Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House was inaugurated in 2008 and has since become an inextricable part of Oslo, and one of its strongest symbols. It is also the only opera house in the world to have won the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award for contemporary architecture from the European Union. Its location is part of its appeal – built on the harbour, the opera house faces the fjords which creates a direct link between city and nature. The materials used, white marble and glass, make the building both blend in, and stand out, in all weathers and seasons. The interiors keep in touch with Nordic traditions and are dominated by wood. In contrast, the hall’s contemporary, experimental space, is built of metal panels making a black box which stands in stark contrast to the rest of the hall. Everything about this opera house is beautifully thought through and worth a visit, from the restaurant to the rest rooms!