Story
The story of Oslo Opera House
Go ahead and walk on the roof. This building was designed so that its roof slopes down to the ground, creating a large plaza that invites you to climb up and look out over Oslo. Its angled surfaces, covered in white granite and Italian Carrara marble, make it appear to rise from the water.
In 1999, after a long national debate, parliament decided to build a new opera house. From 350 entries in the design competition, the judges chose the Norwegian firm Snøhetta. Construction ran from 2003 to 2007, ahead of schedule and under budget, and the gala opening on 12 April 2008 was attended by a king, a queen and a president.
Inside, oak brings warmth, and the horseshoe-shaped main hall seats 1,364 under a chandelier of 5,800 handmade crystals. Out in the fjord floats She Lies, Monica Bonvicini's sculpture of steel and glass, moving with the tides and wind. It is the largest cultural building in Norway since Nidaros Cathedral was completed circa 1300.
This story is compiled from Wikipedia and other open sources; dates and numbers are checked against the source. The text is shared under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence. Source ↗
Hear this story on the spot, in a natural voice
On Sightlore, the story of Oslo Opera House is narrated in a natural voice in 5 languages. When you arrive, say "I'm here" and get your passport stamp.
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More highlights in Oslo
- Frogner ParkFrogner Park is a public park in the central West End borough of Frogner in Oslo, Norway. The park is historically part of Frogner Manor and is Oslo's largest park, open to the public at all times.
- Vigeland installationFrogner Park is a public park in the central West End borough of Frogner in Oslo, Norway. The park is historically part of Frogner Manor and is Oslo's largest park, open to the public at all times.
- Norwegian Museum of Cultural HistoryNorsk Folkemuseum (Norwegian Museum of Cultural History), at Bygdøy, Oslo, Norway, is a museum of cultural history with extensive collections of artifacts from all social groups and all regions of the country.
- Akershus FortressAkershus Fortress or Akershus Castle is a medieval castle in the Norwegian capital Oslo that was built to protect and provide a royal residence for the city. It is located on the banks of the Oslofjord.
- National Museum of Art, Architecture and DesignThe National Museum is a museum in Oslo, Norway which holds the Norwegian state's public collection of art, architecture, and design objects.
- Viking Ship MuseumThe Viking Ship Museum is located on the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo, Norway.