A well-kept secret and a truly alternative attraction in Oslo is the mausoleum of Emanuel Vigeland, little brother of Vigeland Park sculptor Gustav Vigeland.

The building's main attraction is a dark, barrel-vaulted room completely covered with frescoes. The 800-square-metre painting VITA ("LIFE") conveys dramatic scenes of human life from conception to death.

The story of Tomba EmmanuelleEmanuel Vigeland constructed the building in 1926 to house his paintings and sculptures, but decided later that the building would serve as his tomb.

All windows were walled up, and his ashes were to rest in an urn above the door. In line with his Italian idols, Emanuel called the building Tomba Emmanuelle.

The museum's telephone is only serviced during opening hours on Sundays.

• Destination

  Oslo

• Country

  Norway

• Type of experience

  Culture

• Best time to visit

  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Autumn
  • Summer

• Nearby stations

  • Alta Airport
  • Oslo Central Station
  • Port Of Oslo