6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Oslo, Norway

Located in Sentrum, Fotogalleriet is the oldest operating institution working with photography through critical art theory in the Nordics, founded in the '70s. Its work promotes active language around photographic art and the personal expression it allows.

The curators and gallery runners here are artists in their own right: the curation is never less than timely, thoughtful, provocative, and prolific. Queer voices, Black voices, all marginalized communities are celebrated, studied, and championed both in front and behind the lens of photographic artists showcased here. Don't miss it.

This popular outdoor music festival is held annually in June at Frognerbadet (Frogner Swimming Pool) next to Vigeland Sculpture Park. Begun in 1992, the festival has hosted big names, such as Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, Alanis Morissette, the Foo Fighters, and Rufus Wainwright, as well as indie Norwegian bands.

Every August, the Oslo Jazzfestival brings in major international artists and big crowds to various venues throughout town.

The large Øya Music Festival is held at Middelalderparken (the Medieval Park) in Gamlebyen in August. Sigur Rós, Sonic Youth, and Bon Iver have all played it.