Tostrupgården, building in Oslo, Norway
Tostrupgården is a large building on Karl Johans gate facing the Parliament building, distinguished by its impressive facade of polished black Labrador stone on the lower floors and white Fauske marble above. The five-story structure combines neogothic and neobaroque elements with ornate wrought iron details and a distinctive lookout tower with a spiral top.
An original residence for a police chief was built on this site in 1856, but was demolished in the late 1800s after jeweler Jacob Tostrup purchased the property. The current building was constructed between 1896 and 1898 by architects Christian Fürst, Waldemar Hansteen, and Torolf Prytz, whose design was inspired by American skyscrapers Prytz had seen at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.
Tostrupgården takes its name from jeweler Jacob Tostrup, who had the building constructed in the late 1800s as his company headquarters. For many decades, it served as a gathering place: the basement housed the famous restaurant Tostrupkjelleren from 1897 to 2005, and between 1907 and 1911 it held Oslo's first cinema.
The building is located on one of Oslo's main streets and is easily visible, with the Parliament building directly across serving as a clear landmark. The facade is fully visible from street level and the building today houses shops and offices on multiple floors, making it accessible for various activities.
Architect Torolf Prytz, one of the building's designers, was also an accomplished goldsmith who became a partner in Jacob Tostrup's jewelry firm in 1884 and later married into the family. The building was among the first in Oslo to feature modern conveniences like an elevator and electric lighting, making it groundbreaking for its time.
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