- Address: Rådhusplassen 1, 0037 Oslo, Norway
- Official website: www.oslo.kommune.no
- Architects: Arnstein Arneberg, Markus Poulson
- Height: 66 m
- Number of Floors: 17
- Working hours: daily 09: 00-16: 00
In the heart of the Norwegian capital is a monumental building of unusual shape. This is the Oslo City Hall, designed for political and administrative management of the capital.
History of construction and use of the Oslo City Hall
In 1905, Norway terminated a long-term alliance with Sweden and finally gained independence. At the same time, the authorities decided to build a grandiose monument that could become a symbol of sovereignty. For this purpose, a whole area was cleared, where formerly the old slums were located and from where a breathtaking view of the bay opened.
The architects of the Oslo City Hall are Arnstein Arneberg and Markus Poulson, who won the national competition for the best project. Because of the First World War and financial and economic problems, the construction of the building was postponed many times. As a result, the official opening of the Moscow City Hall took place only in May 1950.
Oslo City Hall Structure
Architects reworked the project 8 times, adding elements of different artistic and architectural trends of that era to it. That is why in the building of the Oslo City Hall read the characteristic features of the classical style, as well as functionalism and national romanticism. This is what makes it unique and unlike any other similar construction. Evidence of this is a large flow of tourists, the number of which reaches 300 thousand people a year.
Meetings of the city council and solemn events are held in the central building of the Oslo City Hall. It also includes two towers, which house the offices of 450 members of the city council. By the way, the height of the eastern tower is 66 m, and the western one - 63 m.
In the main building of the Oslo City Hall are the following halls:
- The ceremonial hall, decorated with frescoes by Norwegian artists;
- A long gallery in which busts of both architects are installed;
- the room of the 11th century King Harald III of Severe;
- the room of Edvard Munch (a famous Norwegian artist);
- Gallery of celebrations, decorated with marble and frescoes by Axel Revold;
- Banquet hall, where official receptions and banquets are held;
- The meeting room, open to visitors even during the debate;
- The Oriental Gallery, covered with huge frescoes by Pera Krogh;
- The western gallery, painted by the Norwegian artist Aage Stourstein.
Every year on December 10 in the Ceremonial Hall of the Oslo City Hall the Nobel Prize winners are awarded. This date is symbolic, because it was on this day in 1896 that Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel, the founder of this prestigious award, passed away.
The Oslo City Hall can be safely called the symbol of both the capital itself and the entire state. That's why it must be included in your travel itinerary in Norway . Just remember that this is still an administrative building, so during official events, it can be closed.
During the remaining days, group (15-30 people) and individual excursions are conducted here in German and English. During a visit to the Oslo City Hall, it is allowed to video and photograph. There is also a toilet on site, free of charge for visitors.
How do I get to the Oslo City Hall?
This monumental structure is located in the south-west of the Norwegian capital, 200 meters from the Inner Oslofjord Gulf. From the center of Oslo to the Town Hall can be reached by metro or car. Every 5 minutes from the central station of the capital the train leaves, which already in 6 minutes arrives to station Rådhuset.