Oslo Opera House

22
MARCH, 2016

Architecture

Landscape

Opera

Last week I visited Lithuania and Norway to sing Bach’s St John’s Passion. On my way back to Oslo airport I had some time left to see the Oslo opera.

Made of 36000 carrara marble tiles

In my opinion it is one of the most spectacular creations of the last decade. Designed by Snøhetta and inaugurated in 2008 this opera house seems to float like a ice floe in front of Oslo’s skyline. Made of 36000 carrara  marble tiles it forms a nice and cool contrast with the blue sky.

The opera house seems to float like a ice floe in front of Oslo’s skyline
Photograph by Frank Fritschy

In wintertime, though its sloping roof is like a snowy hill and fully integrated into the surrounding landscape. But the most amazing thing actually is that you have unrestricted access to walk on this sloping roof. On frosty days though you have to to take care on this slippery surface.

„On frosty days though you have to to take care on this slippery surface“

A magnet to all passing by
Photographs Frank Fritschy

Building acts like a magnet 

And I tell you this building acts like a magnet to all people in its vicinity. On top, you have a lovely view of the Archipelago fjord and the city centre. It is a very inviting building because you are also able to enter the foyer to have a lunch. 49 feet tall ‘frameless’ windows give you a perfect view on the water. Unfortunately, I had only my mobile phone to take some low-resolution pictures but it is worth to take a look at the different websites dedicated to this building.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslo_Opera_House http://operaen.no/