Universitetsplassen, square in Oslo city center, Norway

Universitetsplassen is a broad cobblestone square in the city center of Oslo, Norway, fronting the main law faculty buildings on Karl Johans gate. A central portico with a triangular pediment and four columns rises above the square, while rows of rectangular windows stretch across the left and right wings and trees flank the open area.

The two statues on the north side in front of Domus Media honor professors Anton Martin Schweigaard and Peter Andreas Munch, put up in 1883 and 1933. During the war, the square was used for propaganda gatherings by both the German occupiers and Nasjonal Samling.

Every autumn, newly enrolled students gather here to hear the rector's welcome speech during the matriculation ceremony. Since 1919 a Christmas tree has stood on the square each year, and the Salvation Army's Christmas kettle for collecting clothes and money is also placed nearby.

The square is easy to reach on foot from Karl Johans gate, and its central open space gives you a clear view of the surrounding facades. Benches near the entrance are useful for a short rest, and the flat cobblestones make walking around simple for most visitors.

During the war years, the lights on the square's Christmas tree were switched off at dusk as part of the blackout measures. The dark sign panel near the front still carries the words "UNIVERSITETET I OSLO" and "DOMUS MEDIA", marking the area's long connection to academic life.