Norsk Folkemuseum has comprehensive and diverse collections of artefacts, buildings, photographs and an archive of documents and records.. These collections represent to a large extent Norwegian and Sámi culture from the 16th Century to the present.
The collection contain around 160.000 artifacts representing daily life and work in Norway from the 16th Century to the present time.
The artifacts are from both urban and rural areas throughout Norway and are linked to home and domestic activities, farming, skilled labour, folk art and crafts. There are collections of folk dress, textiles, folk art, weapons, toys, musical instruments and church art.
The museum also has a unique collection representing Sami culture. Much of the older collections are from the 18th and 19th century, but in recent years, the museum has focused on collecting artifacts from the 20th century.
The museum’s large photo archive has photos, prints and other visual material, predominantly from the 1850s to present. The photos are taken by both professional and amateur photographers. Norsk
Folkemuseum has also done extensive photo documentation related to research projects and field work, as well as public museum events.
The museum’s extensive archives and records contain material from around 1800 to the present. The archives and records include documents from private contributors as well as Norsk Folkemuseum’s research and history.