Oslo Opera House, Oslo, Norway (Where Gumbo Was #128)

Congratulations to TravelingCanuck for correctly identifying our WITW 128 as the Oslo Opera House! It’s home to Norway’s National Opera and Ballet.

Getting their own National Opera House was a debate that lasted for more than 100 years in Norway.  Finally, in 2000, the Opera got Parliamentary approval. It was to be built in Oslo’s old BjØrvika harbor area, making it the first building in a comprehensive urban development project. It opened to the public in 2008.

Photo : Wasielgallery, Public Domain

The architects, SnØhetta, wanted to make the building to look like it was rising from the waters of the Oslo Fjord and also wanted a public space on the roof to blend both the beauty of Fjord and the city.

Opera houses, including Oslo’s, have followed Sydney’s lead of putting a beautiful building, with an open space, on the waterfront. But what distinguishes Oslo’s from the other’s, is that their open space is a free public access walkable sloping roof. Not only can use see the Oslo Fjord from the roof, you also get an amazing first hand view of the very  impressive Skyscrapers known as the Barcode. These skyscrapers provide offices and apartments for the new financial district. 

These show how Oslo has become one of the fastest growing capitals in Europe and an architectural powerhouse. The day we visited, the wind was blowing a lot, so much so we could barely stand while walking up. But I’m glad we did go, the view was worth it. On good days, Oslo residents use the roof for sunbathing.

Four main materials were used in designing Oslo’s Opera House: stone, wood, metal and glass; white marble from Carrara, Italy as the main stone used. Oak was also used in the foyer, public galleries, and the main house. The metal facades on the roof are made of aluminum and extensive glass facades are seen.

The interior of the building is also really interesting. The lobby has tall windows which allows great views of the water. Then, behind an oak wall, three performance halls can be found. As for the main auditorium, it is horseshoe shaped. The Opera also lets visitors have a behind the scenes look at what goes on backstage through big glass windows. The sewing room and the scene painting room are two examples.

Eight art projects can be seen at the Opera House, the most famous being the scuplture, She Lies, by Monica Bonvicini which is installed, in the fjord next to the Opera. It’s on a platform but the sculpture still moves as the tides and wind do.