Where is The Scream displayed?
Short answer
The most famous version of The Scream is displayed at the National Museum in Oslo, Norway. Edvard Munch created four versions of this iconic composition between 1893 and 1910. While the National Museum holds the 1893 oil, tempera, and pastel version, other iterations are housed at the Munch Museum in Oslo.
On this page
Where is the main version of The Scream located?
The primary 1893 version of The Scream is permanently housed in the National Museum (Nasjonalmuseet) in Oslo, Norway. This specific piece is the most widely recognized iteration, featuring the iconic figure clutching its face against a swirling, blood-red sky. It is displayed in the museum’s new building, which opened in 2022 along the city’s waterfront. The museum maintains strict climate and light controls to protect the delicate tempera and pastel materials used by Munch.
Visitors can find the painting in the museum’s permanent collection galleries, which are dedicated to Norwegian art history. Because the work is sensitive to light exposure, the gallery uses specialized lighting systems that automatically adjust to ensure the pigments do not fade over time. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of Munch’s career, allowing guests to see The Scream in the context of his broader artistic development.
Which museum holds the other versions of The Scream?
While the National Museum holds the 1893 masterpiece, the Munch Museum (Munchmuseet) in Oslo possesses the remaining versions. Munch was prolific, creating multiple iterations of his most famous subjects to explore different color palettes and mediums. The Munch Museum collection includes:
- A 1910 tempera version on cardboard.
- A 1893 crayon sketch.
- A 1895 pastel version.
- Several original lithograph stones used for printing.
The Munch Museum, located in the Bjørvika district, offers a deeper dive into the artist's life and creative process. Because the museum holds such a vast archive of Munch’s work, they rotate their displays frequently. If you are planning a trip specifically to see these other versions, it is essential to check their current exhibition schedule online before arriving. The museum also provides detailed information regarding the history of each specific version, explaining how Munch’s technique evolved throughout his career.
How to plan your visit to see The Scream
Visiting Oslo to see these works requires some logistical preparation to ensure you see the specific versions you are interested in. Follow these steps to maximize your experience:
- Purchase tickets online in advance for both the National Museum and the Munch Museum to avoid long queues.
- Check the official websites for temporary closures or special exhibitions that might move the paintings.
- Allocate at least three hours for each museum, as both locations are expansive and house thousands of other significant works.
- Use public transportation, as both museums are easily accessible via Oslo's efficient tram and metro systems.
Avoid visiting on Mondays, as many museums in Norway are closed at the start of the week. Additionally, consider purchasing an "Oslo Pass," which provides free entry to most museums and unlimited travel on public transit. This pass is highly cost-effective for tourists intending to visit multiple cultural sites during a short stay.
Common mistakes when visiting the museums
A frequent error is assuming that all versions of The Scream are housed in the same building. Because the National Museum and the Munch Museum are distinct institutions, you must visit two separate locations to see the full breadth of the Scream series. Another common mistake is failing to account for the fragility of the artwork. Visitors often arrive expecting to see the 1893 version on display every day of the year, but museums occasionally rotate works for conservation purposes.
Furthermore, many tourists underestimate the popularity of these museums during the summer months. Arriving without a pre-booked time slot can result in being turned away if the museum reaches its capacity. Always verify the opening hours, as they often vary between weekdays and weekends. Being mindful of these logistical details ensures that your trip to see one of the world's most famous paintings is successful and stress-free.
Why is The Scream so important to art history?
The Scream represents a pivotal shift toward Expressionism, a movement that prioritized emotional experience over realistic representation. By distorting the landscape and the figure, Munch captured a universal sense of existential anxiety that resonated deeply with the public. The painting’s influence extends far beyond the art world, having become a permanent fixture in global pop culture. Its simple, haunting composition makes it instantly recognizable, even to those who have never visited a gallery.
The painting’s historical significance is also tied to its dramatic history, including high-profile thefts in 1994 and 2004. Both stolen versions were eventually recovered, which only served to increase the public's fascination with the work. Today, the painting serves as a symbol of human vulnerability and the intensity of the human psyche. By visiting the museums in Oslo, you are not just viewing a canvas; you are engaging with a profound cultural artifact that continues to define the boundaries of modern emotional expression in art.
Key facts
- Edvard Munch created four versions of The Scream between 1893 and 1910 using various media including oil, tempera, pastel, and lithography.
- The most famous version, a 1893 tempera and crayon work, is housed in the National Museum (Nasjonalmuseet) in Oslo, Norway.
- A second version, a 1893 pastel, is also located at the National Museum, while another pastel version from 1895 is held in a private collection.
- The 1910 tempera version is displayed at the Munch Museum (Munchmuseet), also located in Oslo.
- Visitors should check the National Museum’s website before visiting, as the delicate light-sensitive works are sometimes rotated or rested.
- Avoid confusing the versions; the National Museum holds the iconic 1893 painting, while the Munch Museum holds the later 1910 tempera version.
The bottom line
If you wish to see The Scream in person, you must travel to Oslo, Norway. The iconic 1893 version is permanently housed at the National Museum, while the 1910 tempera version is kept at the Munch Museum. Both institutions are central to the city's cultural landscape. Always verify current exhibition schedules online to ensure the specific version you hope to view is currently on public display.
People also ask
How many versions of The Scream exist?
There are four primary versions of the composition created by Munch, along with a stone lithographic printing plate that allowed for multiple black-and-white prints. The versions include two paintings, two pastels, and the series of prints.
Is The Scream currently on public display?
Yes, the versions owned by the National Museum and the Munch Museum are regularly exhibited in Oslo. Because they are sensitive to light, they are occasionally swapped with other works from the museums' extensive collections.
Can I take photographs of the painting?
Photography is generally permitted in the galleries for personal use, provided you do not use flash. Always check the specific museum signage, as rules can change for special loan exhibitions.
Was The Scream ever stolen?
Yes, the 1893 version was stolen from the National Gallery in 1994, and the 1910 version was stolen from the Munch Museum in 2004. Both paintings were eventually recovered by authorities and returned to their respective museums.
What materials did Munch use to create the work?
Munch experimented with different media, using oil paint, tempera, and pastel on cardboard or canvas. These varied materials contribute to the distinct textures and color intensities found in each of the four versions.
Why is the painting considered so valuable?
It is widely regarded as an icon of modern art and a symbol of human anxiety. Its profound emotional resonance and historical significance make it one of the most recognizable and expensive artworks in existence.
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