Oslo Opera House

Oslo, Norway

Erik Berg/Den Norske Opera & Ballett

This new home for Norway’s national opera and ballet companies is an incredibly complex building, accommodating three auditoriums and extensive rehearsal, administrative, and support spaces. We worked closely with Den Norske Opera & Ballet to understand their needs, then create spaces to allow them to fulfil their vision and artistic ambitions.

1,100

rooms in the facility, including three auditoriums

70%

of the building is hidden from the public

600

permanent staff work in the building

This landmark building was the largest cultural facility built in Norway since the year 1300. It’s celebrated as an architectural icon, but also as a place for people to gather and enjoy the artistry of its resident companies. The centerpiece—a warm and inviting 1,400-seat opera house—stacks the audience on three levels to bring them closer to the action on stage, creating strong audience-performer connections. And seemingly impossible scenery changes are done effortlessly thanks to the room’s five ancillary stages—all of which lift, fall, and adjust on 200 electric and hydraulic drives. Mobile towers allow the proscenium to expand and contract while adjustable acoustic elements, modern AV and lighting systems, and seatback translation technology offer flexibility and audience accommodation.

Jaro Hollan/Statsbygg

owner:

Statsbygg

architect:

Snøhetta

acoustician:

Brekker & Strand | Arup

users:

Den Norske Opera and Ballet, touring productions

spaces: