Experience Oslo’s multicultural environs by heading east if the center across the Akerselva River to Grønlandsleiret and Smalgangen in Grønland, known as the Greenwich Village of Oslo.
Here a wide variety if shops run by immigrants offer everything from exotic textiles and gold to kebabs, spices and saris.
The Grønland Bazaar at the corner of Tøyengata and Grønlandsleiret is a delight to all senses.
The Intercultural Museum
The newer addition to this lively quarter is the Intercultural Museum. Housed in a converted police station, it produces diverse exhibitions on the history if immigration and cultural changes in Norwegian society. Its aim to promote respect for cultural diversity.
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The Greenwich Village of Oslo
Follow Storgata north to explore the neighborhood of Grünerløkka. Known as the Greenwich Village of Oslo, this former working-class area by the Akerselva River has been transformed in the last decade into a trendy quarter with cafés, restaurants, eclectic galleries and independent shops.
Oslo’s hippest bars and nightclubs are in the Grønland and Grünerløkka districts.
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The Norwegian Center fort Design and Architecture
Southwest of Grünerløkka across the river the Norwegian Center for Design and Architecture (DogA) occupies a restored power-station next to Jakob’s church. The changing exhibitions focus on design and architecture, and there is a shop, café and restaurant.
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The Jewish Museum
Housed in a former synagogue (1921), the Jewish Museum is both a cultural center and museum tracing the history of Jews in Norway.
The Greenwich Village of Oslo, written by Tor Kjolberg