Very interesting museum. It was my childhood dream to see this raft
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Thor Heyerdahl`s research foundation: Thor Heyerdahl (1914-2002) gained worldwide fame when he crossed the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft Kon-Tiki in 1947. He followed this up with spectacular expeditions on the reed boats Ra and Tigris. At the Kon-Tiki Museum guests can experience original vessels and up-to-date exhibits on Heyerdahl’s expeditions, including Kon-Tiki, Ra, Tigris, Easter Island, Fatu-Hiva, Tùcume, Galapagos, a 30-metre cave tour, an underwater exhibit with a 10-metre model of a whale shark, Thor Heyerdahl’s library, Thor Heyerdahl in person, andTiki pop culture. The original, Oscar-winning Kon-Tiki documentary film is screened every day at 12 noon in the cinema, and the museum has a well-stocked souvenir shop. Book your entrance ticket for the museum in advance for convenient, quick entry on the day.
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The two boats are obviously what makes this place, but I also liked the decorations and the "Deep Deeper Deepest" area (not an aquarium). I had no idea about any of this before I entered and the place did a good of getting me interested and delivered the information in a digestible way. I'd put this well ahead of the Norwegian Maritime Museum next door.
Excellent museum with so much to see. Really informative, nice film about the excursion. Lovely location reachable by bus, walking or boat ride.
The Kon Tiki exhibits and rafts were so well displayed. Loved this small museum! The Hop On/Hop off Bus goes to the Kon Tiki Museum, and there are other museums in the same area.
The Kon-Tiki expedition was much talked about in our youth. It was interesting to see the original balsa wood craft, and to read so much background information about the expedition. The presentations around the museum were really well put together and in a very accessible format. Also interesting to see the Ra II craft there, with information on that expedition.
This was a fantastic museum that gave a very good insight into the voyages of Thor Heyerdahl and his team. We took the bus from Central Oslo which took about 15 minutes and was very easy to use. We found out later there is also a water taxi that goes from the harbour and takes about the same time. Would recommend using the Ruter App to get around.
Great museum. Brilliant effects. The boat is set in the middle of the room. The screen around the room changes from lovely calm weather to very stormy. Really well presented. We really enjoyed our visit. This museum is covered by the Oslo Pass.
I first visited the Kon-Tiki in September 2025 and reviewed it here. The reason I'm reviewing again is after visiting again with my partner this summer, I felt it was only fair to point out some of the changes to the museum since then. When I came last, I loved the experience and this is a little gem well worth visiting, however some parts were showing their age a little. Well, they clearly knew that as when we visited this year, a number of the rooms had been modernised and given a more up to date feel. This was mostly evident around the Kon-Tiki itself where a lot more interactive items had been installed, including some stuff for kids to play with and explaining how the raft was steered etc. Now I'm old and don't mind just reading stuff/descriptions on exhibits, but even I can admit this is far more engaging and a good way to get younger minds into the subject matter. Overall, I think they did a good job with the improvements and the missus thoroughly enjoyed her first contact with the slightly unhinged adventuring madness of Thor Heyerdahl. As per previous visits, this was included on the Oslopass, so be sure to get that and check in! Also as per previous, the Fram gets all the attention and this is far quieter, which is a shame, but at least also means you can take your time looking at everything. Still a 'highly recommended' from me!
Less crowded than the nearby Fram and Maritime museums, but still worth an hour or so to appreciate the scope of Thor Heyerdahl’s curiosity and innovative spirit, as you look at the two experimental ships he created, one (Kon-Tiki) made of balsa logs and one (Ra II) of papyrus reeds. Make sure not to miss the “underwater” portion of the exhibit showing the marine life that flourished below Kon-Tiki. There is also a section on Heyerdah’s journey toit offers some unique gift options with Polynseian flair. Stroller/wheelchair accessible throughout (unlike Fram). Included with the Oslo Pass, but individual ticks are 180 Norwegian Kroner for adults, 70 for children. The bargain is the 24-hour Oslo pass that includes the ferry ride, Fram, Kon-Tiki, and other museums on the peninsula.
I went as I read the book as a child and of course it was a daring expedition. Sweet little place, I do not think I would have gone without the Oslo Pass. My criticism is that the museum takes a completely non critical approach to the notion of the ‘great white male explorer’. I was shocked to see many stone carvings from burial caves that Thor had proudly appropriated! It is time to update this place in the light of current understanding of culture and colonialism
Having visited Fram and the Maritime museum I was a little frustrated that I had not left myself sufficient time to explore this museum. (they are all next to each other). Kon Tiki contains a great deal to see, including the original balsa wood raft used on the exploration. It is amazing learning just how brave Thor Heyerdahl was and the faith he had in the raft even staying afloat. Reading that he could not even swim just exemplified the courage and enthusiasm involved in these explorations.
We visited this museum plus The Fram and the Maritime Museum on our recent trip to Oslo. All three were well displayed, had Norwegian and English wall descriptions, and had clear routes through to facilitate your visit and understanding of the topic. So glad we spent the day on the Bygby Peninsula!
I originally visited this museum in 2018 and I really enjoyed it. The first part explained the reason for the expedition and the charisma of those involved. Sadly this visit was a disappointment. The museum was halfway through being changed. To my mind, it was better before. The layout is now awkward with bits of information jutting into where visitors are walking. One section is accessible over a glass panel on the floor. I didn’t enjoy walking over it (and I witnessed many others not enjoying it either). When you gain access to this section it baffles me what is to be learned. The layout (again) in this small section is not through very well (it is certainly not accessible in a wheelchair). There is supposed to be an audio guide so perhaps that will help with the information, but it was not available/offered to us. There are speakers on the wall (quite high up - not easy for children or those in wheelchairs). In order to hear what is coming out of the speaker, you have to push your ear to it, which then means your body is blocking the written information for other visitors. You are then lead into a dark area (I felt claustrophobic). This area is all about the sharks and other sealife that the crew of kontiki saw. This area is probably aimed at children. Only after leaving this area did I find any information on why they set off. This was my friend’s first visit and I will let her write her own review. For me, it’s badly laid out and visitors should definitely be informed of the reason for the expedition at the very beginning.
Very interesting museum in Oslo. Superb staging of important voyages.
There was alot of renovation going on during our visit, so I was glad that we had free admission from the Oslo Pass otherwise I would have felt let down, as they don't tell you this before you enter. Exhibits were missing and alterations being made so not that good of a visit, maybe when it's completed it will look good. This is an interesting museum with lots of information but hopefully work is completed soon.
I remember studying this expedition at school. This was a great reminder. I did this tour in conjunction with the Fram museum. Enjoyed the timeline of the various expeditions.
Great museum. Replica of Ra II on display and lots of interesting artifacts, stories and photographs about the Kon-Tiki. Takes about one hour to go through the two floors of the museum.
The best of all the museums that we went to. Informative with a good variety of media. It's a bit different to the others. Really enjoyed it
When I was a kid, I was blown away by a documentary I saw on the telly and watched with my dad one weekend. It was the Oscar winning one produced to cover Thor Heyerdahl's 1947 voyage across the Pacific ocean on a balsa wood raft named Kon-Tiki. Its something that stuck with me, especially when I found out he'd done similar again on a reed based boat named 'Ra' and tried to sail the Atlantic. Suffice to say, as an unsuitable mode of transport enthusiast, he's my kind of madman. So naturally, in Oslo for an actual social visit rather than work, this place was high on my list to see. So, after doing the Fram museum next door, I flashed the old Olso-pass and wandered in, to be immediately greeted with what I was here to see. No messing about, no teasing. There she was. Kon-Tiki. I don't mind admitting I spent a good spell here, just looking and taking in this mad old craft. They sailed over the Pacific in THAT! Amazingly, despite how busy the Fram was, the Kon-Tiki just wasn't! Maybe all those coach parties were on fixed tours? Who cares, I had the old girl practically to myself for ages. It was wonderful to be just able to sit there with my thoughts and take it in, I felt like I was 7 again. The rest of the museum covers the Kon-Tiki voyage as well as the 'Ra' one in 1969/70 (the 'Ra II' is next door in another hall, 'Ra' failed and broke up at sea) and a load of Theyerdahl's other ethnographicalarcheology trips to the likes of Easter Island. This winds down into a basement level and takes you under Kon-Tiki itself as if you are beneath the waves. I know Heyerdahl's theories behind a lot of his work is controversial and I don't subscribe to any of that. For me however, it was worth the trip alone just to see that mad old raft that some Norwegian nutter floated across the Pacific on that I'd first encountered on tv as a child. I'd recommend a visit purely just to see the two rafts and as it's included in the Oslo-pass, worth sticking your head in for a look especially if you're here for the Fram. the vikingship museum (when it's back open!) or the Folk museum.
This is an amazing exhibition following the adventures of Thor Heyerdahl, seeing the impressive water craft he built for the crossing of the pacific (balsa wood raft)and Atlantic, (reed bundle raft). One of three must see museums in the immediate area.
Having read about Kon Tiki and RA when growing up in the 60s this was teh #1 place I wanted to visited on my break in Oslo. I was not disaapointed. The museum houses both Kon Tiki and Ra II and tells tales of the adventures. I was a bit awe struck seeing both vessels in real life. As well as the boats there is a short film about the Kon Tiki cruise running on a loop. It stops around lunchtime when a longer documentary is shown. Whilst there is no cafe in the museum the one in theh maritime museum can be accessed witout a ticket and it is just across the road. Also next to it is the Fram museum. Tickets to all these 3 and public transport are included in the OSlo pas. At this time of year the ferry to the museums do not run but the #30 bus stops right by the museum and is around a 25 min ride from the city centre.
I'd never heard of Kon-tiki. The dude was totally out of left field - and he persuaded others to come with him!! Great museum! The original raft and Ra the reed boat. Very interesting and not too long
I remember long ago learning about the Kon-Tiki when I was much younger and now finally got to see it in person while in Oslo. The museum was a short ferry ride on the Bygdoy ferry that departed from City Hall Pier 3. The ferry ride and museum admission were included in our Oslo Pass. Once inside the Kon Tiki balsa wood ship was to the left and the Ra II reed boat was to the right. The museum seemed a little older but overall presented the Kon Tiki expedition in an easy to follow manner with lots of interesting artifacts. It was also surprising to learn about the post sailing and the effort needed to bring the Kon Toki back to Norway which eventually led to the renovation and housing in this museum. Thor Heyerdahl also funded and led other expeditions and the Easter Island one was covered in detail while following a tunnel down below. The Ra II was housed in the final section of the museum. It was another proof of concept that worked out the second time with this reed boat. The expedition also collected details about the oil spills found on their journey and the resulting actions taken. While it's convenient to see this museum after the Fram or Maritime museums (located right across the parking lot from each other) one may want to split the visit so you don't get overloaded with seeing boats.
Museum display was very interesting. The visuals and narrative told the amazing story well. The detail and insight really made it a worthwhile visit.
After reading Thor Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki years ago, I was enthralled by this true-life adventure. Seeing the Kon-Tiki at the museum and viewing all of the well-organized exhibits was a great experience. It was also interesting to see the Ra expedition information and related displays. The museum was not busy, and the staff were welcoming and helpful. The museum can be enjoyed by all age groups.
This is a smaller Museum, but so worth the trip! The story of the Kon Tiki is incredible! It is right near the pick up or drop off from the ferry from City Hall area.
I definitely recommend getting the Oslo pass which includes entrance to key attractions. As such, we were able to pop over from the impressive Fram museum to the Kon-tiki museum. If you are familiar with the Kon-Tiki and of a certain age, this will be a great place to visit. My companion was very excited to visit and was not disappointed; having read about Thor Heyerdahl as a child he was quite pleased that we were able to view the ships. One tip for your visit --we saw only two open air stands selling food and limited outdoor seating in the area among the museums so we wish we had planned a bit more.
Fascinating museum! My family and I really enjoyed learning about the Kon-Tiki, especially after we toured the neighboring Fram museum. We would highly recommend doing the museums together - they offer an interesting perspective on the history of Norwegian sea travel and exploration.
Amazing experience, I learned a lot during my visit to the Kon Tiki museum. Also be sure to check out the Fram museum nearby if you plan to visit Kon Tiki.
Great museum. A lot of interesting information and an excellent exhibition. There is ample parking available outside and several options for public transportation
Part of three museums on site with all related to ships. The Kon-Tiki Museum is about an exhibition of Easter Island while the Fram Museum is about the North Pole. It's very interesting from start to finish with the self funding model and the Kon-Tiki boat as well.
We visited this museum in conjunction with the other two that are nearby. It's a small but interesting museum with a nice replica of the Kon Tiki. There are some good artifacts on display also.
Full disclosure: I worked as an archaeologist with Thor Heyerdahl in 1998 so visiting this museum had been on my agenda for decades! I LOVED visiting the museum and seeing the replica of the Kon-Tiki and the Ra. I learned a lot more about Heyerdahl and his amazing trips across the ocean. The gift shop has a lot of nice choices, too. I really liked the little story written for children that's on the wall at their height. :)
Beautiful !!! It was very interesting to see this boat how they lived there for so many days and they made a great trip wonderful
To be honest I had forgotten all about these epic journeys until I was in Oslo and saw the opportunity to visit. The visit was superb and the musuem does a great job of highlighting the amazing tenacity of Thor Heyerdahl and his team to make the Kon Tiki and Ra expeditions. Amazing to see Kon Tiki so well preserved!
Took the ferry from City Hall (another use for the Oslo pass) and spent a very enjoyable hour at the Kon-Tiki museum. Very well organized and has pictures and artifacts from their amazing journey.
The Kon Tiki museum is very inspirational. It has the vessels from the Kon tiki expedition made by Thor Hererdahl. He used a raft made of Balsa wood. Later for another expedition he built one made of reeds!
This is actually the Kon-Tiki and Ra II Museum. It contains the original Kon-Tiki boat, which was made from balsa wood and rope, and the Ra II boat, which was made from papyrus (the first Ra expedition was unsuccessful). Both boats were used by the famous Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. The museum is very interesting. Allow at least 1.5 hours for your visit.
A great museum for kids and adults. An amazing true story of exploration and adventure with the actual raft on site. Also not so huge that you are worn out after. I appreciated the special attention on the woman behind the scenes without whom it likely would not have happened—Gerd Vold Hurum.
Small museum celebrating Thor Heyerdahl’s explorations on the Kon Tiki and Ra. The actual Kon Tiki and Ra are on display as well as an easy to follow explanation of the crew and how the raft was built. Also there is a film explaining how the Kon Tiki almost never made it back to Norway after the successful exploration because no one wanted it. Fortunately the museum was formed. There is also a display of artifacts taken from Easter Island with a note they are negotiating to return them (which should be done).
We had been about 15 years ago, and many things had changed. I especially enjoyed learning about Gerd Vold Hurum. Her very major role in planning for Kon Tiki had been completely left out of everything I'd ever read before. Great addition and great museum!
We visited with our Oslo passes having been to the fram museum next door. We didn’t know anything about the Kon Tiki but found the story at the museum so interesting that when we got back home we immediately watched the documentary. What a story!
Nice museum with engaging story. There’s a kids simplified story alongside it which is a nice touch and they can do a quiz to get a sticker. Good way to round off the three nautical museums.
Highly recommend. It was great to see the actual ships after reading the book and seeing the documentary as a child. The museum is very well done. Easy to get to by bus or ferry using the Oslo pass. Highly recommend!
We visited this museum because we had the Oslo pass and it had good ratings. It was actually very interesting to learn the history behind the vessel. The museum is very interactive and visually appealing.
after reading many of the books of Heyerdahl, this museum does not disappoint...mainly focussing on the Kon-tiki and Ra expeditions but also on history of Polynesia; very fascinating
A truly awe-inspiring exhibition of legendary adventures. Beautifully mounted and displayed. Worth a repeat visit!
Great small museum about Thor Heyerdahl - the Kon Tiki and the Ra, as well as his works. We found the exhibits very approachable and informative. This is a great activity for folks of all ages. I look forward to revisiting when I return to Oslo.
I have since childhood always admired the adventurous spirit of Thor Heyerdahl and so it was a fascinating experience going through a museum that documents his adventures.
I had read "Kon-Tiki," the rapturous adventure of this raft voyage from Chile to the Polynesian Islands, when I was 12. Never did I ever think that almost 60 years later I would be standing within a few feet of the actual craft. The museum does an excellent job of not only telling but showing the entire history -- from conception to planning, from voyage to international acclaim. We spent over three hours here for in addition to the Kon-Tiki, it features the papyrus reed craft used to sail from South America to Europe. I highly recommend taking the extra hour to view the Oscar-winning, hour-long documentary that used a home move camera to capture what daily life on the voyage was like. It brought me there, to the actual voyage, where I got to see how these brave adventurers (including one who was a member of the brave Norwegians who blew up the Nazi's heavy water plant) adapted to ever changing conditions -- many of which had not before been chronicled. I kept wondering if I would have had the courage to attempt it. I concluded that the 12-year-old me is still very much alive as I was filled with awe and wonder.
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