Tivoli, Oslo

Tivoli was a large entertainment complex on Karl Johans gate with multiple performance spaces: the Cirkus Verdensteater, the Chat Noir cabaret, and the Røde Mølle dance venue. The buildings stood close together between Karl Johans gate and Pipervika, offering different types of shows in separate halls.

Actor Knut Tivander established Tivoli in 1877 as a new entertainment destination in Oslo. The complex operated for around four decades before closing in 1934, and the buildings were demolished completely by 1937 during the city's modernization.

Tivoli functioned as a gathering place where circus performances, cabaret shows, and dance came together under one complex. The different venues inside reflected what the public wanted to experience, making it a window into the entertainment tastes of the time.

The site was centrally located and easy to reach on foot since it sat directly on Karl Johans gate. Visitors could move between the different venues within the complex and choose between circus acts, cabaret performances, or dancing depending on their mood.

Røde Mølle featured a bright red windmill on its roof that served as a striking landmark visible from across the city. This unusual rooftop structure became the signature feature of the venue and helped people spot it from a distance.

Location: Oslo Municipality

GPS coordinates: 59.91352,10.73435

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07