Nationaltheatret

The dominant attraction of Eidsvoll Square is the Nationaltheatret or the National Theatre of Oslo. Norway’s principal theater opened its doors in 1899, in a period of high political tension that preceded Norway’s separation from Sweden – a process that culminated in the dissolution of the Union between Norway and Sweden in 1905.

The theater was considered to be the stately successor of the more modest Christiania Theatre. It aimed to promote Norwegian playwrights and artists which in their turn would enhance the national identity.

The theater is also known as the Henrik Ibsen Theatre (the famous Norwegian playwright and poet staged one of the three first performances of the theater). It was greatly influenced by the works of the great writer, whose repertoire has repeatedly been performed in its three magnificent stages.

The theater is also the organizer of the world-famous International Ibsen Festival. The festival features the work of local and international directors, all staging plays by Ibsen. Ibsen Prize is now regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious theater prizes with the winner receiving the amount of 2,5 million Norwegian kroner (approx. 300.000 Euro or 450.000 US Dollars).

The theater offers three guided tours by experienced guides who give you the chance to see the theater in a way the audience seldom gets to see it. The tours are conducted between 9 and 10 am or between 4 and 6 pm and tickets are available at the theater’s box. More