from the 1800s to today. The collection will be featured in the restaurants, bars, meeting, and event spaces.

Planned Opening: Late 2027.