Cataloguing Edvard Munch’s book collection is an ongoing project. So far, his books and pamphlets have been catalogued. Munch’s large collection of magazines and journals still remains to be done. Nevertheless, we have decided to make the whole collection searchable. Please be aware that there may still be mistakes and missing information.
Edvard Munch’s book collection was purchased by Oslo city council following his death in 1944. It has therefore become part of the museum’s permanent collection, although not included in Munch’s legal bequest to the City of Oslo.
The collection consists of around 1600 books and 600 pamphlets. In addition there is Munch’s extensive collection of magazines.
Munch made very few annotations or marks in his books. Many of them are wholly or partly uncut, which gives an idea of what he did or did not read.
The books are generally in poor condition. Many are cheap editions made from acidic paper which is now crumbling. Some books have flecks of paint, others are damp, mouldy or nibbled by mice. You can vividly imagine how they fitted in with life at Munch’s Ekely property – more of a workshop than a traditional home.
The book collection gives us a window into Munch’s universe and provides valuable context for his works. It reflects Munch’s curiosity and wide range of interests. As well as many books on art, the collection includes works of fiction, biography, philosophy, religion and history. It bears witness to a strong interest in the human mind, and in both physical and mental health. It shows an artist with multiple contacts in Norway and abroad. His extensive travels have left their mark in the form of travel guides and maps.
As well as searching the database, it is also possible to study the collection in person, by arrangement with the Research Library.