Norway – A building that rises like an iceberg from the fjord

No matter in which direction one arrives Oslo, the capital of Norway, one sees this white building rise like an iceberg from the fjord. This building is the Opera House - the first Norwegian opera house ever. It was erected after the Parliament's decision in 1999. The ground work in the harbor pool began in 2003 and the building was completed by the end of 2007/08.

This building has been one of the most talked about buildings in recent times. From the decision was made in Parliament and the years during the construction prosess, there was so much negative publicity. That came from most people and the medias. Most people disliked the idea of placing the building by the harbour and so close to the city center. This negativity lasted until the building was compleated and the opening performance had been held on April 12, 2008. Now it has become one of the most popular places in Oslo where people meet.

During the construction prosess I could follow the development, since I usually visit Oslo a couple of times per year. I saw it from the bus. At that time I didn’t really had any negative thoughts about it, but I think it was because I didn't live in Oslo. In a way it was not any of my concern. But when I visited the Opera House for the first time half a year after the opening, I did become intrigued by it. I came to see it as an architectural masterpiece I visit each time I am in Oslo.

The Opera House is the main stage for the Norwegian Opera & Ballet, designed by the architectural firm Snøhetta AS, who won the architectural competition for the new building in 2000.

Snøhetta is an award – winning architect firm. In 1989 they attended the international architectural competition for the new library in Alexandria, Egypt.Snøhetta won that project. Throughout the past 10 years they have won several major projects around the world, such as: National September 11 Memorial Pavilion in New York, SFMOMA, in San Francisco, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Saudi Arabia, Times Square and Busan Opera in South Korea. In Norway they have also designed the first underwater restaurant in Europe « Under», which opened in March 2019.

It's generally prohibited to walk on the roofs of public buildings. But this does not apply to the Oslo Opera House. In fact, the roof has become an attraction in it self. The exterior of the building is clad with Carrara marble. Artists who have been responsible for the details on the marble have designed small elevations, inclines that collect water and various surfaces in the marble. Provides a very special touch to the building.

Usually I walk all over the building. From the edge of the water to the top of the roof to explore this white building and all the different structures. As you can see from the photos, there are a lot of people here! Most of the photos were taken close to midnight in the month of July. Due to the low sun, there was a nice shadow play on the roof. It is also a fun way of looking at people.

There are large indoor areas that are worth having a closer look at, like the area around the lobby and the toilets. The perforated walls are an example of the art that is integrated into the architecture. The perception will change over time and when you move around. So will the color.

The Opera House might not look that big when you see it outside. But in fact the house has a total floor area of 38,500 m² spread over around 1100 rooms, of which two large halls, one with 1350 seats and one with up to 400 seats.

Walking on the roof of the building has become a popular activity all year round. Not only Oslo residents. This building has become part of the city's tourist attractions. The lobby is open 24 hours a day, every day during the week and free of charge. It is also possible to join a guided tour and be able to visit the stage. The accessible roof and open public lobby makes the building a social monument where people to meet. It is a place to let your self be amazed and admire modern achitecture.