Oslo Opera House, Opera house and concert hall in Bjørvika, Norway.
Oslo Opera House is a modern opera house and concert hall in the Bjørvika district, rising from the Oslofjord shoreline with distinctive angled forms and white marble surfaces throughout. Granite covers much of the building's exterior, and the sloped roof extends seamlessly to ground level, with the entire facility spanning approximately 49,000 square meters of interior and exterior space.
The building emerged from a 1999 international architectural competition won by the Snøhetta firm and officially opened on April 12, 2008. Construction was completed under budget and ahead of schedule, marking a notable achievement in public infrastructure development.
The venue hosts the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, attracting audiences from across the country for both classical and contemporary performances. Its white marble surfaces and open roof have become a gathering place where people meet and linger, whether attending a show or simply passing through.
Visitors can book guided tours to explore interior spaces like rehearsal rooms and technical departments, or simply walk on the roof for city and fjord views. The roof area is always open and free to access, making it an easy spot to visit on foot throughout the day.
The marble-covered roof functions as a public plaza where anyone can walk freely without needing a ticket or attending a performance. This unconventional design makes it a social gathering space rather than just an entertainment venue.
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