Tromsø Library: more than a place for books

The short answer

Is Tromsø Library worth visiting?

Yes, if you are already exploring the centre. Known locally as Tromsø bibliotek og byarkiv, it makes a free, flexible stop for architecture, a short read or a pause indoors. Walk around the exterior first to see how the white concrete roof rises over the glass walls, then look up again from inside.

It is a working public library, not a museum with a fixed visitor route. If you want a curated exhibition about the city, choose Perspektivet Museum. For polar exploration history, head to the Polar Museum. The library suits a looser, shorter visit.

Look up

Why does the building look like that?

The library moved here in 2005, but the dramatic roof is older. According to Tromsø municipality, architect Gunnar Bøgeberg Haugen designed it for the former Fokus cinema, built in 1969. The new library was constructed beneath that retained roof, giving the old structure a second life.

The municipality traces the roof form to the shell structures of architect Félix Candela. You need no architectural background to enjoy it: from the street, the concrete sweeps over the transparent facade; inside, the curve changes the feel of the reading space. The front and rear of the building offer different views of the roof.

Inside the library

What can you do inside?

Browse the shelves, settle in with a book or bring children to the dedicated children’s area. The municipality says its collection includes books for adults, teenagers and children, and books in many languages. Check the events calendar if you would like a talk or reading; events vary by date and may be in Norwegian.

If Tromsø’s past interests you, visit the local history collection on the entrance level. It holds literature and source material on Northern Norway, with a focus on Tromsø and Troms. Its material can be used in the library but is not lent out. Staff assistance has separate drop-in hours, so check those before planning research.

Plan your visit

Opening hours and access

As checked on 16 October 2026, the main library lists staffed opening hours of 09:00–19:00 Monday to Thursday, 09:00–16:00 Friday and 11:00–15:30 Saturday and Sunday. Check the official opening-hours page before you go, especially around holidays.

There is no admission ticket to enter and read during normal hours. You may also see that the library offers “meråpent” access from 07:00 to 22:00. That is registered self-service access: the municipality says it requires a library card, PIN and signed agreement. Do not rely on those extended hours for a first-time walk-in visit; use the staffed hours above.

In the centre

Where is Tromsø Library?

The main library is at Grønnegata 94, 9008 Tromsø, in the city centre. It is an easy stop while walking between Storgata, the harbour and other central attractions. Look for the curved white roof over the glazed building.

For a compact indoor itinerary, combine it with Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum or Perspektivet Museum. Allow about 20–45 minutes for the architecture and a relaxed look around; longer if you want to read or research. That duration is our planning estimate.

Common questions

Tromsø Library FAQ