Nobel Peace Center Oslo

The Nobel Peace Center in Oslo was opened in 2005 and is part of the network housing all Nobel institutions. Visiting the center, you learn more about Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize and the idea that stands behind it. Also, see all Nobel Prize Laureates and the work they were once awarded for. The Nobel Peace Center is designed and meant to be a place of reflection, contention and participation. It creates this very special atmosphere through its exhibitions, guides, various events and activities for families, all making the peace center a hub where politics and culture meet.

Exhibitions at the Nobel Peace Center

The permanent exhibitions present anything there is to know about the life and history of Alfred Nobel. On-site, you may, for instance, come to read the magical book which is about the inventor and industrial entrepreneur. In addition, you find the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, their engagements and visionary work presented in both the Nobel Garden and on wall newspapers.

The changing exhibitions allow you to delve into topics such as war, peace and conflict resolution. At the Nobel Peace Center, exhibitions are a varied experience as there are always interesting, interactive and surprising methods used to guarantee a worthwhile visit and make the topics in question accessible to every visitor. There are, amongst other things, various digital and multimedia segments, exciting films and captivating lectures.

You may either explore the center on your own or you take part in a guided tour during our opening hours and have yourself guided through the fascinating world of the Nobel Prize.

Adventure for kids

Children may explore the Nobel Peace Center in a very special way. They are led through the exhibitions via a course and meanwhile have the chance to explore many things that are associated with Alfred Nobel as well as other Nobel Prize laureates. All items are hidden in cases and are ready to be found and opened by kids, allowing them to playfully learn about the center. Unfortunately, the offer for kids is only available in Norwegian and English, exclusively.

Apart from the museum shop, you also find the Café Alfred located in the Nobel Peace Center, which is often used as a venue for various events, including not only food and beverages, but also readings, lectures, discussions, debates, concerts, theater and several other cultural events. 

The Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for the first time in 1901, initiated by the Swedish inventor and industrial entrepreneur Alfred Nobel. Each year on the 10th of December, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Norway. According to Alfred Nobel, those are eligible for the prize “who have done the utmost or best for the fraternization of peoples and who fought for the abolition and reduction of consisting armies as well as for the initialization and promotion of peace congresses” and therefore “brought the most benefit to mankind during the past year”.

The Nobel Foundation and the Norwegian Committee

In 1990 the Nobel Foundation was initially founded as a private institution in order to manage the assets of Alfred Nobel and to be in charge for awarding the prizes for physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace. The foundation represents all Nobel institutions and organizes all information, activities and events around the Nobel Prize. When Alfred Nobel died in 1986, it was declared in his last will which institutions are allowed to award prizes on behalf of him. The Nobel Prize, for instance, is only to be awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which is appointed by Norway's parliament. The committee consists of five members who reflect the number of the respective parties present in parliament. In addition, the Nobel Institute was founded in 1904 to support the committee in handling its tasks.

The Nobel Peace Center

The Nobel Peace Center is the latest complement of the Nobel network, which the Nobel Museum in Stockholm, Sweden belongs to as well. It was opened in 2005. Its declared objective is to enhance the knowledge about each year's laureate, promote information about their work and eventually give an impulse for reflection and discussion. 

The Nobel Peace Center is accommodated in Oslo's old train station, situated in the heart of Norway's capital city, between the city hall and the shopping quarter Aker Brygge.

By public transport

The “Nationaltheateret” station, a major node for trains, trams, subways and buses, is about five minutes walking distance away from the Nobel Peace Center. Tram line 12 directly calls at “Aker Brygge” station, which is just in front of the museum. Additionally, there are buses calling at “Klingenberg” and “Haakon VII Gate” station, which are also located in close proximity.

By car

If you wish to travel here by car, you may use the E6 and E18 to get to the city center. The E18 directly passes the Nobel Peace Center. You may leave your car at the car park at Munkedamsveien 27 or just next to it on the car parks behind Statoil Vestre Vika at Dronning Mauds Gate 10B.

Have a pleasant journey!