Christiania Theatre

Christiania Theatre is a theatre building at Bankplassen in Oslo, designed by Christian Heinrich Grosch in the 1830s style and located near Akershus Fortress. The structure features classical architectural elements and served for decades as a venue for dramatic performances.

The theatre opened in October 1836 and became the primary venue for spoken drama in Norway until it closed in September 1899. During these decades, it transformed from hosting Danish artists to supporting Norwegian talent, helping to establish an independent theatrical culture.

The theatre was a place where questions of national identity played out, as it first employed Danish performers before gradually bringing Norwegian actors into its company from 1849 onward. This shift reflected the growing desire for a distinct Norwegian cultural voice.

The building sits centrally at Bankplassen, very close to Akershus Fortress, making it easy to reach on foot. Visitors should know that the site today stands as a preserved historical building and no longer operates as an active theatre.

The premiere of Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt took place here in 1876, a work that would influence Norwegian literature worldwide. This opening night marked a turning point for Norwegian playwrights and showed that local artists could achieve international significance.

Location: Oslo Municipality

Inception: October 4, 1836

Architects: Christian Heinrich Grosch

Official opening: October 4, 1837

GPS coordinates: 59.90889,10.74139

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08