National Theatre, Oslo
Norway's principal drama theatre, opened in 1899, with Ibsen and Bjornson statues standing outside.
The National Theatre opened on 1 September 1899 with a gala that included plays by Henrik Ibsen and Bjornstjerne Bjornson. Henrik Bull designed the building in a neo-classical manner with rococo detail, set between Karl Johans gate and the Royal Palace gardens. Statues of Ibsen and Bjornson by Stephan Sinding flank the entrance steps, and a bust of Ludvig Holberg stands nearby. The auditorium and foyers keep much of their original decoration.
The theatre is Norway's largest drama company and works across several stages: the Main Stage, the Amphitheatre, the Painting Hall and the separate Torshov Theatre in the north of the city. The repertoire mixes Ibsen and other classics with new Norwegian writing and international drama. The building has hosted the Ibsen Festival since 1990, and a major programme to rehabilitate the ageing structure has been under preparation by the Norwegian state.
Highlights
- Opened in 1899 with plays by Ibsen and Bjornson
- Statues of Ibsen and Bjornson by Stephan Sinding at the entrance
- Main Stage, Amphitheatre, Painting Hall and Torshov Theatre
- Host of the Ibsen Festival, held here since 1990
