Research
One of the Museum’s most important tasks is to generate and disseminate knowledge about Edvard Munch and his art. Our research is central to this work.
We are a research-based institution, and one of our aims is to broaden ideas about what research in a museum is and can be. In addition to traditional and important research within the fields of art history, conservation and collections management, we conduct research in areas such as learning, digital communications and audience experiences. In our new strategy, we focus on interdisciplinary research within the following areas:
- The museum’s collections
- Edvard Munch
- Programming and audience experiences
Work to systematize and catalogue the collections has been continuing ever since the City of Oslo inherited Edvard Munch’s collection over 70 years ago. In recent years, a major effort has been undertaken to digitize Munch’s writings and correspondence, in addition to translating some of his writings into other languages, including English. Easier access to Munch’s art and writings has led to an increase in research outside Norway into his artistic career, and we collaborate on a regular basis with museums, universities and businesses both in Norway and abroad.
Another important aspect of MUNCH’s research concerns conservation. Research into Edvard Munch’s painting techniques and materials during the various periods of his career will always be of interest to many people. In addition, our researchers are investigating the significance of Munch’s choices of materials and past conservation measures to the works’ current conditions. The results of such analyses help us to identify potential methods for preserving Munch’s art for the future.
