Olaf Ryes plass, Public square and park in Grünerløkka, Norway
Olaf Ryes plass is a public square and park in the Grünerløkka district of Oslo, bordered by Sofienberggata, Thorvald Meyers gate, Grüners gate, and Markveien. At its center stands an illuminated fountain dating from 1927, which serves as a focal point for the open space.
The city of Oslo acquired the land from Thorvald Meyer and Carl Johan Michelet in 1864, converting it from an open meadow into a public square. The transformation was completed by the late 1880s, establishing a new gathering space for the neighborhood.
The monument to Eilert Sundt has stood here since 1892, marking the square as a place of remembrance. The nearby Parkteatret building once hosted theatrical performances and screenings, shaping how locals gathered for culture and entertainment throughout the 20th century.
The square is easily accessible by tram, with lines 11, 12, and 18 stopping directly at Olaf Ryes plass. Its open layout and smooth surfaces make it comfortable for walking and sitting to rest or spend time.
During World War II, the square was the site of a tragic Gestapo operation in which resistance fighter Gregers Gram died in November 1944. This event remains an important part of local memory and continues to shape how people understand the place today.
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