Oscarshall, Neo-Gothic summer palace in Bygdøy, Norway
Oscarshall is a Neo-Gothic summer palace built from pale stone with distinctive spires and towers, located on the Bygdøy peninsula. The building overlooks the Frognerkilen fjord and sits within an encircling park that complements the residence.
King Oscar I and Queen Joséphine commissioned Danish architect Johan Henrik Nebelong to design and complete this residence in 1852. It was built as a royal retreat during the period when Norway and Sweden shared a monarchy.
The dining hall displays paintings by 19th-century Norwegian artists that reflect the artistic tastes of the royal family. These works show how the palace served as a space where art and royal life were intertwined.
The palace welcomes visitors from May through September with guided tours covering the interior and surrounding grounds. It is wise to book ahead, as tours accommodate limited numbers and spaces fill quickly during the season.
A section of the grounds called the Queen Joséphine Gallery displays graphic prints, including works created by the current Queen Sonja. This artistic connection links the palace's past with the present day royal family.
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