Oslo Opera House
Oslo
The Oslo Opera House, located in the Bjørvika neighborhood at the head of the Oslofjord, serves as the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Designed by the architectural firm Snøhetta, it was completed in 2007 and opened in 2008. The building features a distinctive angled exterior clad in Italian Carrara marble and white granite, creating the impression of a glacier rising from the water. It houses 1,100 rooms over 49,000 square meters, including a main auditorium with 1,364 seats and two smaller performance spaces. The interior contrasts warm oak finishes with the coolness of the exterior, and the main auditorium is illuminated by an oval chandelier containing 5,800 handmade crystals. The roof doubles as a public plaza, offering panoramic views of Oslo and inviting pedestrians to walk on its sloping surface. The Opera House has won multiple architecture awards and contains notable artworks such as Monica Bonvicini’s floating sculpture "She Lies" and a stage curtain designed by Pae White. It is both a cultural landmark and a popular tourist destination, attracting over a million visitors annually.
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Tip: Visit the Oslo Opera House during spring and summer for pleasant weather and to enjoy walking on its marble roof plaza. Tickets for performances are recommended to be purchased in advance due to high demand. The building is accessible and offers electronic libretto systems in Norwegian and English to enhance the opera experience. Visitors can also explore the public areas freely, including the lobby with panoramic fjord views. Check the official website for current opening hours and performance schedules.
Interesting facts
- •The building contains 1,100 rooms across 49,000 square meters, making it the largest cultural building constructed in Norway since the medieval Nidaros Cathedral.
- •The roof is accessible to the public, allowing visitors to walk on its angled marble surfaces and enjoy panoramic views of the Oslofjord and city.
- •The main chandelier in the auditorium contains 5,800 handmade crystals, illuminating the horseshoe-shaped hall.
- •The floating sculpture "She Lies" by Monica Bonvicini moves with the tides and wind, creating an ever-changing visual experience.
- •The stage curtain was designed to resemble crumpled aluminum foil, woven from wool, cotton, and polyester to create a three-dimensional effect.
History
The idea for an opera house in Oslo dates back to 1917 but was delayed due to financial and political challenges.
In 1999, the Norwegian legislature approved construction in Bjørvika after a national debate and design competition won by Snøhetta.
Construction began in 2003 and finished in 2007, ahead of schedule and under budget.
The building was officially opened in April 2008 with notable dignitaries present.
Since then, it has become the most visited tourist attraction in Oslo and was protected as a cultural heritage site in 2012.
Place Guide
Main Auditorium2007
The horseshoe-shaped main auditorium seats 1,364 spectators and features an impressive oval chandelier with 5,800 handmade crystals. It includes electronic libretto monitors allowing audiences to follow performances in Norwegian and English.
Roof Plaza2007
The building’s roof slopes down to ground level, forming a large public plaza covered in Italian Carrara marble and white granite. Visitors can walk on the roof to enjoy panoramic views of Oslo and the Oslofjord.
"She Lies" Sculpture2010
A stainless steel and glass floating sculpture by Monica Bonvicini installed on a concrete platform adjacent to the Opera House. It moves with the tides and wind, presenting a dynamic face to viewers.
Lobby and Foyer2007
The lobby features 15-meter tall windows with minimal framing, offering expansive views of the water and city skyline. Interior surfaces are clad in warm oak, contrasting with the exterior’s white marble and granite.
Contact
Phone: 21 42 21 21
