Archives, libraries and museums

Archives and documentation

Article

Public and private archives represent unique and authentic knowledge about society, history and culture in the past and present. They document the interests and rights of individuals and various population groups, and are important for research and the recording of history. Therefore, archives are also important for democracy and the rule of law.

Libraries

Article

Everyone should have access to art and culture, no matter where they live. Making literature and books available to everyone in Norway is an important part of this.

Museums and cultural heritage

Article

Our museums interpret the development of our society, the self-esteem of our nation and our shared standards of democracy and freedom of expression. Museums are the foundations on which our democracy rests, in that they are part of the essential infrastructure that allows us to exercise our democratic rights and our freedom of speech. Museum policy is therefore at the heart of our shared culture. In the past, our museums had an important role to play as the young Norwegian nation sought to build its own identity. Their role is just as important today as we grapple with shaping our current understanding of ourselves – who we have been, who we are, and who we aspire to be.