Welcome to the National Theatre in Oslo (Nationaltheatret), one of Norway's largest and most prominent venues for the dramatic arts. When you visit this iconic landmark, you are stepping into a rich cultural legacy that traces its origins back to 1829's Christiania Theatre, with the current venue holding its inaugural performances in September 1899. Designed by architect Henrik Bull, the grand main building sits centrally between the Royal Palace and the Parliament of Norway.
Renowned as the true home for Henrik Ibsen's plays, the theatre has staged most of his iconic works over the decades, alongside beloved traditions like Sverre Brandt's 1924 classic children's Christmas play, Journey to the Christmas Star. Inside the main building, you will find three distinct performance spaces: the main stage (Hovedscenen), the amphitheatre (Amfiscenen), and the Painting Parlour (Malersalen). A fourth stage, the Torshov Theatre, is located nearby in Oslo's Torshov district.
Whether you are admiring Henrik Bull's striking architectural work from the outside or exploring its deep connections to famous Norwegian artistic directors like Vilhelm Krag, visiting this historic institution connects you directly to the vibrant heart of Scandinavian theatrical history and Oslo's essential cultural center.
What to see at National Theatre Oslo
- Architectural design by renowned architect Henrik Bull
- The home venue for most of Henrik Ibsen's famous dramatic works
- Historic main building situated between the Royal Palace and Parliament
- Birthplace of the 1924 classic Christmas play Journey to the Christmas Star
Visiting tips
You can easily reach the main building by using the convenient National Theatre metro stations nearby.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
National Theatre Oslo is easy to reach on Oslo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Oslo Opera House and Akershus Fortress. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Oslo travel guide.
See the full Oslo travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.