Welcome to the Oslo Opera House, home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet situated in central Oslo's Bjørvika neighborhood at the head of the Oslofjord. Designed by architectural firm Snøhetta, this structure features angled exterior surfaces covered with Italian Carrara marble and white granite, making it appear to rise directly from the water. As Norway's largest cultural building constructed since Nidaros Cathedral, it invites you to explore its innovative design inside and out.
You can walk up the sloped roof to a large plaza for panoramic views of Oslo. Inside, warm oak surfaces contrast with the cool white exterior, while the lobby features tall 15 m windows for sweeping water views. In the main horseshoe-shaped auditorium, you will find an oval chandelier with 5,800 handmade crystals, seats with electronic libretto monitors in Norwegian and English, and Pae White's 1,100-pound stage curtain created to look like crumpled aluminum foil.
Do not miss Olafur Eliasson's illuminated lobby panel or Monica Bonvicini's floating fjord sculpture, She Lies, which moves with the tides and wind.
What to see at Oslo Opera House
- Walk up the sloped marble roof to an outdoor plaza offering panoramic views of Oslo.
- See the main auditorium's oval chandelier illuminated by 5,800 handmade crystals.
- Admire Pae White's 1,100-pound main stage curtain designed to look like crumpled foil.
- Observe She Lies, a floating glass and steel sculpture moving with the fjord's tides and wind.
Visiting tips
Walk directly onto the sloped marble roof to reach the plaza for panoramic views of Oslo and the water.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Oslo Opera House is easy to reach on Oslo’s public transport. 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.