The Opera in Oslo is some of the most popular modern buildings in Norway. With its Scandinavian architecture, the building leaves the visitors completely breathless.
An anonymous contest for the construction of the Opera was announced in 2000, and 350 projects arrived from all parts of the world. Snøhetta, a Norwegian firm for architecture, provided a successful response to the task and it received several prestigious awards. The construction began in 2003, and ended in 2007. The Opera is located on the east side of the city center, only a few steps away from the central station of Oslo (Oslo S). Located by the port, the Opera looks like an iceberg emerging from water. It is covered with white marble and white granite, and being completely in glass and having an angular design with a sloping roof, the building actually makes it possible for visitors and the inhabitants of Oslo to walk on the roof.
Visitors can indulge themselves in the panoramic view of the city and the fiords during the whole year.
The appearance of the Opera could be relatable to the words of the very authors of this project:
‘’In order to own something, you need to walk on it, to touch it’’.
The Opera has become the trademark of the city and a great example of modern architecture in the world. When it comes to the issue when it is the best time to visit the building, sunny days actually provoke a special feeling among visitors, mostly due to the glass structure which is responsible for a fantastic experience of the light and the reflection of the city. However, even during winter days, the shining white color of the building makes everything more attractive. When it comes to the interior of the building, it is mostly made of oak with the main hall resembling classical theatres of the past. The main hall’s capacity is 1364 people, whereas two smaller rooms have the capacity of 200 and 400 people. The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet offers rich and diverse programs.
You can find the tickets and all the information about forthcoming events on their official site- www.operaen.no .
Concerts are held both inside the Opera and on the roof during summertime.
You don’t need a ticket for a theatre play in order to enter the foyer.
Also, you will find here a café and a shop which sells classical music and tickets for theatre plays.
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
Contact: [email protected]; instagram: travel_europe1
Photo credit: Didrick Stenersen/VisitOSLO
