Preus Museum

Preus Museum is Norway's national museum of photography, located at historic Karljohansvern in Horten. Explore the development of photography through historic images, cameras, photographic art and changing exhibitions.

From early cameras to contemporary photography
How has photography changed the way we see the world? The museum's permanent exhibition traces the development of photography from its earliest techniques to today's digital images. Through photographs, cameras and technical equipment, discover photography as an art form, a means of documentation and part of everyday life. The museum holds an extensive collection of Norwegian and international photography.

Changing exhibitions, new perspectives
Two galleries present changing exhibitions featuring photography and visual art from different periods. The exhibitions explore a variety of themes and artistic approaches, offering something new to discover on return visits. Check the current programme before visiting.

A photography museum in a former naval warehouse
Preus Museum occupies the fourth floor of Magasin A, a historic brick building from the 1860s, originally used as a naval warehouse. In 2001, architect Sverre Fehn redesigned the interior for museum use. The building provides a distinctive setting for photography while connecting the museum to Horten's naval heritage.

Guided tours, school visits and photographic heritage
Guided tours are available for groups by prior arrangement. School classes and kindergarten groups accompanied by teachers receive free admission. The museum also has a specialist photography library and a national centre for photographic conservation. The library is temporarily closed to regular visitors while work on the collections continues, although borrowing is still possible through the museum.

Explore more of Karljohansvern
Combine your visit with the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum, located in the same building and dedicated to Norway's naval history. You can also follow the historic walking route around Karljohansvern, passing former naval buildings, the Horten Canal and coastal green spaces.

Plan your visit
Preus Museum is located at Kommandørkaptein Klincks vei 7, approximately a 20-minute walk from Horten town centre and the ferry terminal. The museum is temporarily closed from 1 October through 20 November 2026, with reopening planned for 21 November. Regular opening hours are Wednesday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is free for visitors under 18 and accompanying carers. Guided group tours must be booked in advance.

The museum has lift access and accessible toilets. Wheelchair users must be accompanied by another person due to fire safety requirements. Parking is free for up to three hours in the gravel car park outside the former shipyard wall, but registration through EasyPark is required. Check current opening hours, admission prices, exhibitions and accessibility information at Preus Museum.