The construction of the new opera house – designed by the acknowledged Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta – is the largest single cultural-political initiative in contemporary Norway. It took five years to build and the cost was about 500 million Euros. The result is an extraordinary building that rises directly from beneath the fjord. The white marble clad roofs cape forms a large public space in the landscape of the city and the fjord (click all pics to bigify and enjoy):
‘The design takes from the city and gives back to the city; It directs, but is nevertheless subservient and puts people and the magic and power of the House at the centre of the place. It creates an unexpected dynamic both externally and internally to the benefit of lovers of opera and ballet, the city of Oslo and the international community.’ That’s was the jury’s characterisation when Snøhetta won the design competition after Norway’s National Assembly (Stortinget) in 1999 approved the building. Groundwork began in 2003 and the opening was on April 12 2008.
Up to 50,000 persons visit the new monumental building at the Oslo waterfront each week. Some of them to experience the music or/and watch the ballet of course, but actually most of them for a recreational adventure. This really shatters the myth about a cultural building like the opera being dull and difficult and only an indoor adventure and shows that the opera is more than entertainment for the bourgeoisie. I was there for that reason a week ago and gladly take you along to give you the proof of the pudding – bon appétit:
I take it you see the geese in the water, but if you look right off from the shore in the middle of the picture, you’ll see swans too:
If you walk on the roof – well, yes: Oslo Opera House is the worlds only where you’re not just able to, but are meant to go on the roof! At first there is magnificent scenery:
Here you might spot the swan has gone into the water.
Then there is a wonderful playground for recreation and relaxation:
The day after a Russ party
Another example of putting aesthetic experience for the people: The huge glass walls give interesting reflection for those (not only professionals!) who wants to experiment with their camera (mind you; I only used my Nokia N82, so bear with me the quality):
I walked around on the Opera House for hours that Saturday and to me it was a quality time experience even though my music taste is closer to Reggie and Bob Marley than Carmen, the French opera comique by Georges Bizet
Others than Norwegians seam to like this special construction too: For 2008: Mies van der Rohe Award went to Snøhetta’s Oslo Opera House!
If you like to experience more of Oslo Opera, you may read my other posts so far:
New Oslo Opera House in Norway
A guided tour in Oslo with David Gurteen
Olga at the New Oslo Opera House
If you like a unique way to experience culture for real people, you’re always welcome to visit me in Oslo – I’ll gladly walk with you on the white marble roofs of our Opera House 
May 6th, 2009 at 12:13 am
It is indeed a very beautiful structure and the grounds are impeccable. Excellent.
Have a terrific day. Big hug to you and Diane.
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May 6th, 2009 at 1:05 am
[...] Oslo Opera House recreational Culture for the People [...]
May 6th, 2009 at 2:30 am
[...] RennyBA’s Terella created an interesting post today on Oslo Opera House recreational Culture for the PeopleHere’s a short outlineThe construction of the new opera house – designed by the acknowledged Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta – is the largest single cultural-political initiative in contemporary Norway. It took five years to build and the cost was about 500 million Euros. The result is an extraordinary building that rises directly from beneath the fjord. The white marble clad roofs cape forms a large public space in the landscape of the city and the fjord (click all pics to bigify and enjoy): ‘The desig [...]
May 6th, 2009 at 5:42 am
This is quite a beautiful building and very innovative. I would like to see the performance space. Have you attended a performance there? Are the acoustics good? Sometimes concert halls have to be “tuned” for optimal acoustics. Nice post, thanks.
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May 6th, 2009 at 8:42 am
What an amazing building and so interactive, too. Thanks for that insight into one of the architectural delights of Oslo, Renny.
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May 6th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Very nice photos again from you. I think that the Oslo opera house more than the Sydney one encourages people to take photos of things happening or make studies of people visiting it, not just architectural photos.
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May 6th, 2009 at 9:02 am
[...] RennyBA put an intriguing blog post on Oslo Opera House recreational Culture for the PeopleHere’s a quick excerptThe construction of the new opera house – designed by the acknowledged Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta – is the largest single cultural-political initiative in contemporary Norway. It took five years to build and the cost was … [...]
May 6th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Beautiful! I guess I did say this before, but I have to repeat myself: I love your photos and the riting style. I always feel like I have been with you on your events and vacations (and your fabulous dinners of course – the never fail to make me drool all over the place).
Thank you so much, Renny.
I will miss the terella and facebook so badly during the next few weeks. We’re moving today and I won’t have internet for ages… but there’s something I can look forward to: Returning as soon as the net will be up and running.
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May 6th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
How lovely!
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May 6th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
wow what a beautiful building …..and everyone look so relaxed. Must be fun.
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May 6th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
If I ever make it to Oslo, we are so going there! What a terrific building. Can you go back and take pics of it when it’s covered in snow, and when it is covered in snow, do kids sled down it?
RennyBA
You could of course ski or sled on the building in the winter time, but a bit dangerous to play for kids as its quite staple and the marble stones is rock hard.
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May 7th, 2009 at 2:30 am
What a cook place!
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May 7th, 2009 at 4:42 am
Hi Renny, it seems to me there is another landmark in Oslo! Great architecture and landscaping. I’m in the construction industry and personnally I found both architecture and structural design of the new opera building are just marvellous! Can’t imagine how the builder put all imagination into reality.
By the way, stunning photos taken with just a N82!
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May 7th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
it really is a lovely design that is welcoming. so much modern architecture does not feel welcoming but this really does. if i ever get to norway i’ll enjoy a walk on the roof with you and diane.
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May 7th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Hey Renny,
I remember reading your post about the opera House when it opened last year! I remember having loved it – I even spoke of to my family and friends.
Now, a year later…it still looks gorgeous!
The view from the roof is splendid! It seems like there are no stairs at all…divine!
The swans were so cute (I love swans for they are delicate and lovely).
So, you do not like Carmen, eh? I love that opera, and I have seen it a lot of times. But I also adore Bob Marley!!!! lol
Cheers
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May 7th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
The Travelling Bra was there as well?
Here is an invitation<.
http://www.datateam.no/Default.aspx?tabid=138&ArticleID=161&CBModuleId=569
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May 7th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Yes! Sounds I know very well now Oslo Opera since I already read your adventures here with Olga and david G.
I hope one day I’ll visit it because the feeling inside with the reflect of the light must be marvelous!
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May 8th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Look at these swans!
Oh, I want try a lazy sunshine sleep at that playground too!
The only thing I feel regret is I think it looks there are few green plants .
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May 8th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Renny,
my dear friend
http://www.datateam.no/Default.aspx?tabid=138&ArticleID=161&CBModuleId=569
Why not?
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May 10th, 2009 at 1:36 am
a beautiful place in Oslo. Happy mother’s day to your dear wife Mr. Renny
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May 10th, 2009 at 2:59 am
That looks like such a fun place to hang out on during a sunny day! Today I noticed the beautiful tulips everywhere making the city so pretty. I need a new camera phone!
And yes happy mother’s day to Diane! I have a few photos of me from my practice today in my race gear… lol
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May 10th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Beautiful architecture! Will pay it a visit once I am in Oslo. Speaking of which, I am flying back home at the end of May.
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May 10th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
what a stunning Opera House Renny…
have a wonderful Mother’s Day Diane….I’m sure Renny will spoil you
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May 10th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
You are competing with Sydney
Even I have posted a photo of it.
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May 10th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
It’s a fantastic building for sure! I’m glad that people are using it, since it did cost so much
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May 10th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Fantastic architecture…no wonder it won a price.
It looks like summertime already with all those sun worshipers!
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May 11th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Oh my goodness, I love that huge roof and the wonderful playground.
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May 15th, 2009 at 8:24 am
one amazing architectural work..lots of people gathering there..must be one famous focal point in oslo..even goose hanging out there!
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May 15th, 2009 at 9:14 am
What a unique and magnificent structure! I would ove to walk on the sloping roof too!
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May 15th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
That is a very impressive structure. I’d love to go there someday.
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May 18th, 2009 at 7:49 am
it looks like the opera in Sidney!
the sight of the Pelicans brought life to the scenery
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June 24th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Does culture really make people different, or is it mostly aesthetic? (ie. the food we eat, the music we listen to, the art we enjoy, etc.) When it comes down to things like emotions, thought processes, and intelligence levels, are all people really very similar?
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September 21st, 2009 at 4:19 pm
[...] welcome to read my earlier posts for further details: Recreational Culture for the People and New Oslo Opera House in [...]
October 27th, 2009 at 12:36 am
[...] Bjørvika, giving a stunning impression. I’ve posted a lot about it with pictures before (e.g. The largest single cultural-political initiative in contemporary Norway) – here I am together with my guests: Pradeep Nair, Shaun Toolsie and RennyBA at the Opera House. [...]
October 30th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
[...] only Opera House where you can walk on the roof. Here is a couple for you to click and enjoy: ‘Oslo Opera House recreational Culture for the People’ and ‘New Oslo Opera House in Norway’. The islands on the Oslo Fjord: 10 minutes from [...]