Vigeland Museum, Neoclassical sculpture museum in Oslo, Norway
The Vigeland Museum is an art museum in Oslo dedicated to the work of Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, displaying sculptures, drawings, and prints made during the first half of the 20th century. The works range from small preparatory models to large finished pieces in stone, bronze, and clay.
The building was constructed in the 1920s as a studio and home for Vigeland after Oslo agreed to support him in exchange for his entire body of work. After his death in 1943 the city converted the property into a museum, which opened in 1947.
The sculptures show people in everyday moments: fighting, embracing, playing, or simply resting. Vigeland avoided clothing or symbols so that body language alone carries the meaning.
The museum is located in a residential area on the west side of Oslo and is easy to reach by public transit. Those who want to see the full collection and the artist's private rooms on the top floor should allow at least two hours.
The building was never designed as a museum from the start but as a working studio with living quarters built specifically around Vigeland's needs. The upper floors still hold thousands of original drawings and printing plates that are rarely put on display.
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