Preus Museum

Preus Museum is Norway's national museum of photography, located at Karljohansvern in Horten. Here you can explore the history of photography, from early technical experiments to contemporary photographic art. The museum features Norwegian and international photography collections, a historical permanent exhibition and changing exhibitions that explore how photographs document, tell stories and shape the way we see the world.

From the first cameras to contemporary photography

How has photography changed the way we see the world? At Preus Museum, you can follow its development from early photographic techniques to today's digital images and artistic expressions. Historical photographs, cameras and photographic equipment reveal how the medium has evolved over generations. The museum holds an extensive collection of Norwegian and international photography. Discover the technological history of the camera alongside photography as an art form, a means of documentation and part of everyday life.

Changing exhibitions, new perspectives

Preus Museum has two galleries with temporary exhibitions presenting photography and visual art from different periods and backgrounds. The exhibitions explore a range of themes, inviting visitors to consider images and visual culture from fresh perspectives. Each visit may offer something different, with new photographs, artists and stories on display. Check the museum's current exhibition programme when planning your visit.

A photography museum in a historic naval warehouse

The museum occupies the fourth floor of Magasin A, a historic brick building dating from the 1860s. Originally used as a warehouse by the Royal Norwegian Navy, the space was adapted for museum use in 2001 by Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn. The old brickwork and maritime history give the museum a distinctive setting. Here, the story of photography meets Horten's naval heritage in the heart of the former naval base.

Guided tours, school visits and photographic heritage

Preus Museum offers guided tours for groups who would like to explore the exhibitions in greater depth. School classes and kindergarten groups accompanied by teachers receive free admission, and educational visits must be arranged in advance. The museum also has a specialist photography library and a national centre for photographic conservation, dedicated to preserving photographic materials. The library is currently closed for ordinary visits while work on the collections continues, although borrowing remains possible through the museum's arrangements.

Explore more of Karljohansvern

Preus Museum is situated in the historic naval area of Karljohansvern, surrounded by former military buildings, museums and green spaces. Nearby, the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum tells the story of Norway's naval forces through historic vessels, objects and exhibitions. After your museum visit, follow the walking route through Karljohansvern. The route passes historic naval buildings, follows the Horten Canal and continues through green spaces shaped by the area's maritime past.

Plan your visit

Preus Museum is located at Kommandørkaptein Klincks vei 7, Karljohansvern, Horten, approximately a 20-minute walk from Horten town centre and the ferry terminal.

The museum's regular opening hours are Wednesday to Friday, 11 am–3 pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 11 am–4 pm.

It is normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Special opening hours may apply during holidays. The museum is temporarily closed from 1 October through 20 November 2026 and is scheduled to reopen on 21 November. Admission costs NOK 100 for adults and NOK 70 for students and seniors.

Children and young people under 18, as well as accompanying carers, receive free admission. School classes and kindergarten groups accompanied by teachers are also admitted free of charge.

Guided group tours require advance booking and have separate charges. Parking is available in the large gravel car park outside the former shipyard wall. Parking is free for up to three hours, but registration through the EasyPark app is required.

Visit the Preus Museum website for current opening hours, exhibitions, admission prices, accessibility information and guided tour bookings.