"Oslo Negativ" Returns to the National Gallery
The National Gallery will once again come alive when the Oslo Negativ photography festival returns in the fall of 2026. Based on this year’s theme, “Passion,” three floors and more than 2,000 square meters will be filled with photography, exhibitions, and experiences.
After a record-breaking turnout last year, Oslo Negativ is back—bigger than ever. The festival is expanding to three floors at the National Gallery, and for the first time, the former Munch Room will also be filled with photography.
Last year, the festival attracted over 10,000 visitors. Around 200 photographers showcased the stories behind 1,130 images spread across nearly 40 exhibitions. In addition, guided tours were organized for school classes, companies, and other groups.
“Oslo Negativ has become an important gathering place for photographers and photography enthusiasts from across the country. This is where the photography buff and the curious first-time visitor meet.” We’re incredibly excited to make use of even more space and fill the iconic National Gallery with additional exhibitions this fall,” says Nina Sørlie, chair of the Oslo Negativ Foundation and curator of the Møller Collection.
Passion for Photography
Oslo Negativ is organized in collaboration between the Møller Collection, the Preus Museum, and a broad photography community. This year’s theme is “Passion,” and the Preus Museum invites photographers from Norway and abroad to participate in the museum’s international “Open Call.”
“Passion is a powerful force that drives us, engages us, and motivates people to act on what we perceive as important. This year’s theme opens the door to personal perspectives and new ways of looking at things we might not notice right away,” says Cecilie Øien, director of the Preus Museum.
The winners of the Open Call will be announced in late August and will be featured in the festival program.
A Meeting Place in Historic Settings
The old National Gallery has stood empty since 2019. Oslo Negativ 2025 marked the first time the public was once again able to experience the historic galleries filled with images.
In addition to exhibitions, this year’s festival offers workshops, lectures, a darkroom, a photobook workshop, and a café. The festival also facilitates various events and guided tours for businesses and organizations.
The festival has become an important meeting place for the photography industry and the public.
“Oslo Negativ brings life and visibility to photography as a field. The festival showcases its breadth and generates a unique energy in the encounters between young and established practitioners across various genres,” says Maya Økland, chair of Bjørka.
