It is situated in the district of Grønland and housed in a former police station which was built in 1900–1902 under design by architect Balthazar Lange (1854-1937).

Mass immigration is a relatively recent phenomenon in Norway, starting with the influx of Pakistani migrant workers in the 1970s.

The Intercultural Museum was established as a response to the immigration and the cultural changes it entailed.

The museum is open daily (except Mondays), and offers free entry to the main exhibits and the gallery of contemporary art.

It also offers guided tours around Grønland, the historical "transit area" in downtown Oslo and one of the most obviously multicultural districts in the city.