The introduction to a capital city’s most artistic structure is not usually begun on that structure’s roof.
But such is not the case at the Oslo Opera House in Norway!
This feat of Norwegian architecture juts up from the Oslo fjord with the intentional appearance of a stunning iceberg rising up from the water! The outer surface is constructed with white granite to give it an icy appearance. The roof, constructed from white Italian Carrera marble, is beautiful to behold, while at the same time encouraged to be stepped on. After a short, angled climb to the top, one can enjoy panoramic views of breathtaking Oslo. This counterintuitive ascent is just the first bold step of many taken by the architects at Snøhetta to captivate the Opera House’s visitors.
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Upon entering the lobby, vast views of the surrounding waters are enjoyed, thanks to tall windows constructed with special glass and almost no framing. Angled columns supporting the roof also serve to not obstruct the views of the water.
In stark contrast to the sharp, cold, iceberg-like exterior are the smooth, undulating interior surfaces which are covered in oak. This affords visitors the sensation of being warmed. The sense of comfort and warmth is heightened when one enters the horseshoe-shaped auditorium, discovering that its source of light is an enormous chandelier containing almost 6,000 handmade crystals! When illuminated, it reminds onlookers of the moon lighting up the night sky (photographs were not allowed inside during the tour).
Moving on, one reaches the three performance halls. The Main House forms the center of the structure. There are also two smaller stages called the Second House and the Studio.
Visitors venturing backstage to the production area will be treated to unexpected glimpses through giant glass windows, seeing activity occurring in various rooms such as the sewing room and backdrop painting room. We also saw ballerinas warming up in one of the rehearsal rooms featuring gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that also look out to the fjords. This is where the functionality of the architecture is revealed as one with such openness. Inside, we had the privilege to see the most transparent views of all the Opera House’s inner workings, and in effect, one experiences being privy to a beautiful secret!
The Oslo Opera House is a modern feat of architecture which fiercely ventures into new territory not by being futuristic, but by emanating the ancient and most familiar landscapes in a juxtaposition of old and new. The design of this venue seeks to bring the visitors back to nature, and serves to remind visitors of the true inspiration behind much of the world’s most beautiful artwork – the bold, passionate, unforgiving, and awe-inspiring landscape of beautiful Norway.
From experiencing the sensation of climbing a cold and lonely iceberg, to venturing down inside toward the feeling of being hugged by ancient forests, visitors will have an experience at Oslo Opera House like none other! In exploring this work of architectural genius, we were privileged to see artistic brilliance fold out in full action. Like the brooding and breathtaking natural landscape it seeks to remind us of, the Norwegian Opera House is unapologetically raw in its beauty and inspiration!
Thanks to the Oslo Opera House | Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway | Home of The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and The National Opera Theatre in Norway